GREAT MILLS, Md. — Great Mills High School students had the opportunity to step into the future of military technology on Monday, Dec. 9, as the U.S. Navy unveiled its new “Strike Group” mixed-reality experience. The interactive event, designed to highlight STEM careers within the Navy, offered students a hands-on glimpse into the technological innovation and teamwork essential to naval operations.
The “Strike Group” is a multi-scenario, mixed-reality simulator composed of two immersive challenges: All Hands, which lets participants perform roles on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier as they prepare an F-35C Lightning II jet for takeoff, and Train, a guided series of physical and mental challenges led by a simulated Navy SEAL instructor.
Rear Admiral James P. Waters, Commander of Navy Recruiting Command, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to showcasing the real-world applications of STEM fields. “From the depths of the sea to the heights of the stars, America’s Navy is the most highly skilled, technologically advanced military force in the world,” he said.
The event also served as a recruitment opportunity for the Navy, which highlighted its $180,000 ROTC scholarship as a pathway for students to further their education and careers in STEM disciplines.
“The ‘Strike Group’ brings all of these aspects to life in the most realistic ways possible,” Waters added, stressing the life-changing potential of a Navy STEM career filled with adventure, teamwork, and support.
The interactive experience is named after the Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, a forward-deployment formation that includes an aircraft carrier, air wing, guided missile cruisers, anti-aircraft warships, and anti-submarine destroyers. The formation’s intricate coordination and advanced technology exemplify the Navy’s focus on innovation and collaboration.
Students participating in the event engaged with Navy representatives, exploring how skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can lead to exciting careers both in and beyond the military.
This initiative is part of the Navy’s broader effort to connect with students and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, ensuring they are equipped to tackle challenges on land, at sea, and beyond.
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