Representatives from nearly 30 community colleges and universities held an education fair aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Feb 23.

The event, which was sponsored by the Norfolk Navy College Office (NCO), was open to the entire waterfront and provided an opportunity for Sailors to ask college representatives questions in a familiar environment.

"The fair is super beneficial and highly important to stay competitive in today's Navy," said Yeoman 1st Class Krystal Byrd, the ship's educational services representative. "Sailors can take advantage of the fair and benefit from a college education."

Topics covered by the college representatives included learning how to transfer credits, looking for degree plans to transition to life outside of the military, and how to look for the right college based on individual needs.

"I think it's great. It offers Sailors an opportunity to benefit outside of the Navy, but also allows them to focus on their military careers," said Operations Specialist Seaman Bryan Byerley, who would like to continue his college education. "But with underway and deployment plans, it's difficult to find a college that can accommodate our schedule."

With a deployment scheduled later this year, San Antonio Sailors will have the opportunity to take classes at-sea through the Navy College Afloat Program.

The NCO plans to sponsor three eight-week terms during the ship's deployment. During the first term, Sailors may take one class. For the following terms, Sailors will be permitted to take up to two classes
at a time. Classes offered include basic academic skills, as well as undergraduate and graduate level classes.

"An educated Sailor is a prepared Sailor," explained NCO representative Bill Rogers. "We want to develop critical thinking abilities to save lives." Rogers also said he wants to give Sailors the ability to promote from within, and to reach higher goals.

San Antonio is currently in the basic of training in preparation for deployment.

For more news from USS San Antonio (LPD17), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/LPD17 or http://www.facebook.com/usssanantonio.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.