SINGAPORE– Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participated in several local sporting events to enhance and strengthen camaraderie between the Republic of Singapore and the United States.

Stennis Sailors joined Singaporeans for games of rugby, basketball and soccer during their three-day port visit to the Asian city-state.

Sailors took part in a rugby coaching clinic with the Singapore Wanderers Club April 2, where they learned proper ball handling, tackling and game fundamentals before playing a scrimmage game against the Wanderers.

“They were competitive games,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Rodel Salazar, the head coordinator of Stennis’ sports teams, “but it was also a good opportunity to reach out to the host country through common grounds like sports.”

The basketball game on April 3 pitted Stennis Sailors against the Singapore Slingers, a professional basketball team from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Basketball League.

“It was a challenging game,” said Chief Ship’s Serviceman Larry Wells Jr., who helped coordinate the men’s basketball game. “The (Slingers) tested our players’ strengths and it was a great opportunity for our Sailors.”

Stennis’ team led the game through the third quarter, but the Slingers came back in the fourth to win with a final score of 62 to 59.

The Stennis is expected back in its homeport of Bremerton in early May.

For more go to JCSCSG visit www.stennis.navy.mil.