Bangladesh and U.S. Army engineers built a new eight-room schoolhouse for about 175 students in a remote area of Bangladesh in 2004. “The students moved from a dirt floor, bamboo and tin structure, into a new school with ceramic tile floors, ceiling fans, lights, teak furniture, and toilet facilities with running water,” said U.S. Army Maj. Kirk Zecchini. “I will always remember the girls’ smiles on the day the building was dedicated. Even the caretaker looked excited about ringing the new brass bell and raising the Bangladesh flag on their new steel flagpole,” he added. Because the old school was too small, students had to attend in two shifts. “With this new facility, they can attend school together and for the whole day,” said U.S. Army Maj. Don Hicks. This was the fourth school built in Bangladesh in the last six years under the Humanitarian and Civic Assistance program conducted by U.S. Army, Pacific, headquartered in Hawaii. This program helps build a brighter future for Bangladeshi schoolchildren. Official U.S. Army photo

Students from the Philippine Naval Education and Training Command tour the USS Coronado (AGF 11) with U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Romelda Sadiarin during the ship’s April 2004 port visit in Subic Bay, Philippines. The ship was serving as the temporary command ship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet while its flagship, the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), was undergoing maintenance. The USS Coronado was also experimenting with a unique manning concept. The crew of civilian mariners from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and a small group of sailors had replaced the 481 sailors normally assigned to the USS Coronado. The combined MSC/Navy crew of 263, and some personnel from the USS Blue Ridge, supported the embarked Seventh Fleet staff. Photo by PH1 Winston C. Pitman, USN

Special Olympian Atumi Kakinohana and U.S. Marine Cpl. Tatiana Triana race toward the finish line in the wheelchair beanbag event at the 5th annual Kadena Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Atumi Kakinohana won the event earning a gold medal. About 700 young athletes participated in the games. Photo by SSgt. Louis Rivers, USAF

U.S. Army engineers, Maj. Don Hicks and Maj. Kirk Zecchini, pose in front of the combined Bangladesh-U.S. armies’ dedication sign for the school. Official U.S. Army photo

Official U.S. Army photo

Official U.S. Army photo

Official U.S. Army photo

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) missile corvette RSS Vengeance, a regular participant in exercises with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, received both the Best Ship Award and Operational Excellence Award (for superior readiness) in the RSN Best Ship Competition for 2003-2004. Here, the crew celebrates the awards. Commanded by Maj. Lee Weang Foo, RSS Vengeance is from the RSN’s 188 Squadron. The 62-metre long ship, built for surface, air, and sub-surface warfare, has a crew of 50. Their mission is to protect Singapore’s sea lines of communications and provide seaward defence. Photo Courtesy of the Singapore Ministry of Defense

Ryotarou Uehara crosses the finish line during the 400-meter dash at the 5th annual Kadena Special Olympics at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Ryotarou Uehara won first place in the event, receiving a gold medal. Photo by PFC Brandon R. Holgersen, USMC

American and Japanese children participated in a tug-of-war contest as part of the 5th Annual International Ice Festival in Misawa City, Japan. About 170 children from elementary schools throughout the city and from the U.S. Air Base in Misawa participated in the festival, which included a tire-sled race and other games. American children and parents paired with Japanese children and parents in each of the events. Photo by PFC Brandon R. Holgersen, USMC