HONG KONG - Nearly 20 USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 Sailors donated their time working at the Hong Kong Dog Rescue center during a community service (COMSERV) project in Hong Kong, July 12.

These Sailors carried more than 3,000 lbs. of tile and had time to walk the dogs during the COMSERV.

“More than 400 dogs reside at this site so we are highly dependent on volunteers to give a helping hand,” said May Chow, the welfare manager of the Hong Kong Dog Rescue center. “Without the help of our local volunteers and U.S. Sailors, we would be scarce for the assistance we need in order to manage the center.”

The facility consists of numerous enclosures and all animals are treated with vaccinations and necessary shots for healthy living. The local veterinarian renders free services to the animals, which saves the organization additional funds for other necessities such as food, shelter and fresh water for the homeless animals.

“Monetary donations and volunteer hours are equally important,” said Chow. “Without the hands on commitment we struggle to accomplish tasks as quickly and without the monetary donors we would find ourselves unable to feed the animals so both are very much appreciated.”

Of the Sailors participating in this command sponsored COMSERV project, a USS George Washington Hong Kong native gives a helping hand on his homeland.

“It really means a lot to be able to do community service and give back not just to Hong Kong but also to show what we American Sailors do around the world,” said Quartermaster Seaman Morris Ng from Hong Kong.

The Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) hosted 12 COMSERV events with more than 200 Sailors from the forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.

The co-team leader of the Hong Kong Dog Rescue COMSERV, Personnel Specialist First Class Roberto Pagute from the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, from San Jose, Calif., said he would recommend participating in COMSERVs to all of his shipmates.

“Community service projects are a great way to obtain greater leadership skills, and it’s a lot of fun to get out there and give back to the local communities that welcome us into their homes,” said Pagute. “These events are a great way to show our friendship to our allies and offer something in return for their hospitality.”