Rear Adm. Chris Sadler, Reserve Deputy Director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visited with local students in Albuquerque, New Mexico to discuss projects the students have been working on in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), July 2.

Sadler, whose wife is an Albuquerque native, visited with the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps high school students from West Mesa High School.

"Applying STEM in real-world scenarios, like these students are doing is important," said Sadler. "These projects allow students to apply their core curriculum and knowledge to build something tangible they can be proud of."

The cadets have been working hard on projects like the two underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), "Ranger" and "Scout". Some other projects include their high-altitude balloon research, rocket building, and learning how to use a 3-D printer to prototype and fabricate components for their other projects.

"These students are just finishing their freshman year, working on senior-level projects," said Maj. Mark Hendricks, a West Mesa NJROTC instructor. "Everything they do, they do it themselves. It allows the students to get out of the classroom and experience science firsthand."

Examples of STEM and its advancement can be seen in some the Navy's new innovations on its ships, planes and submarines around the world. A new laser weapons system has been outfitted on USS Ponce, costing less than a dollar per shot, hybrid technology is being used on ships like USS America, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are no longer a thing of the future.

"We need people who can design, operate and repair the cutting-edge technologies used in our Naval systems in order to remain competitive," said Sadler.

Sadler's two-day visit in Albuquerque was part of a Navy Executive Outreach program to inform, educate and increase American's understanding of the Navy, its people and its importance to national security, global trade and prosperity.

The trip also included meetings with University New Mexico leadership, the Albuquerque Navy League, local government officials and media.

Albuquerque is only one of 25 cities in 2015 to host an executive engagement visit.

For more information on the Navy Executive Outreach program visit www.navyoutreach.org.