American sailors come to shore to help injured Aussie wildlife

American sailors from a visiting submarine joined staff at WA Wildlife in Bibra Lake to lend a hand by cleaning up animal enclosures at the rescue and rehabilitation centre. Twenty crew members from submarine tender USS Emory S. Land which is currently docked at HMAS Stirling made the trip as part of a raft of community engagements during their time in Australia. Chaplain Lieutenant Commander Mark Miller said volunteering was “deeply ingrained” in the US military, adding it was not only undertaken while on deployment, but also while at home. “It reflects the calling of every service member to give back (and) to serve,” he said. “It enhances a sense of individual and unit purpose and builds stronger relations with our communities.” Consul General Siriana Nair said she was proud of the US Navy’s commitment to communities and conservation. “Western Australia has a long history of welcoming US ships and sailors to its shores. “ Ms Nair said. “I am so pleased to see our people-to-people ties continue to flourish today, as it’s these connections and friendships that underpin our U.S.-Australia alliance.” Emory S. Land is joined by USS Hawaii at HMAS Stirling as part of a historic Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period facilitated as part of the AUKUS agreement.