Students at William Byrd High School (along with their teachers and administrators) were able
to sail aboard an aircraft carrier, fly America’s most powerful fighter jet, train like a Navy SEAL
and explore the possibilities of life in the U.S. Navy— all virtually— at a “Strike Group” event
held at the school on May 12.
The U.S. Navy showcased its “Strike Group” multi-scenario, mobile mixed-reality experience,
which is designed to realistically demonstrate the breadth and depth of Navy STEM careers from
nuclear engineering and aviation to special warfare and medicine. It provides students with a
fully immersive, hands-on look into the technology and teamwork that are central to every role in
the Navy.
“From the depths of the sea to the heights of the stars, America’s Navy is the most highly skilled,
technologically advanced military force in the world,” says Rear Admiral James P. Waters,
Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. “A STEM career in the Navy provides a life-changing
experience filled with adventure, teamwork, and support, and the ‘Strike Group’ brings all these
aspects to life.”
The “Strike Group” visit to WBHS was largely the result of the school being the base for the
Roanoke County Cadet Corps— at least until next year when it moves to the Roanoke County
Career and Technology Center. The group visits special events (like air shows), high schools,
and colleges across the country. The group had been to an event in Tennessee and had just
enough of a hiatus to set up at William Byrd for a day.
Cadets were not the only ones allowed to participate. At William Byrd, approximately 300
students were able to register for “Strike Group” event. After registering, participants received an
encoded dog tag to use to work their way through all stations. Upon completion of each
experience within “The Strike Group,” guests received a custom participation badge.
The “Strike Group” involves three distinctive, interactive challenges and experiences:
- All Hands: Players test their skills on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in a five-person
mixed-reality game. Participants donned a Meta Quest 3 headset and transported out to
the USS Gerald R. Ford, where they teamed up to launch an F-35C Lightning II jet. Each
player is immersed in the experience of what it is like to serve aboard an aircraft carrier
and how their efforts influence a Navy mission. - Dive: Navy Underwater Construction Teams always are on call if an undersea repair is
needed. In this interactive, virtual mission, participants assumed the role of a Navy diver,
driving a boat to a location after a storm, then used their dive and welding skills to help
repair a damaged pier.
- Achieve: America’s Navy has hundreds of roles in every field – from nuclear engineering
to aviation to special operations. To help participants see themselves in one of these
careers, they can take a personality quiz that will pair them with a list of jobs best suited
for them. Participants also receive an AI-generated image of themselves in their
recommended role.
The Roanoke County Cadet Corps is not a military recruiting program. Its purpose is to
challenge cadets to develop confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of citizenship while
gaining real-world leadership experience. However, there was a team of recruiters on hand to at
the event to answer questions about life and career pathways in the Navy.
Naval Science Instructor and Command Senior Chief Shawn M. Wingle, U.S. Navy (Ret.) is
excited that the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (RCPS) is growing. He will begin the 2026-
2027 school year with at least 60 students who are staying with the program. He believes that
once the move is made to the more centralized and state-of-the-art Career and Technology
Center, enrollment will grow to the 100 cadets required to become a Navy JROTC program.
~Vinton Messenger Staff report
