MSRON 7 Participates at Guam School Career Day

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 7 Sailors introduced hundreds of students at Astumbo Elementary School on Guam to the different jobs available in the Navy and at their command during the school's career day April 13.

"We were excited to come out today to show the kids what we do at MSRON 7 as a force protection unit," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (EXW/SW/AW) Todrick Christful, president of the command's Junior Enlisted Association (JEA). "One of our goals is to help strengthen the relationship that MSRON 7 and the Navy has with the island community and us coming here and talking to the kids about what we do and who we are helps to do that."

MSRON 7 JEA Sailors spoke with students about the command's mission and the tools they use to complete their assignments. The Sailors brought two Oswald patrol boats to the school and students had the opportunity to board the boats for a closer look.

"It was really great because I got to tell them all about the Navy and give those students who are familiar with the Navy a better understanding of what the Navy does for the nation and what MSRON 7 does out here in the Pacific," said Information Specialist 2nd Class Angel Schaefer.

MSRON 7 has established strong ties with the island community through volunteer efforts at schools such as Astumbo and the command's sister village of Sinajana. Christful said the JEA's goal is to help junior enlisted Sailors learn the importance of community service.

"The JEA offers Sailors, especially our junior Sailors, an opportunity to really understand the bigger picture," he said. "When we do things to help someone out, whether that someone is a fellow Sailor or a student at Astumbo Elementary, they can truly see that their mission, their job and their actions have an impact on others in the community."

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (EXW) Bryan Mather said he enjoyed the chance to meet and speak with students.

"For me it's all about being able to give back to the community and to help out where we can," Mather said. "The military is a large part of the island and the civilians here have been kind enough to open their home to us. This is just one of the things we can do to show we appreciate their hospitality and that we want to be a part of the island family."

Josie Gatman, an Astumbo Elementary teacher and career day coordinator, said her goal in inviting MSRON 7 Sailors was to have a positive impact on students and motivate them to look toward their future.

"We have kids who say they want to join the military but aren't aware that there are different jobs they can do there," she said. "I really wanted to open another door of opportunity for them."

MSRON 7, which was commissioned in May 2004, provides rapidly deployable forces to conduct or support anti-terrorism and force protection missions. It promotes the nation's Maritime Strategy by providing security for U.S. citizens through the application of sea power and by strengthening partnerships with allied nations.