Top Sea Cadets visit Kings Bay

The cadets got an up-close view and a chance to tour and immerse themselves with all the different jobs performed here, as well a look at those at NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport. The cadets training ranged from driving tugboats to operating flight simulators.

''Our goal is to show them the whole Navy picture,'' said BMC(SW/AW) Eric Frank, of NSB Kings Bay's Port Operations and coordinator for the cadet's visit. ''Most of the cadets end up joining the military. They are very motivated. The training they receive here will give them an advantage of knowing what the military lifestyle is like.''

The Department of the Navy and the Navy League established the NSCC in 1958. According to the Sea Cadet Web site, the mission of the group is ''To encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them sea skills and teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues.''

The cadets drill once a month - much like Reserve or National Guard units. Units are organized into divisions, squadrons and battalions to reflect the surface, aviation and construction units in the Navy. The purpose of a unit is to foster teamwork, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure.

''The training is amazing,'' said Cadet Petty Officer James Youngblood, a member of the Alabama division. ''The training can help me in the future. I want to go to the Naval Academy and this program can help me achieve my goal.''

Cadets traveled from all over the nation to attend the training. Youngblood (left) came from Alabama, Hobbman from Michigan, and Richins from Georgia to gain a better understanding of how the Navy operates. Photo By PH3 Salvator Chavez Jr.

The cadets go through the same evolutions a Sailor would go through. Their first training is NSCC Recruit Training, a two-week version of Navy ''boot camp,'' that teaches basic seamanship, safety, First Aid, physical fitness and leadership. As cadets move up in rank, they must complete correspondence courses for the rate they are interested in pursuing. Only the top recruits get to go on to the advanced training courses, like the session held here.

What is unusual about the training is the cadets have to pay for everything: $20 a month for the weekend training and $80-100 for the advanced training. This proves that some cadets are motivated for a life in the military.

''The hands-on training was the best part of the program,'' said Seaman Tyler Richins, of Dobbins Air Base Squadron. ''It has been a real challenge, but it will be beneficial for my future if I decide to join the Navy.''

Most of the cadets have a certain goal to achieve in their military future - according to one cadet, there was an added reason to join.

''I have a huge military background in my family,'' said Seaman Kelsey Hoffman of the Michigan Battalion. ''My grandfather was in World War II, and my father was in Vietnam. I want to join to become a pilot and hopefully keep up the family tradition military tradition.''