By Bob Krekorian, Naval Station Newport Public Affairs
NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Four Sailors and the commanding officer of USS Rhode Island's (SSBN 740) Blue Crew visited an after school program for at-risk elementary school students June 2 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, R.I.
"If you're not good at math, science and English, keep working at it," Cmdr. Doug Adams, commanding officer, Rhode Island's Blue Crew, told the 12 students at the center.
The students asked several questions about a submarine's physical features and characteristics. Crew members described their daily routine and job responsibilities aboard the submarine while underway.
Machinist's Mate 1st Class Joshua Bailey of Baton Rouge, La.; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jason Gregory of Scottsboro, Ala.; Lt.j.g. Jordan Mack, communications and quality assurance officer, of Little Rock, Ark.; and Command Master Chief Jeff Bottoms, chief of the boat, of Ft. Hood, Texas; visited the center with their commanding officer.
The visit, sponsored by "Friends of the USS Rhode Island," was organized by the submarine's sponsor, Kati Machtley.
"This is an opportunity for another group of school children in Rhode Island to learn about life aboard a submarine and meet some crew members," said Machtley. "We wanted the crew members to talk to underprivileged children about doing homework, staying in school and the importance of graduating high school."
"This was a great opportunity to talk to the kids about the benefits of a good education and working hard in school," said Gregory.
"Our summer program is based on literacy and the sciences so this was a good experience for them," said Sally Swistak, the center's child care program director.
Crew members also visited Portsmouth Middle School in Portsmouth, R.I., and spoke with fifth grade students. The students wrote letters to both the Blue and Gold Crews throughout the past eight years.
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