Sailors join Palau students for basketball scrimmage

Sailors and students played four games on the courts and talked about military life, the importance of volunteering and discussed the Navy life. The sailors, home-based in Guam, traveled to Palau aboard the Bobo as part of a Theater Security Cooperation mission that was coordinated and facilitated by the U.S. Defense Representative Political-Military Affairs office.

“It is always a blessing having U.S. ships come into Palau and these sailors did not have to volunteer their time,” said Joyce Isechal, political specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Palau. “When we have community relations programs, even when it is something simple like playing volleyball with the children, we are very grateful for the time and effort of these sailors.”

She added that the government of Palau welcomes any opportunities to partner with the U.S. government as well as to engage in further trainings, collaborations and sharing commonalities of cultures.

“It was a wonderful experience. I have never volunteered in Palau before so meeting the local high school children was a brand new experience for me,” said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Zachary Nicholas, assistant material officer aboard the Bobo. “I learned that Palau has one of the largest percentages for volunteers in the U.S. military. Their sense of duty and patriotism, even at this age, is incredible.”

Between matches, Nicholas answered questions about Navy life, various experiences throughout his career and what personality characteristics were necessary to be successful in the military.

“I was asked what it takes to succeed as a sailor,” he said. “It was great question and I had to admit the basics. The Navy looks for people that are motivated, hardworking and dedicated to a mission and a way of life. It takes more than physical training or good grades. Sailors today need to embrace the core values of the Navy and help promote where ever they may be, whether at a school or underway.”

Lt. Cmdr. Antonio Pinkston, chief of staff officer aboard the Bobo, said that spending time with the younger people in port is his favorite experience during any underway.

“Having children of my own, I take personal satisfaction to be able to contribute to the youth of today in terms of their personal development and giving positive reinforcement,” he said.