Last modified Wed., February 04, 2009 - 03:56 PM
Originally created Thursday, February 5, 2009

Georgia NJROTC unit lands at 'Pro's Nest'

By Lt. Phillip Sautter, VP-30 Public Affairs Officer

The Lassiter NJROTC unit of Marietta, Ga., flanked by retired 1st Sgt. Lorenzo Cox (left) and retired Capt. William Wilkerson (right), recently toured aircraft and squadron spaces at VP-30. Photo by Lt. Phillip Sautter

More than 40 cadets from the Lassiter Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit enjoyed a first-hand look Jan. 16 at how the maritime patrol and reconnaissance (MPR) community protects American interests at home and abroad during their visit to VP-30, the "Pros Nest."

Their tour began with an introduction to the mission of the MPR community, followed by an up-close-and-personal look at a P-3C Orion. The students also had the opportunity to tour the squadron's spaces, including an interactive demonstration of aircrew survival gear. The cadets were able to don survival vests, helmets, exposure suits and oxygen masks while learning the importance of safety in naval aviation.

The Lassiter NJROTC unit includes students from Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry and Kell High Schools in Marietta, Georgia.

The Lassiter NJROTC unit, instructed by Captain William Wilkerson, has been recognized as a Distinguished Unit with Honors for the past seven years. The unit has traveled to several Navy and Marine Corps installations in the southeastern U.S. to learn about the missions of various military commands.

The NJROTC program emphasizes citizenship and leadership development. While laying the foundation for personal responsibility, it also provides cadets with a sense of accomplishment for completing a challenging curriculum and participating in competitions such as drill, rifle, academics and color guard. The VP-30 Pro's Nest appreciates the interest and enthusiasm displayed by these exceptional students and looks forward to serving with them in the future.