A day in a sailor's boots: Leading Lads tour USS Blue Ridge
YOKOSUKA, Japan — Math homework, naval weaponry, and pizza operations came together May 15 as Yokosuka Middle School students completed a leadership and career exploration mission aboard the USS Blue Ridge, one of only two command ships in the U.S. Navy.
The immersive event, "Bridging the Gap: A Day in a Sailor’s Boots," was hosted by the ship’s First Class Petty Officers Association and sixth grade English teacher Tyhisha Nevels. The initiative connected middle school students with active-duty service members, linking classroom learning to real-world careers.
The Leading Lads, a club launched this school year, provides students an opportunity to build character, set goals, and develop life skills. The club was inspired by Leading Ladies, a similar program for girls founded by Yokosuka Middle School literacy teacher Estell Darby.
The students were first greeted on the pier by Logistics Specialist 1st Class Phoenix Jenkins and Information Systems Technician 1st Class Tomanelli before taking a group photo in front of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship. They then toured the ship’s pilot house with Capt. Louis Catalina, the ship's commanding officer; Cmdr. Daniel Woods, the executive officer; and Command Master Chief Jeremy Morris.
Catalina encouraged students to take their studies seriously, explaining how academic skills, especially math, are essential to safely navigating the ship. His message highlighted the real-world application of classroom learning.
The second part of the event divided students into groups for a guided tour showcasing key operations aboard the USS Blue Ridge. In the combat information center, Operations Specialist 1st Class Turner explained systems and mission operations. On the main deck and flight deck, students observed the ship’s superstructure and weapons systems guided by Tomanelli, Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Cook, and Jenkins. The tour continued through fleet control, main communications, and general stores, demonstrating how communication and logistics function in real time.
The educational portion concluded in the cryptologic technician collection space, where the association hosted an open Q&A session. Students engaged with sailors, asking about daily responsibilities, career paths, and life in the Navy.
Concluding the event, students gathered in the ship’s first class petty officer mess for a pizza social provided by the association. The setting allowed students and sailors to connect, share experiences, and discuss future goals.
The visit inspired meaningful conversations about career paths, responsibility, and the effort required to achieve success, leaving the Leading Lads motivated for their future.
The Leading Lads expressed their gratitude to the ship’s First Class Petty Officers Association and the crew members who guided the tour for their time and inspirational messages.
