FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | MAY 30, 2013 | THE FLAGSHIP | B5
Navy Divers from Naval Submarine Support Facility’s Dive Locker visited Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London, Conn. They displayed several examples of the evolution of diving rigs used by the Navy since World War II until the most recent rig, which was introduced this year.
Students learn about Navy divers By MC1 (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
NEW LONDON, CONN.
More than 100 students at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School welcomed U.S. Navy divers from the Naval Submarine Support Facility’s Dive Locker. Navy Diver 2nd Class (DSW) Michael J. Christensen took time to explain the evolution and development of different diving equipment to students, who the majority had never seen diving
equipment or met a Navy diver. “I absolutely love diving and being able to share the wide range of missions we have with the next generation of possible Navy divers,� said Christensen. “I will talk about diving any chance I get.� The diver’s visit to Bennie Dover Jackson is part of an ongoing effort by Commander, Submarine Group Two and various other Naval Submarine Base New London-assigned commands to reach out to students through
Photos by MC1 (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry A student from Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London, Conn. tries on the MK 37 diving helmet.
their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) school-based curriculum. Erica Watson, an eighth grade science teacher at the middle school, is passionate about sharing local success stories in her STEMbased curriculum, and welcomes guest speakers on a routine basis to expand her student’s awareness across a broad spectrum. “I think the kids can really relate to the Sailor’s youth and it gives them the knowledge that they really can do whatever
they put their mind to,â€? she said. “They have positively inuenced the kids today and they went above and beyond, and made the youth connection with their presentation which is also very important.â€? Christensen spoke at Bennie Dover Jackson to increase the awareness of Navy divers. Christensen, who joined the Navy later in life, has always had a sense of pride in his country. In college he knew he wanted to join the military.
“I didn’t know what branch I necessarily would join, I just knew that I wanted to serve my country,â€? he said. “I’ve always been one to push myself to be the best that I can be and Naval Special Warfare really appealed to me. I eventually became a diver and it is the best decision I could have made.â€? Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School was established in 1993 and was named in honor of the ďŹ rst African-American teacher in New London.
dizziness and memory loss. “Researchers across the Navy and other services are making signiďŹ cant strides in gaining a better understanding of these critical issues,â€? said Yankaskas. “It only makes sense that we work together more closely to accomplish our goal, which ultimately is the welfare of our warďŹ ghters.â€? ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its afďŹ liates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
NAVY RESEARCHERS PUSH TO COMBAT HEARING LOSS By Eric Beidel OfďŹ ce of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, VA.
As more military service members report hearing loss, the OfďŹ ce of Naval Research (ONR) is hosting nationwide experts on how to combat the issue, May 29. Sponsored by ONRs Warfighter Performance Department, and coinciding with Better Hearing and Speech Month, the meeting will feature academic and military health professionals dedicated to ďŹ nding solutions to this most common disability among veterans. “Hearing preservation is not just about ear plugs,â€? said Kurt Yankaskas, ONR Noise-Induced Hearing Loss program manager. “We’re looking at everything from making stuff quieter to better operational hearing protection as we go forward in understanding this complex issue.â€?
Daily, Sailors and Marines work on aircraft carriers or in cockpits, engine rooms and other locations where noise levels are in excess of the effectiveness of current hearing protection devices. Similar situations have contributed to an increase in auditory problems across the military. In its most recent report, the Veterans Administration (VA) estimated that more than 1.5 million veterans, almost double the number from 2006, were receiving compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus, typiďŹ ed by ringing in the ears. In 2011, the VA reported nearly 150,000 new cases of hearing loss and tinnitus, more than three times the number for posttraumatic stress disorder. ONR and its research partners are attacking the problem from different angles with a focus on: â– Tailoring hearing protection devices to individual users.
■Measuring noise exposure in real-time. ■Developing pharmaceuticals to maintain and restore hearing. Extensive modeling and simulation can provide researchers today with a better understanding of how to measure noise and determine the susceptibility of individuals to hearing loss and tinnitus. Researchers are seeking a way to regenerate damaged hair cells in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped part of the inner hear, essential for hearing. A challenge is to link these ear sensors to auditory nerves that carry messages to the central hearing processing center in the brain. “Early investment from ONR proved that timely delivery of antioxidant compounds helps to mitigate the effect of noise exposure,� said Dr. Rick Rogers, Harvard School of Public Health scientist. Rogers has worked with
Stock photo More than 1.5 million veterans, almost double the number from 2006, were receiving compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus, typiďŹ ed by ringing in the ears.
ONR to investigate the potential for inhaled antioxidants to protect against noise-induced hearing loss in theater. “We are hopeful that we may be able to reduce or reverse these symptoms in the near future,� he said.
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Studies by ONR and other entities indicate that medicine already approved by the Food and Drug Administration could reverse the effects of both noise-induced hearing loss and mild traumatic brain injury symptoms, including
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