AUGUST 12, 2019 – The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) hosted 700 students from around the area as part of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) event August 6.
Students and attendees witnessed a variety of static displays, equipment and other technologies, which served as a window into several career fields and their correlation to select military career paths.
Retired Rear Adm. Fernandez “Frank” Ponds addressed the students saying, “So many people around here have done so much to make this an exciting event.” He added, “on behalf of the National Naval Officers Association, we are here for you to put on display why we exist – to keep you safe, to protect you and to protect the freedoms you enjoy every day.”
Microsoft teams provided 100 surface tablets for the students to explore and learn the basics of coding as it applies to technology today. Company representatives also afforded students the opportunity to build their own robotic finger at a dedicated robotics station.
Sailors from the ship demonstrated and educated the students about their respective jobs and some of the ways they help the Navy complete its overall mission. The topics included: Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation, Communications, Damage Control, Engineering, Weapon Systems, Intelligence, Medical, Meteorology and Navigation.
Additionally, static displays were provided by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 the “Blackjacks,” Sailors from Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1 provided a Humvee, and the Coast Guard displayed a special purpose craft law enforcement (SPC-LE) to show how vital technology is to the success of the sea services.
“It’s very exciting for these students to see some of the world-class equipment and technology our service members rely on every day to get the job done,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class John Graywoulfe. “Being able to visit one of the Navy’s newest war ships and get a glimpse into what makes it all possible is a great experience for the upcoming generation.”
The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) also provided students access to various engine assemblies and a dinosaur display made from a computer numerical control machine to further diversify the experience.
Recruiters from U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard gave students a chance to interact and answer questions about military sea service careers.
“Years ago I was on a ship just like this and it was the STEM background that allowed me to do the missions we do in the Navy,” said Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, Deputy Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems. “Everything you see on this ship is created through STEM and I would love to see you all continue in your STEM studies.”
America is conducting routine operations while in its home port of San Diego.
For more information visit www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lha6
From USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs