USS North Carolina (SSN 777) Crew Shares Submarine Life and STEM Career Opportunities During Charlotte Navy Week
- NSCF
- May 29
- 3 min read
USS North Carolina (SSN 777) sailors with students at Wilson STEM Academy during Charlotte Navy Week 2026.
Charlotte Navy Week gave students, educators, and families a rare opportunity to meet the sailors serving aboard USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and learn firsthand about life aboard a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine.
Representing the boat were Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. James Vangel, Chief of the Boat Master Chief Jacob Newsome, LTJG Erney, and MMA1(SS) Woods. Over two days of community outreach, the crew visited Wilson STEM Academy and Discovery Place Science, answering questions about submarine life, Navy careers, leadership, STEM education, and the technology that powers America's submarine force.
Bringing Submarine Life to Wilson STEM Academy
At Wilson STEM Academy, students had the opportunity to engage directly with active-duty submariners and ask questions about careers, technology, and life beneath the ocean's surface.
Many students were surprised by the realities of serving aboard a fast-attack submarine. Questions ranged from how submarines navigate underwater without windows to what daily life is like during deployments. Others wanted to know how sailors sleep, how submarines produce oxygen and fresh water, and what educational pathways can lead to careers in the Navy.
The discussion highlighted an important reality: many students have never met someone serving aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. For some, this was their first exposure to career fields involving engineering, advanced manufacturing, nuclear technology, maintenance, navigation, and leadership.
As America's maritime industries work to meet growing workforce demands, opportunities for direct engagement like this help students connect classroom STEM concepts to real-world careers.
Discovery Place Science Brings the Submarine Force to the Public
The following day, the crew continued their outreach efforts at Discovery Place Science, where museum visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with submariners and learn about one of the most technologically advanced platforms in the world.
Throughout the event, visitors stopped to ask questions about submarine operations, deployments, training, and the challenges of living and working underwater for extended periods.
Common questions included:
How do submarines make oxygen?
How do crews get fresh water while at sea?
How long can a submarine remain submerged?
What careers are available aboard a submarine?
How do submarines navigate underwater without GPS?
What is daily life like for a submariner?
These conversations provided an opportunity to share not only the technical side of submarine operations but also the human side of service. Visitors gained a greater appreciation for the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication required to operate a nuclear-powered submarine safely and effectively.
For many attendees, speaking directly with sailors made the submarine force more accessible and relatable than any textbook, documentary, or online video could.
Why Outreach Matters
The United States faces a growing need for skilled workers across shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and maritime industries. America's maritime industrial base is projected to require approximately 250,000 skilled workers by 2035 to meet existing shipbuilding and maintenance demands.
Workforce development begins with exposure.
Students cannot pursue careers they do not know exist. Events like Charlotte Navy Week provide a direct connection to the people, technology, and career opportunities that support America's submarine force and maritime industries.
Every conversation creates an opportunity for someone to learn about a career path they may never have otherwise considered.
If you want to learn more about the foundation’s work or get involved, visit the North Carolina Submarine Foundation website. Together, we can support our submariners and inspire the next generation.
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