Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Commander, Rear Adm. Duke Heinz and Vice Commander Lynn Kohl visited Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) to further strengthen the two organizations' Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) partnership.

NAVSUP WSS created the Educating Acquisition, Global Logistics and Education (EAGLE) STEM program three years ago as part of the U.S. Navy's commitment to increase, inspire, and support STEM education and opportunities amongst America's youth -- the talent pool from which the next generation of Navy Sailors and civilians will come from.

Heinz and Kohl toured EAGLE classrooms and workshops, and spoke with sophomore-level program participants to learn firsthand how the program impacts and inspires Philadelphia youth.

"When I was at NAVSUP WSS as director of aviation operations back between 2010 and 2013, we were just starting up our STEM program," said Heinz. "To come back here several years later as commander and see what the program looks like now is an exciting, amazing experience."

Over the course of the visit, ISM teachers showed NAVSUP WSS senior leadership the facilities where EAGLE students complete their first two years in-program -- including the SeaPerch tank where EAGLE freshmen test and compete with their underwater remotely-operated vehicles, and the boat building workshop where EAGLE sophomores build full-size harbormaster skiffs.

"STEM could certainly use more interest from the young folks in our country today, and we in the Navy know it's important to give you opportunities to learn more about it," Heinz said while addressing the students. "I encourage you to continue your education, and we're committed to helping you do that through EAGLE."

While Heinz fielded questions about his naval career and what EAGLE juniors and seniors are currently working on at NAVSUP WSS facilities, Kohl explained the many STEM-related civilian career fields and opportunities with the Navy. Nearly all of the sophomores expressed their excitement on coming to NAVSUP WSS next year to further their STEM education through EAGLE as they design and build their own For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge robots from scratch.

Before the sophomores start building robots, they plan to attend the next Navy STEM event hosted by NAVSUP WSS and ISM in March, Navy Career Day, where they and other Philadelphia high school students can connect with Navy STEM employers and local colleges and universities.

On November 3, 2014, NAVSUP WSS and Independence Seaport Museum announced a new partnership to guide high school students towards STEM-related occupations through their EAGLE program. The new alliance came in response to the high demand for STEM graduates and the low numbers of students pursuing or receiving STEM-related degrees in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. Navy Pi Day functions as an inspiration and awareness campaign in furtherance of the partnership's goal.

For more information about the EAGLE program, visit www.facebook.com/eaglestem

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

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.