Sailors volunteer at LEGO Brick by Brick Shipbuilding event

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sawyer Connally | 200201-N-NQ285-1071 NORFOLK (Feb. 1, 2020) Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Lee Duckworth, an event volunteer, teaches children about the decommissioned Portland-class heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35) during the 9th Annual LEGO Brick by Brick Shipbuilding Event at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum Feb. 1. LEGO Brick by Brick Shipbuilding is a free event for the community hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and provides the opportunity to learn about naval history and heritage in an engaging environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Sawyer Connally)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

02.01.2020

Story by Seaman Recruit Sawyer Connally 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Active)

NORFOLK - U.S. Navy Sailors volunteered during the 9th Annual LEGO Brick by Brick Shipbuilding event at the Decker Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center next to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum Feb. 1.
More than 110 Sailors from 14 Navy commands in the Hampton Roads area volunteered to help organize the event and guide children in the construction of more 200 LEGO models of U.S. Navy ships.
“It’s an amazing event they’ve put on,” said Capt. Corey Keniston, commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64). “I wouldn’t have missed it, and I have some of my Sailors roaming around and helping out.”
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum anticipated more than 6,000 attendees at the event, marking a steady growth in the event’s attendance as it aims to educate youth about the Navy in a hands-on way.
The event featured LEGO models of Navy ships, hands-on robotic demonstrations, a free play area, arts and crafts and a quiet area for alternative-need children.
“Almost our entire volunteer core is active duty,” said Laura Orr, director of education for the museum. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
The event bridges the gap of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts and U.S. Navy history and provides unique learning opportunities for participants.
“We’re introducing the public to the Navy, and I think that’s very important, especially for our area,” said Orr.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum is located near Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest Navy base, bringing in both civilians and service members looking to learn more about the Navy.
“This is the third [LEGO] event I’ve been to,” said U.S. Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Steven Phillips assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2. “I’ve seen a lot more people than last year.”
As the event continues to grow each year, new and returning attendees continue to come from around the Hampton Roads region to learn in a fun and creative way.
“It’s really come a long way in the 9 years that I’ve been doing this,” said Orr. “I’m really excited for what next year’s event brings.”
Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of 10 officially operated U.S. Navy museums reporting to the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is located in downtown Norfolk.

• Date Taken: 02.01.2020
• Date Posted: 02.04.2020 15:06
• Story ID: 361672
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US