Two Licking Heights High School staff members — school counselor John Suchan and history teacher Stephen Meyer — recently traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, for the U.S. Navy’s Educators Orientation. This is a unique program designed to immerse educators in Navy life, careers and opportunities.
The trip offered Suchan and Meyer a behind-the-scenes look at the Navy’s mission, structure and day-to-day operations. It also gave them valuable insights into how the Navy — along with other branches of the military — can open doors to meaningful career paths for Licking Heights students.
The two-day tour began at Mayport Naval Base, where the educators boarded the USS Wichita. There, they met with officers, including the ship’s chief, who shared personal stories of service, growth and leadership.
That afternoon, the group visited the Airwolves HSM-40 Helicopter Squadron, learning about the advanced training required for flight crews and stepping into the cockpit for hands-on exploration. Suchan said a highlight was piloting a simulated battleship.
On day two, the team headed to Jacksonville Naval Base, touring the P-8 Poseidon aircraft. These highly specialized 737s are equipped with radar for submarine tracking. Sitting in the cockpit and hearing firsthand about the training pipeline gave Suchan and Meyer a new perspective on the depth of skills involved in Navy aviation.
The orientation also showcased other vital parts of the Navy’s mission. Suchan and Meyer toured sailors’ living quarters and dining facilities, visited the Naval Hospital (including its Physical Therapy Department) and even explored the Navy’s entomology unit, where scientists study insects to protect military personnel worldwide.
Suchan said the trip was both fast-paced and informative, noting that it expanded his understanding of the Navy’s vast career spectrum — from STEM and technical fields to leadership and health care roles.
Both educators left the trip eager to connect students with the opportunities they saw. Plans are already underway to:
Host Navy representatives at Licking Heights High School to speak directly with students.
Work more closely with military branch recruiters to provide career readiness resources.
Explore student trips to significant Navy events, such as the dedication of a new Naval ship in Cleveland this October, where students can meet Navy personnel and witness military tradition firsthand.
“I’d love for our students to see these possibilities up close and realize that the Navy could be an exciting and fulfilling pathway for them,” Suchan said.
Suchan said that his ultimate goal for the Educators Orientation Visit was understanding the Navy as a community and a career option, and sharing this information with students. He hopes to inspire students to think broadly about their futures, whether that means serving their country, pursuing advanced technical training or exploring leadership roles in high-stakes environments.
“The Navy is more than a career — it’s a way to grow, challenge yourself and make a difference,” Suchan said.
Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights educators explore Navy career pathways in Jacksonville