USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) welcomed Boy Scouts for a tour of the submarine tender as part of the Scout’s annual Summer Camp at Polaris Point, June 20.
The camp and ship’s tour provided Scouts opportunities to earn merit badges, learn new outdoor skills and get a glimpse of life aboard a U.S. Navy ship.
Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Brian Davis, an Eagle Scout , volunteered his scouting experience and mentoring throughout the camp. “ I spent many years putting on my Scout uniform and now, getting the chance to put it on again, but as a Sailor…it was really special. Helping out the Scouts meant a lot to me. and I would do this again in a heartbeat.”
Near the final days of the camp, Scouts lined up to tour Land. The tour began with opening remarks from Land’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul Savage . “The boys were very impressed when the Captain himself welcomed them aboard and greeted them ,” said Roy Tsutsui, camp program director and Naval Forces Marinas employee.
From the bridge to the dive locker, Scouts visited many of the ship’s diverse divisions and learned about many of the jobs performed by the crew. Navy Diver 2nd Class Lucas Roeder, a volunteer tour guide, says the experience was very fulfilling. “ I enjoy working with children and helping them expand their mind, it’s always a good time. It was fun to expose them to the different types of work we do.”
Roeder also says that the impressions given on the ship will have lasting effects on the Scouts. “ The first time I ever saw a Navy ship was after boot camp, and I’ll never forget it. Having these scouts come through, showing them the inside of the machine shop, operations on the bridge…I think it’s a great experience for them to see what not many people outside of the Navy get to see.”
Land is currently on an extended deployment to Guam serving as 7th Fleet’s lead afloat maintenance activity from the ship’s permanent homeport of Diego Garcia.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , July 3, 2012