USNS Sisler and Watkins crewmembers pose for a group photo with the toys and other gifts they donated to Guma Esperansa.
AMBYTH Shipping Micronesia and the crewmembers of the USNS Watkins and USNS Sisler collaborated to spread Christmas cheer on Friday, Dec. 20 by purchasing and wrapping gifts to donate to Guma Esperansa or House of Hope.
Guma Esperansa is the only shelter in the CNMI for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The collaboration is an annual tradition between Ambyth and the merchant marine ships stationed off Saipan’s reef.
Captain Sean Sabeh of the USNS Sisler said the annual event is an “all-around win” for the crewmembers of both ships because it benefits the islands’ children, the community, and “gives the sailors an opportunity to give back.”
“Patriot Contract Services [a maritime contractor to the U.S. government] helped us make this happen,” he said. “They made the crews come up to do the wrapping and they get everyone together. I want to thank the crews — it’s two ships’ worth of mariners here taking time out of their day to give back to the community.”
Special recognition goes to Luther Barke, captain of USNS Watkins, and Felix Tapales, the ship’s chief engineer, Sabeh said.
“This is an amazing island with great people,” Sabeh said. “This is the season when we want to have the sailors coming together to have the opportunity to give back to the community.”
He said the crews purchased gifts from stores on island and on amazon.com. These were then donated to Guma Esperansa.
