The Nauticus Museum hosted its 2nd annual Women in Science Technology and Mathematics (STEM) Day in Norfolk March 14. Sailors volunteered from commands throughout the Hampton Roads region to be a part of the event.

More than 200 Girl Scouts participated in the event and got a chance to see how STEM subjects can be applied in many different career fields. Throughout the museum, Girl Scouts could be found interacting with the exhibits, or talking with the exhibitors who were on hand sharing about a myriad of subjects including maritime science, engineering, welding, robotics, computers and physical science.

"We want our Girl Scouts and our guests to walk away from this event knowing that STEM is not a scary thing. In fact, it's a fun thing to learn," said Susie Hill, Nauticus special programs manager. "There are many different opportunities for women out there and this event opens their eyes to different careers they may never have thought about before."

Staff members from U.S. Fleet Forces Command were on hand to show off the "Stewards of the Sea" Navy environmental stewardship exhibit at the museum, including the environmental mascot "Stewie." "Stewards of the Sea" made its Nauticus debut one year ago this month.

"I believe in what the Navy is doing when it comes to the environment," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Jason Mosher, from Center for Surface Combat Systems Dam Neck, from Alamogordo, New Mexico. "The Navy does what it can within its means to take care of the environment. My first ship was an amphibious assault ship and it was diesel-powered and now we have a hybrid electric ship (USS America [LHA 6]). The Navy has come a long way."

Girl Scout Troop 500 Brownie Angelynn Gonzales, 7, was very excited to learn about the many uses of pressurized air as she watched her fellow Scouts ride a hovercraft powered by a leaf blower.

"STEM subjects are very important for these girls to explore," said Brenda Scott, troop 500 leader. "Girls are smart and can do anything and I want them to truly understand these fields are open to them."

Each year the United States designates March as National Women's History Month to ensure that the history of American women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country.

Today in the Navy, female officers fill approximately 10 percent of STEM positions, including engineering duty officers and information warfare professionals. Female enlisted Sailors make up nearly 22 percent of the cryptology and intelligence community and 21 percent of operational ratings, including aviation warfare systems operators and sonar technicians.

Female Sailors continue to excel both ashore and afloat, serving in various STEM related fields. More than 54,000 active duty women and more than 10,000 female reservists are serving in the Navy. They make up 17.3 percent of the force and make indispensable contributions to the mission and operations. Nearly 59,000 women serve in a wide range of specialties as Navy civilians.

For more information on the history of women and their numerous contributions, visit http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2015/0315_womens-history/.


For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/.