The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile Cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) is currently hosting 14 midshipmen during their summer training.
The midshipmen have been aboard for several underway periods, experiencing numerous evolutions as the ship conducted its readiness evaluation and supported helicopter squadron deck landing qualifications. During their time at sea, they were able to observe and participate in live weapons fire exercises, small boat operations, man overboard drills, flight operations, navigation, engineering drills, and generally explore the ship while fully experiencing Navy life.
“It has been an incredible experience being aboard Gettysburg,” said Midshipman 1st Class Leshawn Charles, from Savannah State University, in Savannah, Georgia. “The ship has been very active so we’ve been able to see so many things. Everyone has been very welcoming and willing to answer all of our questions.”
Each summer, midshipmen who are a part of a Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program or the U.S. Naval Academy embark on U.S. Navy ships around the world to gain experience and be actively engaged in day-to-day operations. They spend time with either a junior officer or enlisted mentor, depending on their rank, in order to gain an appreciation for what their careers will be like upon graduation.
During their stay on board Gettysburg, homeported in Mayport, the midshipmen also spent time with the commanding officer, executive officer, chief petty officers and junior officers in mentoring sessions where they were free to discuss whatever topics or questions they had.
[mappress] Press Release, June 16, 2014; Image: Wikimedia