Students from Village Elementary School on April 5, were able to meet – and play – with some of the U.S. Navy’s most elite operators at Coronado High School.
Naval Special Warfare operators met about 100 students and highlighted safety, fitness, and teamwork with the youth.
“It’s really rewarding to be here,” said Cmdr. Mason Jones, an officer assigned to Naval Special Warfare Command. “The energy and camaraderie of the children during the team-building exercises made this a memorable day for everyone involved.”
Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict, according to the Navy.
The event started with a safety brief that encouraged children to look out for their classmates and was followed by warmup exercises and calisthenics.
“It is an honor and privilege to have our hometown SEALs lead the workout today for our Village Elementary students.”
-Principal Heidi Bergener
“It is an honor and privilege to have our hometown SEALs lead the workout today for our Village Elementary students,” said Heidi Bergener, Village Elementary School principal. “Our Village students will remember this day and how excited and proud they felt during their workout and that’s what it’s all about. Who better to lead our students than our SEAL heroes!”
Team-building exercises consisted of relay races, medicine ball pushes, and animal walks and concluded with a tug-of-war competition between different grades and the NSW operators.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces throughout the event made it all worth it,” said Jones. “Being able to interact and see them overcome adversity while cheering for their friends embodied the spirit of NSW operators.”
Consider the SEAL career path
The event ended with a question-and-answer session where NSW operators encouraged students to consider the SEAL career path.
“It was heartwarming to observe a little girl ask if she could become a SEAL one day and tell her ‘yes’,” said Jones.
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Keypher Strombeck
