Sailors Share Life at Sea during Mississippi Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Davis Anderson, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

JACKSON, Miss. (NNS) -- New Orleans Naval Recruiting District Sailors visited Walton Elementary School in Jackson, Miss., to read to students and promote literacy, March 21.

This event was part of Mississippi Navy Week 2011, a week-long celebration which brings Sailors from the fleet into areas that do not have a significant naval presence.

"I think they (the students) were really excited," said Walton Elementary School Principal Gwen Gardner. "I mean just seeing Sailors in uniform; they wanted them to put their hats back on. The questions they asked, I thought they asked very good questions. They were very impressed. The students really enjoyed it."

The event kicked off with an assembly where the 5th grade students interacted with the Sailors, asking them questions about life at sea and what it took to be in the Navy.

"The children see (Sailors) being role models for them, and then they (the Sailors) came out and read in the classroom, which is really wonderful, because we promote literacy" said Gardner. "It's great for them to see that even men in uniform like to read."

The Sailors in the schools also showed the students that there are opportunities for everyone in the service.

"I think having the Navy to come out and talk to the students was a wonderful opportunity and experience for them," said Gardner. "It really lets them see that there are careers out there."

Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.