Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 visited Arizona Sea Life Aquarium, March 25, bringing interactive displays and remotely operated vehicles used to neutralize explosive ordnance.

Children visiting the aquarium had the opportunity to interact with Sailors and take turns driving the ROVs and try on the EOD diving gear.

"We're here showing our diving capability because Navy EOD is the only EOD force that has an underwater capability," said Lt. j.g. Quinn Kilpatrick, officer in charge of EODGRU 1.

Three ROVs were present for children to experiment with. The Talon, Packbot, and FirstLook are ROVs used by EOD units to assist them with a range of capabilities from disassembling and defusing improvised explosive devices to giving them a tactical advantage before entering an unknown space. The ROVs are a crowd pleaser, according to Kilpatrick.

"I think kids these days are really inclined toward using technology and especially remote controlled vehicles," Kilpatrick said after observing a 6 year old learn to drive a FirstLook ROV in less than two minutes. "I think the fact they're playing with the latest and greatest technology is also pretty cool for them too."

The event is part of Phoenix Navy Week. Navy Weeks focus a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements with key influences and organizations representing all sectors of the market. During a Navy Week, 75-100 outreach events are coordinated with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations in the city.

"This entire week has given my team the opportunity to really share the skills and craft they dedicate so much of themselves to master," Kilpatrick said. "It's really great to see that kind of direct impact on the young faces out here."

EODGRU 1 visited a number schools and events this week offering interactive displays and a chance for the public to learn about the Navy and EOD directly from Sailors in the field.

"It's been awesome working with kids!," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 3rd Class Tyler Tigges. "Not many people know what we do, so it's great to have the chance to show our line work to the public."