BDJMS In the News!

The below was published by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs on the US Navy Media Website on February 26, 2013.  The link for the original story is located at the bottom.

NEW LONDON, Conn. (NNS) -- More than 100 students at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London traded an hour of classroom instruction for time well spent with an acoustic intelligence (ACINT) specialist, as part of the school's ongoing STEM efforts, Feb. 26.

Master Chief Sonar Technician (Submarines) (SS) Xavier Harris, an ACINT specialist, discussed his experiences, his career and how his education has prepared him with the middle school students.

"I think it was really awesome to talk with the students today," said Harris, about the questions he received from the students during his visit. "I had a similar upbringing as many of the students I met today, and I would have probably asked similar questions, which is great."

In addition to discussing STEM, Harris' visit to Bennie Dover Jackson was also a part of the school's Black History Month celebration events. Harris is one of three black ACINT specialists serving in the Navy, making his visit to Bennie Dover a real treat for the students, according to Erica Watson, an 8th grade science teacher at the middle school.

"I was very excited to have Master Chief Harris here as an African-American representing a minority of the military and as an African-American male who has worked very hard to get to be where he is," said Watson. "He works in the field of STEM, which makes his visit even more important."

Watson added that Harris' visit also provides her students with living examples of success to motivate her students to succeed regardless of their backgrounds.

Harris' visit to Bennie Dover was also an ongoing effort by Commander, Submarine Group 2 and various other Naval Submarine Base New London-assigned commands to continue to reach out to students through their STEM school-based curriculum.

"I think it's good for them to hear from someone who sees an obstacle as an opportunity rather than a roadblock," added Harris.

The ACINT program was created 1962, of which 231 Sailors have qualified in this specialty. Today, according to Harris, 49 specialists are currently serving in the program.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.

The link to the original story is

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72368

Credit for this story is due to both Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs for writing it and our very own Erica Watson for her continued support of our STEM Programs at the middle school.

Mrs. Alison Ryan, principal of Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, had this to say about the event:

Master Chief Harris was a tremendous inspiration and support to our students and staff at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School. As one of only three African-Americans in his field, Master Chief Harris, who is a father of teenagers, proved to our students today that any and all goals are achievable and strengthened by a strong commitment to education and learning. He spent a considerable amount of time interacting directly with students who asked both technical and personal questions of him, and we all appreciated his professional demeanor. I look forward to continuing to build our BDJMS-Navy relationship in the field of STEM, and we thank Master Chief Harris for dedicating his time today to honor Black History Month’s finest.