Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class STEVEN HOSKINS | 190523-N-LW591-028 SOMERSET, N.J. New Jersey (May 23, 2019) Sailors assigned to USS...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Hoskins, Naval Submarine Support Center
BRIDGEWATER, N.J.– Sailors assigned to the submarine force visited Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School to interact with students during a community relations (COMREL) Career Day event as part of Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 23.
Submariners, along with Marines, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians and Sailors from Navy Recruiting Commands, attended the event to interact and share their stories and knowledge they have gain during their military enlistment.
The event included tributes to fallen service members by students and the local community through speeches, singing and honorary wreath and flower presentations, followed by Career Day.
Machinist’s Mate Auxiliary 1st Class James Piedrasanta, assigned to Naval Submarine Support Facility, attended Fleet Week New York for the first time this year and enjoyed every moment of his first day at a FWNY COMREL.
“I think the event went really well; the ceremony in the beginning was heartwarming and really sweet,” said Piedrasanta. “The entire day was really cool. A lot of kids had questions about submarines, so we explained as much we could.”
During the event, the service members ate lunch with students and the community in attendance followed by the Navy Band North East playing a few sets to get the crowd in high spirits. students also had a chance to watch Marines and EOD show off a few of their capabilities.
Electrician’s Mate Nuclear Submarine 2nd Class Holcomb, assigned to USS Virginia (SSN-774) volunteered because of his passion to give back to the community and share his experience serving in the submarine force.
“The students showed a lot of interest in the submarine force once we started talking about it,” said Holcomb. “No one knew about the submarine force, but once we started talking, it lit a wildfire and the students wanted to hear more.”
Electronics Technician Submarine Communications 3rd Class Martavious Portis, assigned to USS Virginia normally attends FWNY as a nonparticipant, but this year he wanted to do it different and give back to the community.
“I volunteered because events like FWNY are very beneficial because a lot people don’t get to see military out and about, actually interfacing with civilians at home,” said Portis. “This lets them see that military is not all about work, blood, sweat, and tears and deployments, this lets them see we do have time to relax and we do get to do outreach events.
FWNY, held nearly every year since 1984, is the city’s celebration of the sea services. This year marks the 31st year. FWNY provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2019 18:46 |
| Story ID: | 323973 |
| Location: | BRIDGEWATER, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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