A keystone of the Navy League of the United States’ mission is to educate the public about the sea services, whether through our councils spread across the U.S. and around the world, or special programs designed to bring everyday Americans in contact with the men and women of the military. Educators at Sea is one such program.
On March 31, 12 educators from across the country climbed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to spend a night with the crew as part of the Navy League’s 2026 Educators at Sea program. After landing on the ship via V-22 Osprey, the teachers — with proper guidance — explored the USS Roosevelt inside and out. They saw first-hand as Sailors handled a plethora of tasks required to effectively maintain their ship. With a crew made up of young men and women only a few years removed from their own students, the maturity and poise of the Sailors left a lasting impression.
Stephen Donndelinger, an assistant principal from Marian High School in Indiana, expressed his gratitude for Sailors and their heavy responsibility after his night at sea. “It was not lost on me what it must be like for everyone on board the ship to make way for a group of civilians clumsily holding up the p-ways (passageways) just so they could revel in the excitement of life aboard a Navy vessel for a few hours, while its crew executes their duties in service to our nation week after week, month after month, year after year. Events of recent weeks and days in the Middle East humble us and remind everyday citizens like us that the work [they] are doing is not an adventure, not a vacation, not a game, but deadly serious.”
The Navy League’s Educators at Sea program was created in 2018 as a coordinated effort by the Navy Chief of Information Office and the Navy League. Designed to inspire future generations, the program invites educators aboard an active and operational naval vessel for a one-night stay with the crew. After their stay, the Navy League encourages educators to share their experience with their students and community in hopes of sparking interest and support for the sea services.
“This incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed us to bring back invaluable experiences and knowledge to share with the youth of our community,” said Katie McCurdy, executive director of Community Engagement and director of the Summer STEM programs at Gulf Coast State College. Katie and her Summer STEM program colleague Crystal Wielenga found worthwhile lessons as they watched the crew apply STEM-related skills. “We are excited to share the real-world applications of STEM concepts and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
The Navy League invests in the Educators at Sea program to influence and strengthen the next generation of sea service and community leaders. The organization also hopes these experiences will bridge the gap between civilian communities and the sea services.
“Truly, I have so much pride for all of our Sailors and Airmen who service both land and fleet-based roles,” said Donndelinger. “I can proudly tell every parent in my school and community that every job, every detail, every duty, and every watch is vital to the success and stability of our national protection. I pray that our civilian leadership will have the appropriate respect for our armed forces and the wisdom to exercise their strength in the right time and place. May our military leaders have the insight to direct them in the manner that leads to the best possible outcome for our nation and our children.”
Interested in learning more about the Educators at Sea program? Email communications@navyleague.org with questions.