Cadets complete summer training under various commands

To participate in the advanced training program, each cadet must first complete a special 10-day recruit boot camp, which was held at Camp Blanding. After boot camp, the cadets were assigned to different commands at NAS Jax based on their areas of interest.

Eight Sea Cadets spent the week at the Flight Line Caf, where they manned a variety of workstations, including the bakery, service line, vegetable and food preparation areas. While learning how a galley works, the cadets helped prepare many different dishes from scratch. Sea Cadet Kenneth Martin, an 11th-grader at Bronson Middle High in Bronson Fla., said, "I think the Sea Cadet program is awesome because we get to learn how to do things that we have never done before. It is a really great learning experience." After college, Martin plans on becoming an officer in the Navy.

From left; PS2 Kristine Ibarra and CPO __ Santiago of VR-58 helped Ensign Stephanie Jones (far right) give her 14 Sea Cadets a look at how the real Navy operates. Photo by Clark Pierce

"It has been so much fun learning how to make things like cookies, pies and cakes. We even got to decorate them," added Sea Cadet Donna Coons, an 11th grader from Trenton High School in Trenton, Fla.

NSCC Ensign Stephanie Jones, a volunteer leader of the American Pride Squadron in Kissimmee, Fla., teamed with CSC(AW/NAC) Deyaniris Santiago of VR-58 to provide airman training for 14 Sea Cadets. "We drill two Saturdays a month - but our week at NAS Jax really has the greatest impact on them," said Jones. "These are great kids who are really focused on their futures. And, our Navy hosts at NAS Jax provide fantastic role models for them."

Santiago added, "Besides working with VR-58 maintenance crews, we scheduled them for tours of the base fire department, rescue swimmer school, paraloft, boathouse and P-3 simulator. They also took part in moving one of our C-40s into the hangar."

The Flight Line Cafe presented the Sea Cadets with a special cake for their outstanding job in the culinary field during their week at NAS Jax. Photo by YNSN Aly Mahler

Two cadets spent their training week at the base chapel, where they assisted with military religious services, retirement ceremonies, and even helped with maintenance projects. They also took part in physical fitness with members of the chapel staff.

Roy Fulmer, an 11th-grader at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fla., said that being a Sea Cadet is a lot of fun. "We learn about the military and how chaplains serve the military community. This program really helps you decide if you want to join the service or not."

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 advanced training during school breaks at various locations around the country.

Some of the areas of training include medical, firefighting, aviation, 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. 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, go to www.seacadets.org.

The Sea Cadets working at the Flight Line Cafe prepare to recieve their awards for a job done well in the culinary arts. Photo by YNSN Aly Mahler

Sea Cadet Roy Fulmer, an 11th-grader at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fla., escorts Helen Donahoe at a retirement ceremony in the base chapel. Fulmer spent the week working at the chapel as part of his training as a religious specialist with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Photo by YNSN Aly Mahler