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CNSF Officers Participate in NSBE Conference

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080329-01
Release Date: 3/29/2008 7:25:00 AM

By Commander, Naval Surface Force Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Fla. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) provided sponsorship for eight surface warfare officers (SWO) to attend the National Society of Black Engineers' (NSBE) 34th annual national convention in Orlando, March 19-23.

NBSE is one of the largest student managed organizations in the country with more than 24,000 members. Nine thousand students ranging from fourth grade through graduate school attended the conference, which highlighted accomplishments of black engineers through lectures, seminars and competitions.

"The joy that the students showed after completing their circuits is something I will remember for the rest of my life and as long as I am a naval officer," said Lt. Tellis Fears from the Naval Postgraduate School who was a mentor for fourth through tenth grade students during the design squad engineering challenge. "I am so proud to be a participant in NSBE and the growth of young minority engineers."

The other CNSF sponsored officers in attendance included Lt. j.g. Kevin Fray of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Lt. Cmdr. Robert Francis, Lt. Christopher Cole and Lt. j.g. Davida Kirk from the reactor department aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); Lt. Robert Neuerman and Lt. Kiah Rahming from the Naval Postgraduate School; and Lt. Lori Rose from the reactor department aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). They participated in a variety of events, workshops and panels highlighting technical careers in the U.S. Navy, in addition to providing valuable information to students, educators and industry leaders.

"The NSBE convention was an eye opening experience," said Rose, an active participant in the career fair who was approached by many female students interested in nuclear engineering.

"It was amazing to see so many young black successful people in one place… We are an intelligent people full of pride with a strong history and an even brighter future."

Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, was the guest speaker during the opening session of the conference, and Navy Inspector General, Vice Adm. Anthony Winns, spoke at the pre-college initiative luncheon. Other senior officers in attendance included Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, U.S. Naval Academy superintendent, who both participated in the Golden Torch awards banquet highlighting the achievements of engineers across the spectrum.

"NSBE members represent some of our brightest minds and talents," said Cmdr. Geno Autrey, CNSF's Diversity Director, "Our platforms are complex and are composed of the most technologically advanced systems our nation has ever designed and manufactured.

He added, "Our Navy must attract men and women that understand complex systems and have a strong fundamental in science, engineering, technology and mathematics to remain the strongest Navy in the world. NSBE does a tremendous job in promoting these fundamentals and our Navy must continue to partner with them to ensure their members join our ranks."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.