TARAWA Hosts Midshipmen Summer Tours

GreatAmerican
Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:52:24 +0000

Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy successfully completed their two-week summer tour June 8, while underway on board amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1).

Thirty six midshipmen came to the Tarawa apprehensive about what they would encounter once they arrived on board and went out to sea.

Tarawa welcomed the group of midshipmen as a part of the Naval Academy’s regular curriculum which allows them to spend a short period of time on board U.S. naval vessels once they have completed their first year. This is the second such group to visit Tarawa this summer with more to follow.

“I now realize how hard Sailors work and believe that will help me lead them better when I get to the fleet as a commissioned officer,” said Midshipman 3rd Class Kenith Crager.

Throughout the two weeks, midshipmen were seen in all areas of the ship paired up with Tarawa running mates, learning how the crew operates during regular evolutions as well as general quarters and other specialized training drills. This allowed the midshipmen a more in-depth look at how a Sailor spends their day and what their workload is like.

“Now we have a better outlook on what enlisted life is like. You can’t see that at the academy,” said Midshipman 3rd Class Megan Geuther. “Seeing how the ship operates and how we quickly set readiness conditions was interesting to experience firsthand.”

“It was fun showing them around the ship and telling them about my job in radio,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Janice Alvey. “Now I think they have a better appreciation for the enlisted Sailor’s jobs.”

The Academy’s purpose for this evolution is to give the midshipmen a glimpse of day to day life and training in the Navy on board ship. Each of them gains different experiences but all leave with greater knowledge and a better understanding of the fleet.

The U.S. Navy issued the following press release:
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Niegel USS Tarawa Public Affairs
For more news from USS Tarawa, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lha1/.

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July 5, 2007 Thursday 1:34 AM EST