Turlock High School Principal Marie Peterson and Head Counselor Eric Swanson won’t just be flying a desk on March 18, as both will receive the opportunity of a lifetime with the U.S. Navy.

As part of the Educators to Sea program Peterson and Swanson will depart Naval Air Station North Island (Coronado) in a U.S. Navy jet and land on the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) with an arrested landing. The following day they will be catapulted off the carrier and land at back at Coronado.

“I have never been on a Navy ship or in a jet and I am excited, but truth be told a little nervous too – especially landing on an aircraft carrier,” said Peterson.

THS NJROTC instructors Major Kelly Cross and Commander Carlos Montanez informed Peterson about the Educator to Sea program and encouraged Peterson to apply.

“As a new principal I’ve tried to expand my knowledge of our various programs and I thought this would give me an even better understanding and appreciation of our NJROTC program. I am excited about returning to THS and sharing my experience with the cadets,” she said.

Both Peterson and Swanson have been brushing up on their favorite Top Gun catchphrases in anticipation of the trip.