Navy divers and explosive ordnance technicians, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, showcased their experiences and technology at the Milwaukee Public Museum during Milwaukee Navy Week, Aug. 6.

EODGRU 2 personnel had numerous bomb-disposal robots and suits to demonstrate, as well as diving equipment, helmets, a remotely-operated vehicle, and other static displays for the public to interact with.

“I think this is awesome for everyone,” said Randall Olson, a native of Milwaukee. “My father was in the Navy, but me, personally, I’m a fifth-grade teacher and I run a lab that gets my students introduced to the world of coding and robotics. Seeing today’s display, I know that they would go nuts over this so I’m going to soak up as much as I can.”  

Throughout the morning and afternoon, visitors to the museum had a chance to educate themselves about the Navy and use equipment exclusively used by the armed forces. For many guests, including Navy personnel, it was a chance to interact with people who might never get a chance to see a Sailor.

“It’s refreshing to get out in the middle of the country where the public isn’t exposed to what we do on a regular basis,” said Navy Diver 2nd Class William Morton, assigned to EODGRU 2. “We in the Navy, and cities on the coast, might take it for granted so it’s great to get out here to see the kids and parents having fun with a little bit of our technology and to also show them where their tax dollars go.”

Children had a chance to go “hands-on” with a lot of the equipment, as evidenced by multiple smiles and shrieks that were seen and heard throughout the museum’s vestibule entrance. They took turns both controlling and dodging the multiple sizes and variations of bomb-disposal robots as they tracked about the lobby.

“The kids and parents who come to our museum are incredibly interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and many might not necessarily know that it’s a large part of what the Navy does,” said Hillary Olson, vice president of Audience and Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Public Museum. “Navy Week is so exciting for them and for us, and it’s great to see that the Navy isn’t just about ships in the ocean – even here in Milwaukee, they do things that impact our daily lives. The Navy’s support during this week gets kids excited about the STEM field and watching this happen with our visitors makes us happy on so many levels. It’s the best.”

Milwaukee’s citizens and tourists echoed Hillary Olson’s sentiment throughout the day while they watched and helped their children connect with the concepts, technology, and Sailors. The partnership between the cities involved in Navy Weeks and the Navy itself allows personnel with the assets and expertise needed to take the Navy’s story and mission on the road across the country.

“Seeing all of this today was really heartwarming as a teacher,” said Randall Olson. “Higher education is valuable, but as the son of a veteran, I like to teach kids that college isn’t the only answer. Military personnel are often college and technically educated as well, but for a child with a technical mind, it’s encouraging to see all these wonderful Sailors, opportunities, and equipment that presented themselves here today for them and for us. It might just turn someone into a Sailor, themselves.”

Milwaukee Navy Week is one of 14 Navy Weeks and consists of more than 75 events at local businesses, schools, children's clubs and community organizations. Starting Monday, Aug.6 and ending Sunday, Aug. 12, Milwaukee Navy Week has only just begun.

Overseen by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, the Navy Week program is designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas that traditionally do not have a naval presence and include community relations projects, speaking engagements, and media interviews with flag hosts and area Sailors.

For more information about Milwaukee Navy Week visit www.outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Milwaukee.

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/navyoutreach and www.twitter.com/navyoutreach.

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