Navy Airman April Alida Hartwell, daughter of Lynn F. and Daniel N. Hartwell of Suffolk, recently graduated from the Defense Photography Course at Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md.

During the nine-week course, Hartwell received formal classroom instruction in camera operation, film processing, studio portraits and photographic printing. This is integrated with on-the-job training involving shooting assignments and darkroom work.

Once students like Hartwell reach the fleet, they will use their training in the coverage of news events, portrait photography, and photography for official documentation, map-making, and reconnaissance.

Hartwell joined the Navy in November 2004.