Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) participated in two community service projects during a port visit to Port Louis, Mauritius, May 14-15, 2012.



Sailors volunteered their time at the Ti Rayons Soleil Children's Center and the Association pour la Promotion de la Santttà Diabetes Care Center. They interacted with caregivers and residents of both establishments and performed tasks to help improve the living conditions.



At the Ti Rayons Soleil Children's Center, 30 Sailors laid concrete, moved metal poles and built a gate for a fence that surrounded the school's playground, making it a safer location for the children to play.



"Building the fence for the children was such a rewarding experience," said Operation Specialist 3rd Class Andre Thomas. "When I saw the smiles on their faces, it made the hard work completely worth it."



At the Association pour la Promotion de la Santttà Diabetes Care Center, 15 Sailors volunteered their hours socializing with the nurses and patients. They also painted the newly added kitchen and dining area.



"I am so touched by the hearts of the Sailors and their hard work today," said Maiti Chagny. "They could have chosen to relax on their day off, but instead they volunteered their time to help our organization. The U.S. Navy has definitely blessed us today."



At the end of the day, Sailors returned to the ship tired, sweaty and paint-covered, but with a sense of pride in the work they had done, new friends they had made, and an appreciation for the generosity and hard work that the employees give to those in their care.



"The work that Ti Rayons Soleil Children's Center does for the children is phenomenal," said Enginemen 2nd Class Marcus Gonzalez. "They are changing dozens of lives and giving the children a brighter future. I can't put into words the fulfillment that I got from helping out an organization like that."



McFaul, homeported out of Norfolk, Va., is deployed conducting theater security cooperation and maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.