CRANE, Ind. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employees welcomed more than 500 children to see first-hand various science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers at a Navy laboratory. NSWC Crane organized Bring a Child to Work Day for employees on July 22, offering children under 18 a unique glimpse into the world of Naval engineering and defense technology.
“Bring a Child to Work Day inspires the next generation to build careers in STEM fields, boost morale for our families, and strengthen our community,” said CAPT Rex Boonyobhas, the Commanding Officer at NSWC Crane. “This event is also a way to show what it means to build a career supporting the warfighter and the Department of the Navy. It was a successful day and wonderful to see so many children enjoy learning more about what we do at NSWC Crane!”
The event was open to all NSWC Crane employees and their children, including nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. It is an investment in NSWC Crane employees and the next generation of innovators, cultivating a future pipeline of talented individuals to support our nation’s defense.
Maria Duran, the Technology Transfer Director at NSWC Crane, participated in the event and showed her children aspects of her role as a U.S. Navy Civilian employee.
“Bring Your Children to Work Day at NSWC Crane was a fun opportunity to share our work community with our family,” said Duran. “It can be hard for our children to visualize how we work for the Navy but are not in the Navy. Our children are very service-oriented based on our faith and military background, so seeing our colleagues and the work at NSWC Crane helped them realize there are additional ways to serve the country.”
Throughout the day, children participated in hands-on STEM activities, saw their parent or guardian’s work area, visited the Marina and lake, observed morning colors, and toured various facilities and labs across NSWC Crane’s mission areas. America Morris, the Disability Program Manager at NSWC Crane, said her children enjoyed the interactive STEM demonstrations.
“The kids enjoyed the bounce house and the STEM activities,” said Morris. “They were also really excited to be on base and interact with Crane employees, specifically the recruiting team who were very interested in how my daughter would become “Ghost Spider” from Spiderman.”
Bring a Child to Work Day exhibited the significance of NSWC Crane’s work supporting the warfighter and national security while laying the foundation to spark interest in STEM at a young age. Shiann Hobbs, an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist at NSWC Crane, said it was fun having her children participate in Bring a Child to Work Day.
“My children and I had a wonderful time at Bring Your Child(ren) to Work Day! In addition to the engaging activities that were arranged, the day provided a fantastic opportunity for my kids to get to know my colleagues and their families better,” said Hobbs. “It was delightful to hear laughter echoing through the office and to witness other employees share the special day with their families. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of workplace culture and highlighted what makes NSWC Crane’s culture and community so special.”
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi-spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.