Photo By Staff Sgt. Leslie Keopka | United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps alumni and volunteers gather for a group photo...... read more read more
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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a United States Navy based organization for 11 to 17 year-olds that teaches the importance of community service, teamwork, discipline and camaraderie.
Upon entering the program, Sea Cadets attend a two-week training session for recruits. Units are located in 46 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.
The 106 hours of class focuses on honor, courage and commitment: the USN’s core values. After graduating, Sea Cadets then attend advanced training with the Navy and Coast Guard vessels, among many other training opportunities.
Lt Cmdr. Danny Cruz, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa staff civil engineer, spent three years as a Sea Cadet. He joined at 15 with the Chicago Division and when it closed, transferred over to the John F. Kennedy Division in Forest Park, Ill.
Cruz originally enlisted on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and then transitioned to the USMC Reserves. After earning his engineering degree, Cruz commissioned through Navy OCS in 1998 and remains as an active duty engineering officer.
“My advice [to current and future Sea Cadets]: go all in,” Cruz said. “Academics, athletics and teamwork; approach life with no holds barred and give your all in everything you endeavor.”
Petty Officer 1st Class Cynthia Martinez, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa tactical communications NCO in-charge, entered the program in sixth grade and spent seven years in the Los Angeles, Calif., area division.
“The Sea Cadet program taught me responsibility, respect and integrity at such a young age,” said Martinez. “The mental and physical challenge I experienced has guided and shaped me to never settle for less; I try to instill that same mindset with all who I serve with today.”
The community and camaraderie of the Sea Cadet program tailored Martinez’s decision to join the U.S. Navy. She encourages current and future cadets to step out of their comfort zone and always strive to become a better citizen, leader and cadet.
For more information on the Sea Cadet program visit their website: http://www.seacadets.org/.
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2014 06:37 |
| Story ID: | 139419 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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