NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- “Yeah, technology is pretty cool,” said Capt. Randy Mahr, NAVAIR’s Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Manager and guest speaker at the 10th annual Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy Day Oct. 29.

That was his response to the oohs and ahhs of the Academy’s students when he told them the technology behind the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, the Navy’s replacement for the existing steam catapults on current and future aircraft carriers, is the same technology used to propel the Joker’s Jinx roller coaster at Six Flag’s America.

More than 50 LHJNA students between 6th and 12th filled the atrium of the NAVAIR building at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to learn about such technology, as well as gain insight into the daily decision making and career goals of Pax employees.

“Leonard Hall and its students are the future of this station and St. Mary’s County,” said Mahr. “The decisions you make as students today shape the way the Navy will operate in the future.”

Mahr spoke to the students about the importance of leadership and how their moral code would define the type of person they would become. He also challenged the older students to always be aware they are setting the example for the underclassmen.

“They’re always watching you,” he said. “Everything you do, they’re going to emulate.”

Following the speech and a question and answer period, the student’s toured the technology booths of the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft to learn what duties each program was responsible for or just to talk to the officers and leaders at the tables. Although some students were apprehensive at first, it didn’t take long before the atrium was filled with students laughing and marveling at the model carriers and tactical aircraft on display throughout the atrium.

“This is my sixth year here, but they surprise us every time,” said Genevieve Hatcher, LHJNA High School battalion commander, as she kept a watchful eye on the students as they hurried from booth to booth. “It really gives us a great opportunity to ask questions and see what really goes on here.”

With their visit to the NAVAIR building complete, the students then took a tour of some of the station’s facilities. At the Air Traffic Control Tower, they got a first-hand look at what air operations really look like. According to LHJNA Headmistress Suzanne Wisnieski, the hands-on approach was a hit with all of the students.

“Oh, they just loved that,” she said. “They got to go into the control tower and see how everything operated. They all wanted to take a turn and handle the controls.”

Wisnieski said one of the reasons the annual program is such a success, is the effort and level of caring from the PEO(T) staff and the military and civilian program experts who come out to make the day memorable for all the visiting students. The dedication of PEO(T) leadership shows why the annual event is always a resounding success for the partnership, and a thrill for tomorrow’s military leaders.

“I always thought it would be super hard to just be in the military,” said Jesse Smith, Leonard Hall Middle School battalion commander. “But I learned that if you’re dedicated, you can be successful.”

-- 30 --

Lt. Cdr. Bill Benham, PMA-251, answers a student’s question about the Electromagnetic Aircraft Landing System at the Oct. 29 Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy Day at NAS Pax River. Photo by Joshua Phillips

Capt. Randy Mahr, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Program Manager, discusses living a life of honor with Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy students and answers questions about NAVAIR technology and careers Oct. 29. Photo by Carla Simpson