Joint Task Force – National Scout Jamboree
Story by Airman 1st Class Joe Mcfadden
Story by Airman 1st Class Joe Mcfadden
07.29.2010 FORT A.P. HILL, Va.—Sixteen years since his last Jamboree, former Eagle Scout Michael Starr never imagined he’d be back for the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Jamboree here July 26, or at least that he would be back in a different uniform: one of a U.S. Navy Sailor.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything with the boy scouts,” said Starr. “You get scouts from all over the world in one spot for this event,”
Now Starr is one of the naval divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two home ported in Little Creek, Va., who have been attached to Joint Task Force National Scout Jamboree and are on-hand for this year’s Jamboree.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything with the boy scouts,” said Starr. “You get scouts from all over the world in one spot for this event,”
Now Starr is one of the naval divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two home ported in Little Creek, Va., who have been attached to Joint Task Force National Scout Jamboree and are on-hand for this year’s Jamboree.
The unit’s been tasked to assist Jamboree staff by refilling compressed-oxygen tanks for the divers at the scuba and snorkeling section.
“We’re happy to have the Sailors here,” said Mike George, National Scout Jamboree scuba/snorkeling staff. “They’re a great asset to all of us. Without them, I don’t think we could do this as well as we have.”
While at the zone, scouts have the opportunity to don scuba-diving gear and take lessons from members of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. They can also go snorkeling and search for souvenirs in one of the four clear-water pools all while attempting to earn the unique scuba diving merit badge for their collection.
Sailors set up a scuba-diving demonstration tank to show passers-by an insight into what they do on a regular basis as well as answer any questions about their careers.
“This has been a great opportunity for us to show people what we do” said U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer William Turner, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two company commander. “Plus we’re always looking for good divers, too.”
As hundreds of eager Scouts line up to take the big plunge into the waters, Starr said he was glad to be a part of the Jamboree.
“It’s a lot different than when I was in it, but it’s still a great program.” Starr said. “And with all these great exhibits, it makes me wish I was still a kid.”
“We’re happy to have the Sailors here,” said Mike George, National Scout Jamboree scuba/snorkeling staff. “They’re a great asset to all of us. Without them, I don’t think we could do this as well as we have.”
While at the zone, scouts have the opportunity to don scuba-diving gear and take lessons from members of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. They can also go snorkeling and search for souvenirs in one of the four clear-water pools all while attempting to earn the unique scuba diving merit badge for their collection.
Sailors set up a scuba-diving demonstration tank to show passers-by an insight into what they do on a regular basis as well as answer any questions about their careers.
“This has been a great opportunity for us to show people what we do” said U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer William Turner, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two company commander. “Plus we’re always looking for good divers, too.”
As hundreds of eager Scouts line up to take the big plunge into the waters, Starr said he was glad to be a part of the Jamboree.
“It’s a lot different than when I was in it, but it’s still a great program.” Starr said. “And with all these great exhibits, it makes me wish I was still a kid.”
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