Students visit squadron to learn about helicopter aviation

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class John Suits | Lt. j.g. Wes "Frodo" Johnson, assigned to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, gives students of Starbase Atlantis a lecture about the physics and science of helicopter aviation in HSC-28's wardroom at Naval Station Norfolk.  

NORFOLK, UNITED STATES

06.25.2009

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Suits 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

NORFOLK, Va. —- Thirty fifth-grade students got a chance to visit Sailors assigned to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 to learn more about the mathematics and science of modern helicopter aviation June 25 at Naval Station Norfolk.

Students of the Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration - Atlantis learned more about HSC-28's aircraft, an MH-60S Knighthawk.

"One of the goals of the [educational] program is to expose students to the math and scientific community," said Ms. Dana Sterling, a STARBASE-Atlantis instructor. "The students always seem to enjoy the tours they get of naval bases, which either inspires them to join the military or earn a job in aviation."

STARBASE-Atlantis, which employs fifty different educational facilities in the United States, helps students and teachers keep an open mind about the physics of aviation.

"Taking trips like these not only helps the students learn, but it also helps the instructors out, too," said Sterling. "Another focus we teach students involves physics and engineering."

Once students arrived, they were welcomed by Lt. j.g. Wes "Frodo" Johnson, HSC-28's automated data processing officer, who provided refreshments for the students as well as a brief explanation about the differences between fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

"This is definitely a great turnout because [STARBASE-Atlantis] has been here before," said Johnson. "The kids had fun because they get to tour a helo [helicopter]. HSC-28 also enjoys giving back to families, military dependents and the Hampton Roads community as well."

Along with completing a deployment aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort, HSC-28's primary mission is to employ search-and-rescue swimmers and transport passengers, mail and cargo.

• Date Taken: 06.25.2009
• Date Posted: 06.25.2009 14:39
• Story ID: 35619
• Location: NORFOLK, US