Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Sailors assisted beautification efforts of the hospital grounds.

"I enjoyed the chance to give something back to [Komatsushima City] and to walk around the hospital," commented Chief Gunner's Mate Richard Puder.

Volunteers also toured the hospital, including the helicopter landing pad and Emergency Room.

Cmdr. Errin P. Armstrong, Pinckney commanding officer, attended the project and mentioned the value of the visit. "We appreciated the opportunity to visit with the hospital leaders and to build relationships with the community," Armstrong said.

"Talking with the doctors gave me good insights on Japanese healthcare and its value to the people we saw at the hospital," said Command Master Chief Octavia Harris.

Pinckney is currently operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility as part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.