As part of an Earth Day community relations project, sailors of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) read books to children and helped plant flower seeds at Barnes and Noble in Newport News this past April 24.

The sailors read books about plants, trees and earth stewardship to local kids, and discussed some of the Navy’s environmentally friendly recycling policies and procedures. They also helped the children plant seeds that they could take to grow at home.

Carl Vinson sailors participate in various community relations projects throughout the year, with many aimed at helping and mentoring children in the Hampton Roads area. Earth Day was just another opportunity to volunteer their services.

“The kids really enjoyed their time with the sailors,” Barnes and Noble associate Joann Arnold said. “They had fun and responded very well to all of the interaction taking place, and the Navy showed a really good presence in the community.”