FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Alexander I. Slosman, Public Information Officer

Newport News (CA-148) Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

www.NHseacadets.org

 

 

SUMMER CAMP SEA CADET STYLE

 

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE - Seven area teens with Concord’s USS Newport News (CA-148) Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps recently completed the 9-day basic recruit boot camp training at Regional Training Command, located this year at Camp Edwards, Otis Air Base on the Massachusetts Military Reservation, Bourne, MA. This training is a specially designed, age-appropriate curriculum designed and administered by Navy and Sea Cadet Corps drill instructors. Division flew to (LOCATION) on a Navy transport aircraft.

 

Training activities included a broad range of subjects. Some designed to help cadets become better adult citizens, others emphasized the importance of strong maritime forces. Topics include naval history, customs and traditions, physical fitness, seamanship, navigation and similar nautical subjects.

 

Newport News Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Joe Grigas said Concord area cadets attending this year ranged in age from 11 to 16. “We are very proud of this year’s group of cadets. Many of the seven student recruits we sent earned leadership positions, three were awarded Company Honor Cadet status, and one of those, Seaman Apprentice Elise Luers of Concord, was chosen as the Battalion Honor Cadet. This is the first year we have had a cadet receive both awards.” Grigas said.

 

Other local cadets participated in advanced training in many places throughout the country. Advanced summer training topics ranged from emergency medicine, leading to qualification for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination, to construction science and law enforcement. More experienced cadets were even selected as staff members to assist in presenting the training to their peers. Lieutenant Grigas added that the Concord unit still has a few openings for the upcoming year.

 

First established in 1958, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) are drug- and alcohol-free youth programs for young Americans. Males and females ages 11 through 17 are eligible. Program objectives include developing a sense of patriotism, courage, and self-reliance in cadets, and teaching skills in leadership and the naval and maritime sciences. Training takes place aboard ships and shore activities of the military, Coast Guard, Homeland Security and other government agencies. Instructors are drawn from military personnel (active, reserve and retired), senior cadets and other adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this activity.

 

Though cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear United States Navy enlisted uniforms and enjoy limited base privileges, they remain civilians. Cadets have no military commitment and may voluntarily leave the program at any time. For cadets who decide to pursue military careers, Sea Cadet training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade. Sea Cadet experience is also looked upon favorably by military service academies and ROTC selection boards.

 

In order to join, applicants must meet basic eligibility standards. Cadets must be between the ages of 11 and 17 years old, citizens of the United States, full-time students with a GPA of at least 2.00 and free of felony convictions. All cadets must meet these standards throughout their participation in the program.

 

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USS Newport News (CA-148) Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Event and archive photographs available on request