Navy Awareness is an important element in recruiting the best and brightest for service in America's Navy.

To assist the recruiting effort in south Texas, seven educators and counselors, along with support personnel from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Antonio, visited naval commands in support of an Educators Orientation Visit (EOV), March 13-16.

The EOV is a Navy Recruiting Command program with a main focus of showing educators the various facets of the Navy and the many career paths available to students.

One of the highlights of the visit was the group's tour of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734).

Amanda Solano, an economic and sociology teacher with Midland High School in Midland, Texas, said she admired the camaraderie and respect that the Sailors had for each other.

"It showed me that our Navy is working hard to protect our country," said Solano. "It made me proud to be an American and be in their presence."

Additionally, the group visited Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Paul F. Nelson Helicopter Training Facility, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), and the Navy Exchange.

"I witnessed a family atmosphere during my visit which I have never experienced before, and being a mother of a Sailor, I feel a part of something that is bigger than myself," said Laura Contreras, a teacher with Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio. "The fact that they care about each other despite job differences, gender or race was very powerful. I am extremely proud to say that I am a mother of a person who is part of the Navy family."

According to Irma Vaughn, a college career readiness technician with Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Helotes, Texas, whether it was at the helicopter squadron or aboard the submarine, she was impressed by the Sailors and their ability to elaborate on why they serve.

"I personally want to thank the NRD for allowing us to participate in the EOV," said Vaughn. "Bringing educators from Texas from different schools and sharing in this experience was gratifying."

Participants showed interest in learning more about the Navy and to ensure that Navy career information is available in their schools.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visit www.navy.mil/.