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 May 22, 2013.  The link for the original story is located at the bottom.

NEW LONDON, Conn. (NNS) -- Over 100 students at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School welcomed U.S. Navy divers from the Naval Submarine Support Facility's Dive Locker.

Navy Diver 2nd Class (DSW) Michael J. Christensen took time to explain the evolution and development of different diving equipment to students who the majority of had never seen diving equipment or met a Navy diver. 

"I absolutely love diving and being able to share the wide range of missions we have with the next generation of possible Navy divers," said Christensen. "I will talk about diving any chance I get."

The diver's visit to Bennie Dover Jackson is part of an ongoing effort by Commander Submarine Group Two and various other Naval Submarine Base New London-assigned commands to reach out to students through their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) school-based curriculum.

Erica Watson, an 8th grade science teacher at the middle school, is passionate about sharing local success stories in her STEM-based curriculum and welcomes guest speakers on a routine basis to expand her student's awarness across a broad spectrum. 

"I think the kids can really relate to the Sailor's youth and it gives them the knowledge that they really can do whatever they put their mind to," said Watson. "They have positively influenced the kids today and they went above and beyond and made the youth connection with their presentation which is also very important."

Christensen spoke at Bennie Dover Jackson to increase the awareness of Navy divers. Christensen, who joined the Navy later in life, has always had a sense of pride in his country. In college he knew he wanted to join the military.

"I didn't know what branch I necessarily would join, I just knew that I wanted to serve my country," Christensen said. "I've always been one to push myself to be the best that I can be and Naval Special Warfare really appealed to me, I eventually became a diver and it is the best decision I could have made."

Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School was established in 1993 and was named in honor of the first African-American teacher in New London.

The original story can be found here:  http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74307