ESG-2 Remembers the Past to Protect the Future

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG2), Multi-Cultural Committee presented Women's History Month March 29, featuring the theme of "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination" with an emphasis on women in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field.

"If you are a woman in the Navy, you are a woman in STEM," said Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2; in her opening remarks to the staff.

On deck as a guest speaker for the event was retired Senior Chief Yeoman April L. Maletz, who after starting her Navy career in 1982, served in various capacities on both active duty and Reserve billets. She was selected to the inaugural position of Senior Enlisted, Assistant Fleet Historian assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, contributing to the production of the fleet master chief's monthly publication, "Morning Quarters."

Speaking on behalf of the Tidewater Tidal WAVES, a member of the WAVES National organization, Maletz spoke with the ESG-2 staff about the importance of recognizing the achievements and progress of women in the Navy.

"Knowing where you come from and the sacrifices of those that came before you is important," said Maletz. "Women in the Navy [today] have far more choices than I did, the opportunities are far greater."

Chief Fire Controlman Erifili Marsolais, of ESG-2, has seen many changes in the opportunities available for female Sailors during her 15 years in the Navy.

"As a sea-going rate, (fire controlman) used to be traditionally male," she said. "There are many more opportunities for women in the Navy now; it is a change for the better."

In keeping with this year's national theme, Maletz described how women have played a vital role in the development of Naval Aviation and Navy Medicine. She said as technology advances, the Navy's Science and Technology field must keep pace. By 2020, as more than 50 percent of the Navy's STEM billets become retirement eligible due to age, the need is now stronger than ever to recruit the nation's best and brightest, a sentiment echoed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

"If we are going to out-innovate and out-educate the rest of the world, we've got to open the doors to everyone. We need all hands on deck and that means clearing hurdles ... as they [women] navigate careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math," said Obama.

Since working as nurses for the Navy during the Civil War, and after their official inception in 1908 as the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, women have played a critical role in the development and evolution of today's modern Navy. Though there have been numerous firsts for women in the Navy, to include: first flag rank in 1972, admittance into the aviation community in 1974, congressional approval for women to serve on board ships in 1978, and more recently, the opportunity to serve on board nuclear submarines as well as in combat roles, there continues to be challenges and opportunities for women to advance and excel in the Navy.

Maletz also addressed the Marine Corps element of ESG-2, evoking a statement by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, on occasion of the Women in Service Review.

"The Marines are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness and capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance our warfighting capabilities and the contributions of every Marine--it's simply the right thing to do."

Utilizing interactive props, including WAVES memorabilia, numerous photos displaying women in STEM fields and even WAVES uniform items, Maletz's theme of "remembering our past" to protect our future was well received. The event at ESG2 demonstrated the Navy's continuing tradition to recognize and encourage the contribution of women in today's Navy.

For more news from ESG-2, visit www.esg2.navy.mil or http://www.facebook.com/ESGTWO.