Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) hosted 30 students from Coronado High School in at Naval Station San Diego on March 13.
The students, made up of members of the schools Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC), the Health Occupation Student Association Club (HOSA), and students taking Sports Medicine and Biomedical Innovation courses, were given a brief by area Navy recruiters on scholarship opportunities and Navy careers, followed by a tour of the ship by Mercy’s Medical Treatment team.
Capt. Micah Murphy, commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific also attended, taking time to engage with the students, sharing his personal experiences as an officer who received his undergraduate degree through a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship. He answered questions from the students.
“What a phenomenal experience and, literally, a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us. I talked with a few students after, and they had huge smiles on their faces when talking about what they enjoyed,” said Kristen Caputo, Coronado High School career technical education director. “From a career perspective, I was struck by how many careers this one-hour tour touched upon and the expertise and skill that goes into making a ship work. The conversation about the placement of the CAT scan machine would be valuable for almost every discipline.”
The Navy is increasing pathways of opportunity for all qualified individuals who choose to serve using outreach and engagement opportunities to increase awareness about the Navy, its people, and its mission. The program works to connect Navy recruiters with qualified future Sailors who desire to join the Navy and are motivated to serve in defense of the nation.
Story by Sarah Cannon.
