Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Oscar Diaz | Sea Cadets stand at attention at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB)...... read more read more
NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TEXAS – United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) held two national trainings at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth from July 21-July 31, followed by graduation on August 1. The training allowed sea cadets from around the country to advance in their rank, acquire leadership skills, and learn about naval careers.
Founded in 1958 by the Navy League of the United States, the USNSCC is the Navy’s youth organization that mirrors the Navy, Merchant Marines, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard. There are two programs within the USNSCC: the Navy League Cadet Corps (ages 10-13) and the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (ages 13-18). Sea cadets participate in monthly weekend drills, boot camp, advanced training camps, and have the opportunity to participate in International Exchange. USNCC’s core values reflect those promoted by the maritime services that include honor, respect, commitment, and service.
Lt. Michael Tishlias USNSCC, of the Forrestal Squadron commented on what USNSCC can provide for a member, “it gives the cadets an opportunity to succeed in life whether it be in the civilian sector or going into the military. It instills leadership skills, responsibility, teamwork, critical thinking, and so much more. It prepares them to be leaders of tomorrow.”
The two trainings at NAS JRB Fort Worth composed of Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) and Airman Training. There are many working parts when hosting a USNSCC training of any degree. NAS JRB Fort Worth tenants VMFA-112, FRC, Transient Line, and 90th Aviation Support Battalion provided assistance with training the Airman Cadets. Lt. Cmdr. Howard Fields, NSCC was the commanding officer of the Airman Training and Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Fields, NSCC was the commanding officer of the POLA training.
Seaman Keyen Morgan, a native Texan, attended the one-week POLA training at NAS JRB Fort Worth. He will rank up to Petty Officer 3rd Class this October. POLA is designed to prepare sea cadets to become leaders of other cadets and/or leaders of any other advanced training. Morgan learned about Sea Cadets from his father who was a member of the Fort Worth Lonestar Squadron when he was a student.
“There’s never a dull moment in the Sea Cadets. It’s interactive, entertaining, and engaging. There are endless opportunities available and I have made lifelong friendships in this program,” said Morgan. He added, “Go Navy, beat Army!”
Morgan plans to attend Baylor or UT to get a law degree. He’s aiming to use scholarships earned from the Sea Cadet program to help pave his way through college. He then plans to be a Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) officer in the military and then continue on to the private sector.
The two-week Airman Training has been held for 20 plus years at NAS JRB Fort Worth. It is advanced training created to expose the cadets to various job opportunities in aviation as well as marching, physical training each morning, and morning/evening colors. They rotate through several squadrons to gain a hands-on experience in the field including but not limited to aircraft flight controls, mechanical maintenance and flight planning, and naval aircraft history.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marli Wilhoit attended the Airman Training for the second summer in a row. “I’m excited to be back here to share my knowledge with the other sea cadets attending this training,” shared Wilhoit.
Floridian Wilhoit has been in the USNSCC for four years, focusing on aviation. USNSCC sent her to ground school in Key West for a week where she earned her bronze wings for completing the first part of her private pilot’s license. She appreciates the advantages gained from being in USNSCC.
“It has been great because the organizations that support the USNSCC, like the Navy League, have helped to fund my private pilot’s license,” Wilhoit shared.
Wilhoit has her own website with a sub stack blog, writing about her time in USNSCC and aviation. She commented, “I really want to spread the word about USNSCC. Not enough students know about the advantages provided. I have benefited in so many ways while in Sea Cadets that wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t know. I’m hoping my work can help spread the word to others and let them know there are endless opportunities in the military and Sea Cadets.”
“We are getting to do things that other Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) or civilians wouldn’t be able to do. We actually get to talk to the active-duty members of the military. It gives us a good picture to know what we need to do to prepare for our future, what steps to take now for a potential job,” Wilhoit concluded.
Wilhoit is currently applying to military academies and college ROTC programs in hopes to join the Navy or Air Force as a pilot. After serving her time in the military, she plans to be a pilot in the airlines.
Post-graduation ceremony, Tishlias reflected, “I am always amazed by how these young men and women grow by the end of training. I feel proud of each of them and the bright future they have. NAS JRB Fort Worth has been an incredible host and we are extremely grateful to them.”
NAS JRB Fort Worth is the first and finest joint reserve base, known for training and equipping air crews and aviation ground support personnel, while supporting missions such as airlift, aerial refueling, and global mobility, making it an integral part of national defense infrastructure.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2024 16:34 |
| Story ID: | 477908 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 309 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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