WASHINGTON (USTCNS) --- Imagine going through life without ever seeing the ocean. That was the case for Evelyn McCabe, a Navajo Indian, before her trip aboard oceanographic survey ship USNS Bruce C. Heezen. McCabe was one of 14 teachers chosen to participate in the Sea Scholar Program May 7-12.

The Sea Scholar Program - designed by St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., the Oceanographer of the Navy and the Naval Oceanographic Office - each year gives some American teachers an opportunity to experience the ocean and get hands-on experience as oceanographic surveyors. The program exposes the teachers to oceanography so they in turn can expose their students to this field.

This year teachers from Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Mississippi and Arizona sailed aboard USNS Bruce C. Heezen for a week-long ocean survey from Key West, Fla., to Corpus Christi, Texas.

The teachers became students, as scientists from the NAVOCEANO detachment aboard Heezen instructed the teachers in oceanography practical basics. The subjects ranged from: collecting data from the surface, mid-water and sea floor; launching and recovering scientific packages; and processing and analyzing data aboard ship. The Military Sealift Command ship's crew also taught the group precise navigation and ship maneuvering.

"The bridge crew was exemplary - demonstrating ship handling skills and giving each teacher the opportunity to steer the ship," said Capt. Andrew Diamond, Heezen's master. "The most impressive crew member, however, was Chief Cook Robert Ramirez. He kept the teachers well fed with culinary delights that met with rave reviews from everyone."

Capt. Diamond and the chief scientist aboard, Mark Jarrett, arranged for the teachers to visit Dry Tortuga National Park during the trip. Made up of seven islands and their surrounding shoals and waters, the park is about 70 miles west of Key West and is known for its famous bird and marine life as well as legends of pirates, shipwrecks and sunken gold.

Although the teachers did not find any gold, they did discover a treasure trove of oceanographic and mariner knowledge among the NAVOCEANO scientists and the MSC crew.

"Teachers from previous trips have sent mail both thanking us and urging continued support," said Capt. Diamond. "Many describe it as a once in a lifetime experience."

Heezen carries the most advanced bottom-mapping sonar available, according to NAVOCEANO. Collected data is incorporated into navigation charts allowing ships to operate in shallow water.

This ability is critical for the Navy fleet as the U.S. military operates more and more within the world's littorals - the area of land within 300 miles of the coastline where scientists estimate 80 percent of the world's population will live by 2010. (FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).