Surface Warfare Officer School Unit (SWOSU) Great Lakes hosted students from Hirsch Metropolitan High School in Chicago as part of their partnership in education community outreach efforts Sept 19.

More than 20 students traveled to SWOSU to for lunch, listen to presentations from staff members and tour the facility. They were also able to ask Sailors questions in a group session and privately.

"Today's event was awesome; one of the most fulfilling events we have held here," said Cmdr. Eric Williams, commanding officer SWOSU Great Lakes. "We did not host the high school in an effort to try and get these young citizens to join. We are reaching out to them and letting them know that we are a source of hope in helping them understand their true potential and worth as citizens of our great nation."

Following opening remarks from Williams, staff member led a group presentation. Chief Machinist's Mate James Oterovivera, Chief Damage Controlman Charles Stigall, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jennifer Hall, Gas Turbine System Technician Electrical 1st Class Untress Quinn Jr. and Damage Controlman 2nd Class Kelly Vantine each told their story that led to Navy service; including personal issues that the students may be experiencing.

Chief Damage Controlman Darryl Carter organized the day's events including lunch provided by SWOSU Great Lake's chief petty officer mess.

I'm proud to be involved in the visit," said Chief Damage Controlman Darryl Carter. "I grew up in Chicago not far from where these students live. I know the challenges that face them and I want to convey to them that, if they apply themselves, they can make a future for themselves. We organized the event to show and motivate the student that if they make the right choices they can be successful."

Included in the event was a tour of the training facilities of Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC). BECC balances Computer Based Training CBT training with hands-on training labs, instructor-led classroom training with realistic simulations creating an Integrated Learning Environment (ILE). They also visited the Purifier Lab, LPD 17 Maintainer Course, and Engineman Apprentice School.

LaTonya Applewhite, assistant principal at Hirsch Metropolitan High School, was impressed with the event and would like a continued relationship with SWOSU Great Lakes.

I was very excited that the opportunity to visit SWOSU Great Lakes was extended to us," Applewhite said. "We go on a lot of college tours, and although there is a rise in the number student going straight to college, they are also able to see careers they may choose where they do not go to college right away. I was also excited that a lot of Sailors volunteered and shared their struggles and obstacles they had to overcome. I think it is good for the students to see successful women and men with similar backgrounds transformed themselves for success using the Navy."


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

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.