U.S. Navy Sailors and Seabees Host Christmas Party for Children of St. Elizabeth Orphanage

December 11, 2009

Squadron sailors serve lunch to the children and personnel of St. Elizabeth Orphanage at the Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay Hotel.

A little boy from St. Elizabeth Orphanage enjoys sitting on Santa's lap.

Filled with the Holiday spirit despite being far from home, members of Patrol Squadron 26 “Tridents”, currently deployed to the Seychelles, hosted a Christmas party for over fifty children from St. Elizabeth Orphanage at the Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay Hotel on Friday, December 11, 2009.  The children were aged between three and twelve.

Events began with a lunch served by squadron sailors.  Following the holiday feast, two Trident sailors performed an array of Christmas Carols while the young guests sang and danced along.  An unexpected appearance by Santa Claus surprised the jubilant children.  One by one, the children took turns sitting on Santa’s lap, while gifts provided by members of Patrol Squadron 26 were distributed.  After the merriment, the holiday songs continued while friendly games of pick-up soccer and baseball were enjoyed amongst squadron members and the children.

The day eventually came to a close.  However, it was easy to see that fast friendships had been made between the members of Patrol Squadron 26 and numerous children in the Seychelles.  Over waves of farewell, “Merry Christmas” and “Au Revoir”, the children departed, with both groups holding fond memories of the exciting holiday celebration.