Halyburton Sailors Welcome Women of Tomorrow

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Gay, Fleet Week Media Center

April 30, 2010 - PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 50 students and mentors from the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program toured the guided-missile frigate USS Halyburton (FFG 40) April 27, as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the maritime services.

The group was invited to tour Halyburton to learn about the Navy and the opportunities it offers, and they also had an opportunity to speak with Rear. Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

"I loved the tour," said Pam Edwards, program coordinator for Miami Dade County Public Schools. "These sorts of things really give our students the awareness of the opportunities and it helps to possibly direct them toward career paths."

One of the first stops on the tour was to see the ship's propulsion control console. Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical (SW) Gregory Reynolds, Halyburton's engineering department leading chief petty officer, enjoyed talking to the students.

"It's awesome to talk to these kids, they always ask the most interesting questions," said Reynolds. "It's good for them. They need to see first hand what we do and how we live, especially if they are thinking of ever joining the Navy."

After the tour Howard, who in 1999 became the first African American woman to command a Navy ship, spoke to the young women about the military and the importance of education.

"The Navy is a 'Global Force for Good' and part of that is reaching out to our younger generation and making sure they know what opportunities exist for them in the military service," said Howard.

The Women of Tomorrow members who visited expressed their thanks for the experience.

"We appreciate the tours and hearing from the admiral," said Edwards. "The students are getting the exposure they need to shape their future."

The students visited Halyburton during the 20th anniversary of Fleet Week Port Everglades, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. More than 2,500 American and German Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will be participating in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida.