Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Cintron | CHICOPEE, MASS. (September 24, 2025) – Sailors assigned to USS Constitution, NAVCO...... read more read more
BOSTON – As the summer ends and the leaves begin to turn in New England, Navy Talent
Acquisition Group (NTAG) New England has been immersed in local communities through a
variety of engagements throughout the month of September. Recruiters from Connecticut to
Maine have participated in multiple high-profile events aimed at spreading Navy awareness,
inspiring the next generation’s call to service and bolstering already established community ties.
From cutting edge virtual reality experiences to a weeklong Navy presence in and around the
Connecticut River Valley region, NTAG New England recruiters highlighted the vast
opportunities and interesting experiences naval service has to offer.
“These community engagements provide a unique opportunity for our Sailors to interact with
local community members to include teachers, students, and civic leaders,” said Cmdr. Calvin
Beads, NTAG New England commanding officer. “Our Sailors enjoy sharing their experiences
with local community members, as well as gain insight and appreciation about the rich history of
our New England towns.”
This month’s events kicked off with the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show on September
6 which highlighted the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Held at Pease Air National
Guard Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, thousands of spectators gathered to witness naval
aviation excellence in person. NTAG New England recruiters engage with attendees to offer
insight into Navy life and the opportunities it has to offer.
“The airshow was a remarkable turnout, I was glad to see the amount of interest in the Navy,”
said Chief career counselor Susan Pavao a NTAG New England divisional chief petty officer.
“My recruiters were excited to talk to attendees and obviously watch the amazing abilities
demonstrated by our Blue Angel pilots! I know this event [generated] a ton of interest in the
Navy.”
Shifting from New Hampshire, recruiters in New Haven, Connecticut, participated in the Guiness
Book of World Records attempt at the World’s Largest Pizza Party on New Haven Green in front
of Yale University.
“Being able to participate in such a huge event for the New Haven community was an amazing
opportunity,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class David Hill Destefano, a New Haven recruiter.
“Engaging with over 4,000 New Haven residents in such a fun environment was an amazing
way to demonstrate the Navy and what we have to offer. Plus, we got to enjoy some of the best
pizza in New England!”
From New Haven, NTAG New England went on to assist the Navy Office of Community
Outreach (NAVCO) in Connecticut River Valley’s Navy Week. This event was kicked off with an
Oath of Enlistment at The Big E Fair where 12 Future Sailors took the oath of enlistment
administered by Rear Adm. John Stafford, commander, Undersea Warfighting Development
Center.
“The oath of enlistment is where naval service begins. These future sailors are joining
something bigger than themselves, a brotherhood and sisterhood that has protected our
nation's interests on the world's oceans for nearly 250 years," said Lt. Abhishek Gorti, NTAG
New England operations officer. “Every Sailor remembers the day they took their oath. Standing
here with these future sailors, I'm reminded that this promise to defend our Constitution is what
transforms civilians into warriors, individuals into shipmates.”
NTAG New England conducted a variety of High School visits during the month, including a visit
to Sanford High School in Sanford, Maine, on September 24 where the Virtual Reality Strike
Group engaged more than 200 students. The Strike Group experience includes a VR simulated
mission on an aircraft carrier, flight simulator, and interactive board highlighting different Navy
assets and how they are used worldwide to conduct humanitarian relief efforts. During the visit
recruiters discussed a variety of career paths and opportunities with students.
“It was fantastic to see the students work together on the virtual flight deck of the carrier and get
excited about Navy jobs,” said Cmdr. Nicole Scherer, NTAG New England executive officer. “We
had great support from the faculty, who were encouraging their students to learn more about
opportunities in the Navy.”
NTAG New England serves Navy Recruiting Command’s mission in the New England area
encompassing the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, and the eastern half of New York.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 14:46 |
| Story ID: | 549589 |
| Location: | BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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