NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Hosts 'Bring Your Children to Work Day'

By Margaret Kenyon-Ely and Meagan LeMelle, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- More than 100 students joined their parents, guardians and sponsors at the annual, "Bring Your Children to Work Day," at NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support's sites in both Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Philadelphia, April 26.

"This is a great opportunity, and I'm glad to see such a great turnout," said NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Commander Rear Adm. John G. King, SC, USN, during his opening remarks at the event's kick off ceremony.

Before King engaged the participants in a lively question and answer session with the children who ranged in ages from eight to 17, he ensured they were aware of the importance of their sponsor's work.

"Your sponsors make sure that money is spent wisely on the weapons systems needed by our forces. They ensure our young Sailors, Marines and Airmen have everything they need to do their job," King added.

NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Deputy Commander for International Programs Capt. Tracy Larcher, SC, USN, continued that theme in his keynote remarks and video presentation.

"The civilian employees are the backbone of our organization. What your sponsors do is very important and is the lifeline to keep the fleet going. The job they do here is vital," said Larcher.

Among the highlights of the day in Philadelphia were a video teleconference with Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic in Norfolk, Va., to talk to experts from food service, readiness, and medical departments about how they ensure their aircraft and aircraft carriers are mission ready. Additionally, the day featured tours of the static display aircraft on the front lawn on NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, the Army's Clothing and Textile operation, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medal Works - Purple Hearts, and of course, one-on-one time between sponsor and child.

The other half of the command in Mechanicsburg sponsored a program where children and sponsors from a number of Department of Defense commands located at Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, made cards of appreciation for U.S. Navy Troops currently serving in Afghanistan. The children also learned about life as a military officer from Lt. Darren Sablan.

"We hope that the cards help the person who is going overseas for their first deployment. My children and I had a wonderful time," said Jonathan Works, a Business Analyst at Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

This was the 20th anniversary of the National Bring Your Children to Work Day program, which started out as Bring Your Daughters to Work Day. This year's theme "Build Opportunity: 20 Years of Education, Empowerment and Experience" paid tribute to that milestone.

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.