171104-N-UN340-017 Chula Vista, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2017)–

171104-N-UN340-017 Chula Vista, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2017)– Dr. Stephen Russell, left, Chief Technology Officer assigned to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and Capt. Mel Yokoyama, Commanding Officer, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) inspect robots prior to the start of the 9th Annual Eastlake High School/SPAWAR For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO league robotics qualifying tournament. More that 70 SPAWAR volunteers assisted in the event as referees, judges, timers and mentors. FIRST robotics competitions combine the excitement of sports with science and technology and create a unique opportunity for students to compete for scholarships while designing, building, and programming robots with professional engineers. SPAWAR supports and strongly encourages students to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.  (U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt/Released)