Mentoring Moments Dominate Diversity Conference

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Mentoring Moments Dominate Diversity Conference
Release Date: 2/25/2009
By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- Junior officers who attended the Black Engineer of Year Awards (BEYA) conference in Baltimore Feb. 20 enjoyed networking and mentorship opportunities that might strengthen their careers for years to come.

Lt. j.g. Jermaine Bailey received more than he expected when he waited to meet Rear Adm. Bruce E. Grooms, commander, Submarine Group 2, during the conference.

"I recognized him from a boat tour about a couple of years ago," said Bailey, tactical systems officer aboard USS Florida (SSGN 728) Blue Crew. "He was a captain then, and it was the first time I saw an African-American submariner ranked that high."

The 25-year-old junior officer expected a handshake and a quick hello. What he received was an offer from Grooms to help him with his career.

"I was blown away. I was not expecting that. He took an interest. I appreciate him taking the time out of his schedule," said Bailey.

Mentoring was one goal of the 23rd annual Black Engineer of the Year STEM (science technology engineering and math) Global Competitiveness Conference. Organizers billed the conference as an opportunity to "acquire and retain talent, to learn and network among the best and brightest technology minds in the country."

Hosted by Lockheed Martin Corporation, U.S. Black Engineer & Technology magazine, The Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Career Communications Group Inc., the conference included a career fair and awards recognizing the achievement of African-American leaders.

One of those recognized was Lt. Vance Scott from USS Albany (SSN 753), one of four Black Engineer of the Year Award recipients from Submarine Group 2.

"I've been pretty impressed overall," said Scott. "This is the first time at this event, and it's given me the chance to do a lot of personal and professional networking, especially with the Centennial Seven, the personnel who have paved the way for a person like me and others to advance in our submarine career."

In the first 100 years of U.S. submarine history, there have been seven African-American submarine commanders, including Grooms, who have become known as the Centennial Seven. Two more have made the list since then. During the conference, all nine spoke with Naval Academy midshipmen and junior officers during a mentoring session.

"It is critical that these young people see that higher goals are attainable. We did it. So can they, and we're here to give them the guidance," said Grooms.

The conference was an eye opener for Bailey, who attended the conference for the first time.

"I've never seen so many African-Americans in the field. For awhile I thought I was the only one. The information put was very informative, and the guidance and advice could be used by anyone," he said.

For Scott, a Baltimore native, the conference was a great opportunity to see home again and to be encouraged about being a submariner.

"I am because I know there's always someone trying to help me out in my career. I made a lot of connections, and I'm going to keep in contact with all the personnel throughout my career. I know if I ever need help with an issue, they are the people to contact," said Scott.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/