The Navy’s Educational Initiative at Cardozo High School

The Navy is embracing education in both literal and figurative senses.

On Friday, the Navy made a stunning entrance by landing an MH-60s Nighthawk Helicopter at the baseball field of Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, catching the attention of numerous surprised student cadets.

This remarkable event, part of Fleet Week, marked a four-year aspiration for the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at the school.

“Last year, we attended Fleet Week. This year, they brought Fleet Week to us,” remarked Liddy Chauhan, a 16-year-old junior and future commander of the cadets.

With a captivating view, attendees witnessed the helicopter’s journey, which started at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and flew over Queens, gliding through Central Park before landing at the school.

As naval officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit showcased high-speed rope maneuvers, students erupted in cheers, thrilled to see the helicopter approach just a few dozen feet away.

The atmosphere remained electric throughout the day, as cadets interacted with the officers and imagined their own futures in the military.

“It’s huge. It means the world to see everyone coming together for events like this… we’re one big family,” one student expressed, highlighting the camaraderie fostered by the event.

For Kelly, witnessing the helicopter in action sparked a “very exciting” realization about his dream of working with marine tanks.

The Cardozo community has been advocating for helicopter and rope demonstrations for years, driven by the presence of the NJROTC program.

This event was not just about spectacle; it also symbolized a celebration of Fleet Week.

Chauhan, now leading the NJROTC program, shared how her aspirations of becoming a Navy nuclear engineer began after joining last year. “Joining NJROTC provides a fun experience and enhances your resume while opening your eyes to a career in the Navy,” she explained.

Her fellow cadet Baswi Singh, 17, is preparing for law studies at American University but also aims to join the Navy someday. “I want to serve my country and give back through my career,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to the legal program at Cardozo.

“Today is especially important to me. It honors what cadets do in this program and recognizes the dedication of veterans and their service, whether it’s in the Navy or Marines,” she continued.

For military personnel involved, the day was equally rewarding, as it helped dispel common misconceptions about the Navy being solely focused on sea operations.

“Their enthusiasm was gratifying; seeing their excitement on our arrival was special,” one officer noted.

This sector, which deals with various explosive threats—chemical, biological, nuclear, both on land and underwater—has attracted considerable interest from Cardozo students, given the school’s strong emphasis on science programs.