Cadets train at NAS Jax commands

Each of the cadets must first complete a 14-day mini recruit boot camp which was held at Camp Blanding before they could participate in the advanced training program. After boot camp, the cadets were assigned to different commands at NAS Jax based on what program they were interested in.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadets participate in some callisthenics as part of their morning physical training program at the NAS Jax Chapel.

Four cadets spent the week at the base chapel. "They have been going over instructions, did the money run to the bank for the religious offering fund, set up for services, helped out with the bible study, helped set up for Vacation Bible School, kept the grounds clean, did physical fitness training and interacted with the chaplains," said RP2(SW) Celeste Shield. "They get to experience what we actually do by getting some hands-on training and learn what the Navy chaplains and religious program specialists do every day."

According to one cadet, his experience at the chapel was great. "I'm here because I want to become a Catholic chaplain in the Army. This gets me some exposure to military life.

Photo by MC2(AW/NAC) Lynn Friant Lt. Adam Schantz of VP-30, explains how to steer the P-3 Orion simulator to a group of U.S. Naval Sea Cadets last week.

I will graduate next year and have applied to West Point and the Army ROTC program. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I will go to the Catholic seminary and become a Catholic priest in the Army," said 17-year-old Sea Cadet Mark Sauser of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Ticonderoga Division in Sacramento, Calif. "I've been a member of the Sea Cadets since I was 13. There are so many great opportunities through this organization."

Six cadets also worked in the Flight Line Caf participating in culinary art training. The cadets spent the week working at the different workstations there including the bakery, service line, vegetable and food preparation areas. The group learned how to make many different dishes and how a military galley works. "It's really fun working here and I've learned so much. I really enjoy making the different foods, serving people on the chow line and meeting the military members here," said 15-year-old Sea Cadet Stephen McDonnell of Fort Myers, Fla. "I can't believe we were feeding more than 300 to 400 people each meal. It's been a very enjoyable working here."

Photo by MC2(AW/NAC) Lynn Friant U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Michael Turner explores the inside of a C-9B cockpit during a tour at VR-58.

Another group of cadets spend their week learning the aviation side of the Navy working side-by-side with squadron personnel. The cadets helped with serial number verification, pre-flights of the aircraft, inspections of PRC-90 radios, issuing flight gear, sewing aircraft carpet and making name tags. "My experience working was the Sea Cadets was very interesting and enjoyable. I learned as much from them as they did from me," said AMEAN Sarah Henderson of VR-58, who helped lead the group.

"This has been a very rewarding experience. It has helped me realize that I want to work on airplanes and join the Navy. I love the Sea Cadets," added Sea Cadet Tera McElyea of Orange Park, Fla.

"This week has been great I have met many interesting Navy Sailors and got to work beside them. This is an experience I will remember for a long time," echoed Sea Cadet Kyle Lore of Jacksonville.

Photo by MC2(AW/NAC) Lynn Friant U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Kendra Johnson of St. Augustine, Fla., inspects an exhaust pipe of a turboJet engine during a preflight of a C-9B at VR-58.

The NSCC program is open to youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marines and Merchant Marines. Members drill at their local units weekly or monthly during the year and are given the

opportunity to participate in advance training during school breaks at various locations around the country. Some of the areas of training include medical, firefighting, culinary arts, photojournalism, SEAL team , sailing and basic seamanship.

Each Sea Cadet must complete the Navy Knowledge Online correspondence courses and complete the summer training program before being considered for promotion. "Most kids join the Sea Cadet program because they have an interest in the military and want to get an idea of what it's all about. This program focuses on patriotism, self reliance and discipline which will help them throughout their lives," said Lt. Cmdr. June Tillet, regional director for U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Region 6-2, FDR Squadron.

The NLCC is open to boys and girls ages 11-13 and is designed to introduce young people to military life and prepare them for the NSCC program.

For more information on these programs, go to www.seacadets.org.