MORE LIKE A VACATION THAN A SEA CADET TRAINING EVOLUTION!

According to Cadet B. DeShong, the 2008 International Exchange Program (IEP) held at the Naval Station in Newport, RI was “less of a sea cadet training and more of a vacation.”

Cadet DeShong and INST J. Lavoie were among a very few selected U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) personnel to attend the IEP and serve as part of its staff. Getting a billet at the IEP is very competitive, most applicants do not get selected, so the Henry E. Mooberry Division was truly honored that its two nominees were selected.

The IEP held at Newport, from 29 JUN to 9 JUL 08, is half of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ fulfillment to host Sea Cadets from other countries to which NSCC Cadets are sent as part of the International Exchange. This year, Sea Cadets from Sweden, Canada, The United Kingdom (North Ireland and England), and Singapore sent Cadets to Newport. Other countries sent Cadets to a similar IEP on the West Coast.

A contingent of Sea Cadets from all five countries represented at the Sea Cadet International Exchange Program held at Naval Station Newport, RI, where Cadet DeShong and INST Lavoie served as staff members. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Small Staff, High Expectations – Not Quite a “Vacation”

While the IEP is not the typical Sea Cadet training evolution, as military bearing is somewhat relaxed in order to accommodate the various cultures and degrees of military bearing, or lack thereof, Cadets from the other countries are used to, the demands of being a staff member are intense, just as they are at other NSCC training evolutions.

Cadet DeShong was one of just five NSCC Cadets on the IEP staff. The other four Cadets included two Chief Petty Officers and two Petty Officer First Class Cadets. The small Cadet staff were responsible for many tasks, most of all, making sure the visiting Cadets were safe and comfortable while in the U.S.

INST Lavoie served as the IEP’s Administrative Officer and its Medical Officer, keeping her busy day and night. Lavoie was one of just five adult volunteers on the IEP staff. The others included the Director of the IEP, LCDR Michael Campbell; the IEP XO, CDR Duncan Rowles, USN (Ret); LCDR George Dimock, CO of the NSCC unit homeported in Fall River, MA; and LCDR Keith Larson, CO of the NSCC Twin Cities Squadron, one of the nation’s best NSCC units.

Clearly, DeShong and Lavoie were the “juniors” on the 10-person IEP staff. Indeed, they were serving with some of the very best Cadets and leaders in the NSCC, making the need for them to meet the high standards and expectations present. Luckily, they are used to meeting such a high standard, as members of the Henry E. Mooberry Division, where standards and expectations remain high, so meeting those of the IEP was easily accomplished.

With the arrival of the four foreign adult Officers (three female and one male) and 16 Cadets from around the globe, and a good night’s sleep, the fun began early the next day.

During a moment of goofing off, (left to right) NSCC Chief Petty Officer T. Jeremenko, of a neighboring NSCC unit in our area, a British Sea Cadet and Cadet DeShong of the Henry E. Mooberry Division, wear the wrong covers with their uniforms. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Busy, Busy, Busy

As reported in last month’s newsletter, each Sea Cadet contingent performed military Drill and showed off their country’s marching style. Cadets were schooled in the proper military customs and courtesies for use on a U.S. military base and in the USA. And they trained at the Navy Surface Warfare Operations School’s ship bridge simulator.

The following day, they trained in damage control and marlinspike seamanship, capped off by a practical evolution at the USS Buttercup damage control simulator – as they tried to stop the leaks in the ship and breaks of the pipes, everyone got soaked!

“We did a lot of really fun stuff like, staying overnight on the battleship, USS Massachusetts, and going in the second newest submarine in the U.S. fleet, the USS North Carolina,” Cadet DeShong reported.

According to INST Lavoie, the MASSACHUSETTS is berthed in Fall River, MA, her hometown. She made it clear that, “contrary to the rumors, No, we didn’t all show up at my mother’s house for cookies and milk! However, the idea of a pot of tea and biscuits at my mother’s house was very appealing to LT Johnson-Paul from the UK, but we didn’t act upon it.”

The IEP personnel were given a private tour of the battleship by LCDR Dimock, NSCC, who serves as CO of the NSCC unit based aboard. The USS Massachusetts is a World War II relic that stands as a permanent WWII memorial to all those that served in the Armed Forces from the state. “I grew up being forced to tour it as our annual class trip, and thought that I would never ever have to set foot on it again. There have been many additions to the exhibits since the old days. It was absolutely fascinating to get a flavor of ship life during WWII,” Lavoie said.

Alongside the battleship were other noteworthy items in naval history, including a PT (Patrol, Torpedo) boat similar to the infamous, PT-109 commanded by former President and Naval officer, John F. Kennedy, a native of the state. Also located there are the USS Joseph P. Kennedy and the submarine, USS Lionfish. “It was sobering to see a tiny little rack suspended over a huge torpedo, a space saving measure” Lavoie recalled.

Kayaking; two nights at the movies; a talent show; Mansion, Harbor, Naval and Maritime Museum tours; a night at a minor league baseball game (with hot dogs and ice cream enjoyed by the visiting Cadets) and a farewell dinner, complete with lobster, were other IEP events that kept Cadets and adults busy during the training.

Tea, Taxes, Cake and Good Humor – Cheerio!

When IEP personnel reported for muster on July 4th, they found good natured ghosts worked through the night and placed upon the Quarterdeck, two boats filled with British teabags, adorned with British flags and a scroll from the Training Ship Ark Royal Sea Cadets. An attached note read, “Happy Independence Day! Have a Cup of Tea from the Good Old Brits! Your Former Lords and Masters! (Best Friends Forever! You Should Have Paid Your Taxes!)”

Great fellowship and a bit of British humor greeted the ten members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps contingent at the 2008 International Exchange Program upon waking on the morning of Fourth of July! Photo by INST J. Lavoie

Later that night, on the MASSACHUSETTS, the Cadets enjoyed some time with the NSCC unit homeported on it. Together, they enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display in celebration of the Fourth of July!

The following morning, the IEP personnel boarded the buses to journey to Boston, “the birthplace of American freedom and one of my old college stomping grounds,” INST Lavoie was proud to proclaim.

INST Lavoie reported that the IEP personnel enjoyed a tour of the USS Constitution. “‘Old Ironsides’ is in pristine condition. The museum was awesome, lots of hands on exhibits.” A land and sea tour of Boston aboard a WWII amphibious vehicle, which leaves the city streets and drops into the Charles River for a waterside perspective, was followed by some liberty time. During the free time, many of the IEP Cadets visited the infamous Quincy Market, which “is known as the number one tourist trap in Boston,” according to Lavoie. “Having given enough of my money to the market in the past, I visited with an old college chum in Brighton, MA and watched our beloved Red Sox on TV,” she said.

When liberty expired that night, the IEP personnel returned to Newport, “tired and divested of our finances, but my night was just beginning,” Lavoie recalled. An emergency medical situation with one of the Cadets, had INST Lavoie up all night in an ambulance and then in an Emergency Room with the Cadet and a foreign Sea Cadet escort Officer.

On Canada Day, the IEP celebrated with a huge cake, adorned with the Canadian Flag and a Navy Petty Officer Third Class sang the Canadian National Anthem, “Oh, Canada.”

Captain…For a Couple of Hours

“At the beginning of the exchange, the CO, LCDR Campbell, NSCC, said he wanted to know what it was like to be a Seaman again. I said that I always wanted to know what it would be like to be the CO of a training evolution,” Cadet DeShong reported.

That short exchange set the stage for an event that happened later that week, when LCDR Campbell, who rose through the ranks as a Sea Cadet to become an officer, and Cadet DeShong reversed roles and traded “hats.”

Cadet DeShong had the honor of being the only Cadet at the International Exchange Program to have ever become Commanding Officer of the Training Contingent – well at least for a few hours. LCDR Michael Campbell, NSCC, right, congratulates Cadet DeShong, left, for a job well done, as Cadet DeShong displays the CO’s large coffee cup that he got to borrow while the acting CO. Photo by INST J. Lavoie

DeShong, wasted no time in taking on the CO’s role. One of the first things he did was to grab a hold of a coffee cup, one eyewitness said. DeShong confirmed the eyewitness’ account and said, “I got to control the training for a while and drink lots of coffee.”

Soon, Cadet DeShong realized that being a CO is not as easy as some people think or as some COs make it seem. He recalled, “It was kind of hard being CO because I wasn’t used to delegating orders.” The role reversal was a highlight for Cadet DeShong and the target of humor by others – all in good fun.

More Shopping, Patriotism and Fireworks

Not one to miss out on a good deal, INST Lavoie took some time to head for the Navy Exchange and purchase a new Coach handbag.

Meanwhile, most others headed for the beach, taking in the sand, surf and sun. In spite of suggestions to use liberal amounts of sunscreen, some of the Cadets returned to the barracks looking more like red cooked lobsters than Cadets, according to reports.

That night, everyone was treated to the Navy’s July 4th celebration. A contingent from the Navy Band entertained the large crowd from the Newport vicinity, including playing lots of music from the 1970s and 80s, which INST Lavoie said she thought were wrongly termed, “oldies.” “I don’t consider them as being so old,” she protested. The night’s highlight was the fireworks display. INST Lavoie said, “They defied description. They were far better even than those in DC.”

Muscles, Buoys and Mussels

As if the IEP personnel did not already have enough fun, one more exciting adventure awaited them – they got underway on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLB-201), a buoy tender homeported at Naval Station Newport, RI.

The cutter, commanded by Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Richard L. Wester, welcomed the IEP Cadets aboard early in the morning and then got underway for a point off of the coast of Montauk Point, NY.

The IEP Multinational Contingent musters aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLB-201) prior to getting underway. Cadet DeShong is in the left back corner of the image. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Leaving his NSCC identity at home and serving as a Coast Guard Public Affairs asset, LT JP Cirone, NSCC, was aboard as well, to document the event for Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs.

The cutter left the pier under its own power (no tugs!) under the command of Ensign Beau Belanger, supported by a cast of enlisted and commissioned personnel and electronics, who fed him important data on which he could make decisions.
Once clear of Newport Harbor, the ship headed for the open sea. Enroute, IEP Cadets were given a tour of the cutter and told about its missions. They enjoyed chow on the mess deck and then watched as men, women and machines tackled the tasks at hand.

TOP – Swedish Sea Cadet Instructor Moa Aspero Lind, of Stockholm, enjoys the peace and tranquility on the fantail of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLB-201). BOTTOM – Coast Guard Academy Midshipman First Class Christina Nelson, right, briefs the International crowd of Sea Cadet personnel from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore and Sweden on the operations of the Cutter. Personnel being briefed included U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Instructor Janice Lavoie, (second from right), a British Sea Cadet, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Cadet Brian DeShong, of the Henry E. Mooberry Division in Washington DC, an Irish Sea Cadet, an English Sea Cadet and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Petty Officer First Class Henckler, left, of Chelmsford, MA USCG photos by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

Reaching the Montauk Point junction/safe water buoy, an object that is nine-foot in diameter, 35-feet high, and weighs 20,000-pounds, the cutter’s crew began the difficult task of sneaking up on the freely bouncing buoy, riding the waves, then capturing it with a line and finally hoisting it aboard and securing it on the cutter’s deck.

With nerves of steel in the bridge, maneuvering the cutter alongside without colliding with the massive steel structure was not an easy task. It required patience, time and a little modern technology, interfaced with tried and true nautical seamanship skills. On the buoy deck, muscles like steel handled sledge hammers, huge wooden chocks, chains and other tools, needed to snag, hoist and secure the giant in place to safely work on it and its anchoring system.

Coast Guardsmen work as a team to scrape the marine growth off of the Montauk Point safe water buoy on the Cutter Juniper’s buoy deck, while Sea Cadets from five nations watch. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

On the deck, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Boatswain) Michael Tomasi and Chief Boatswains Mate Brad Frost, directed the ship’s crew and the safe and efficient movement of the buoy and its anchoring system, while the ship’s Executive Officer oversaw the entire operation and ensured situational awareness was maintained.

Coast Guard Seaman Adam Wernicke, uses an acetylene cutting torch to begin repairs on the 20,000-pound, 35 foot-long buoy’s anchor chainx. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

With the IEP personnel watching from a safe distance, the ship’s crew brought the buoy aboard; repaired damaged and worn links in the anchoring system’s chain; cleaned the marine growth and mussels from the buoy.

Repairs to the anchoring system’s chain links required the heating of steel and the pounding of white hot metal with sledge hammers by two crew members simultaneously, in order to form the steel into a shape desired to prevent the link from pulling apart. In the U.S. Coast Guard, women are permitted to work in any rate (job) available to men, not surprisingly, women are found on the buoy deck as well. With sledge hammer in hand, Coast Guard Seaman Savannah Sibley of Gurnee, IL, took her turn at molding the hot steel, swinging the sledge in huge arcs over her shoulder then down onto the steel target. “Very Impressive!,” is how LT Cirone described her work effort. “Truly a role model for other enlisted woman to follow,” he exclaimed.

Coast Guard Seman Savannah Sibley, right, pounds near-molten metal into shape with a sledgehammer on the deck of the Cutter Juniper, while making repairs to a chain link anchoring system for a Montauk Point area buoy. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

Then after calculations were made to ensure it was in its accurate and charted position, as depicted on navigational charts, depended upon by mariners for safe passage, a replacement, refurbished buoy was set in the exact position. Operational checks verified that the buoy and its radar reflector were normal.

The cutter then headed for a position near Block Island, where it lowered its small boat and ferried the IEP and LT Cirone ashore.

INST Lavoie climbs down the Jacob’s ladder and into the small boat alongside Cutter Juniper, and into the arms of Coast Guardsmen, before departing to Block Island, RI. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

The departing IEP personnel and LT Cirone climbed over the side of the ship and down a rope ladder, called a Jacob’s Ladder, into the small boat, as it bobbed up and down and side to side alongside the cutter’s steel hull, which more often than not, bobbed up and down and side to side at different times.

“JUN 2,” the small boat aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLP-201), gets underway enroute from the Cutter to Block Island, RI, with the first of three boat loads of International Sea Cadets. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

Three round trips were required to get all of the IEP personnel and LT Cirone ashore. From there, the personnel made their way to a high speed ferry, which deposited them in Point Judith, RI.

While the cutter returned to its mission; the IEP personnel went to a farewell dinner in Newport, RI and LT Cirone visited with the local Police Department and the Coast Guard Station in Point Judith before returning to the Coast Guard pier in Newport later that night.

LT Joseph P. Cirone, USNSCC, underway on “JUN 1,” a small boat aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper (WLP-201), while enroute from the Cutter to Block Island, RI, with the last of three boat loads of International Sea Cadets. Photo by CDR Duncan Rowles, USN (Ret)

During the farewell dinner, mementos were exchanged between some of the IEP personnel, before returning to the barracks and getting ready for a return home the following day.

INST Lavoie shared her memory of the dinner, “I had the lobster. It was amusing to watch British LT Johnson-Paul try to make heads or tails of the lobster, literally!”

Just Like in the Movies

One of the IEP goals is to expose visiting Cadets to the culture and people of the host country. Often, such exposure is eye-opening, but sometimes, it is not so surprising. For U.K. Sea Cadet Owen Kingston, the IEP validated what he thought the U.S. was like. ” U.S. culture is just like it is depicted in the movies,” he exclaimed. He added, “I would definitely do this experience again.” Shipmate, U.K. Sea Cadet Brendan May looked at the U.S. in a different way, “Americans are very franchised! But I had a fantastic time and hope to return as an escort officer next year.”

Amazing, Outgoing and Yet, the Same

U.K. Sea Cadet Jennifer Patton called the American culture, “amazing. What I liked best about being here was, the people. I would come back tomorrow,” she said.

Singaporean Sea Cadet Christopher Lu reflected, “Every country has its own culture. I found it very interesting to be around the Americans. Americans are more outgoing than people in our country.”

Swedish Sea Cadet Caroline Backstrom echoed her Singaporean counterparts thoughts, “I appreciated the friendship built with other countries and the culture. American culture is very different from European. Americans eat a lot more sugar!! In Sweden, we are more reserved. Americans are more outgoing in a positive way.”

Perhaps being so close geographically and sharing many of the same ideals and a common ancestry caused Canadian Sea Cadet Marty Wiens to see things a bit differently. “I enjoyed meeting different people the best. American culture is pretty much the same as Canadian culture,” he said.

While some other Cadets took time to develop their ‘sea legs,’ while underway aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Juniper on its trip from Newport, RI to Montauk Point, NY, Singaporean Sea Cadet Jackson Tee, took to the sea without difficulty. She also enjoyed the WWII “Duck” craft tour in Boston Harbor, but for her, “my highlight of the trip was the fireworks in Newport. I have never seen anything like that, with the music. The crowd members were very patriotic and energized.”

Canadian Sea Cadet LT Christina Ebbett pointed out that the two countries that were the farthest apart geographically, Canada and Singapore, had the most similar marching styles.

Comparing notes with the foreign female Sea Cadet Officers at the IEP, INST Lavoie, an avid shopper and fashion guru in her own right, observed that the Singaporean Sea Cadets had the best looking uniforms. Uniforms designed by Yves Saint Laurent!

Cadet DeShong summarized his IEP experience by saying, “I learned a lot about the other countries. I had a really good time.”

OUR PERSONNEL GET HIGH MARKS

The results of guidance, discipline and preparation at home and in our unit’s training program, have shown positive and dramatic results. The unit’s Cadets and adult volunteers earned a large number of high marks from training site Commanding Officers and their staffs, as compared to most other units.

Up North

Ten year-old Cadet R. Eichler’s final score of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale was a great achievement. Passing all four written exams and being at the top of her recruit class throughout the training, she was called “outstanding” by the recruit training staff.

A Sea Cadet at the Fort Jackson, SC boot camp, gives a “thumbs up,” to the unit’s personnel. Photo by Cadet H. Lan

The written comments of Lieutenant Commander Anthony White, USNSCC, Operations Officer for the Recruit Training Orientation at Coast Guard Station Beach Haven, NJ, stated, “Great example for [her] Company. Very strong leadership potential.”

Cadet Eichler earned the NSCC Unit Commendation Ribbon after she helped lead her recruit company’s (Charlie Company) selection as the recruit training Honor Company, excelling in all areas of judging, including Professional Performance, Military Behavior, Military Appearance, Adaptability to Military Life, Leadership, Barracks and Personnel Inspections, Military Drill and written exams.

LCDR White, NSCC said Cadet R. McFadden “is very committed and dedicated. He is an extremely hard worker.”

Fort Indiantown Gap, PA Recruit Training Staff Cadet, Petty Officer Second Class D. Wise, said Cadet S. Thomas “Quickly made new friends and adapted to the military lifestyle.”

“Outstanding, Simply Outstanding,” exclaimed Staff Cadet Petty Officer Third Class S. Horvat about Cadet N. Thong. Tong also scored an impressive 3.88 out of a possible 4.0 on the overall boot camp overall evaluation, based on Professional Performance, Military behavior, Military Appearance, Adaptability to Military Life, Leadership, Barracks and Personnel Inspections, Military Drill and written exams.

“Cadet Oke carried our his duties as company yeoman with excellence, pushing his shipmates to a higher standard,” Petty Officer Wise recalled.

Cadet A. Leon-Franco’s Final Exam grade was among the highest in the class – 88%, but was edged out by Cadet J. Juste, who received a 93%. Leon-Franco enjoyed a surprise “graduation present,” when his family picked him up at Fort Indiantown Gap and spent the rest of the weekend at Hershey Park, enjoying the many amusements and chocolate, no doubt!.

“A hard worker with a great attitude and well-liked,” is how Cadet Staff Petty Officer Timothy Peterson described Cadet J. Vorus.

“Éasily the most outstanding PO3 I have ever met in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,” is how Chief Petty Officer Tahnee Zaccano, USNSCC, described 15 year-old Petty Officer Third Class KA Plata.

“…the most outstanding PO3 I have ever met in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,” with an evaluation statement like that, PO3 KA Plata has reason to smile. File photo by Joseph P Cirone

Petty Officer Plata served as the Chief Master-at-Arms (CMAA) for the Recruit Training at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. From day one, Petty Officer Plata established herself as a leader, taking charge of a recruit company, as did her sister, Petty Officer Third Class KG Plata. The Platas worked well with each other and in friendly competition.

“She never hesitated in taking charge and delegating the MAAs to do their jobs. She was always there to do everything and anything. I could always count on her. PO3 Plata was always the first to pickup a fallen recruit, aid and motivate them through the class or PT,” CPO Zaccano continued.

PO3 KA Plata’s excellent military bearing, attitude, teamwork, and knowledge of the Navy and Sea Cadet Corps were cited as reasons she was given an overall rating of 3.91 on a 4.0 scale on her overall evaluation.
“Her organizational skills, work ethics and leadership ability are all traits to be admired and emulated. She would make an outstanding Chief Petty Officer and I hope to work with her when that day comes,” CPO Zaccano concluded.

CMAA PO3 KA Plata’s sister, PO3 KG Plata also scored high marks on her evaluation. Serving as a MAA, PO3 KG Plata was cited for her stepping up and taking charge of a recruit company when the Company Commander was otherwise occupied; for her teamwork and her knowledge of military life and instruction. “Her experience helped lead the recruits and staff,” CPO Zaccano recalled.

PO3 K Herbert, also serving as an MAA, was similarly appreciated for his taking charge of a recruit company when the Company Commander was unavailable. CPO Zaccano said PO3 Herbert’s pride in the NSCC was evident in the care he took and how he wore his uniform. “He was one of the best dressed MAAs. His uniform and attitude showed pride in the Corps. He was very good with teaching classes. He knew his stuff,” she stated.

Down South

Cadet M. Walsh was selected as the Honor Cadet for Bravo Company at the Recruit Training held at Fort Jackson, SC.

The Commanding Officer of the Training Contingent (COTC), Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ralph Corley, U.S. Army National Guard, wrote about Cadet Walsh’s conduct, “Your extra effort brings credit to you and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.” Cadet Walsh also earned the Marksmanship Ribbon during boot camp for his performance on the firearms range.

Cadet Max Walsh, left, and Marine Lance Corporal Alex Balick, right, of the U.S. Marine Corps Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division from Camp Lejeune, NC, along with other marines and Sea Cadets aboard the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), help main the ship’s rails as it passes the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor during the 2008 Fleet Week celebration and Parade of Ships. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Not letting the unit and its outstanding reputation for quality leadership down, the Bravo Company Commander was our very own, PO3 A Lan! Kudos to both Cadets Lan and Walsh for a Job Well Done! (Bravo Zulu!)

LT. Heath Collins, NSCC, the Commanding Officer of the NSCC Asheville (NC) Division, who served as a Staff Officer at the Fort Jackson Recruit Training, said PO3 A. Lan and PO3 H. Lan, did “a great job. The female recruits were always on time; their berthing area was always clean, and I personally want to thank both Cadet A. Lan, and Cadet H. Lan for being great Staff Cadets. I hope to see them both next year.”

“Ambassadors” in the Northeast

“Your devotion to duty and willingness to learn have proven your dedication to the worldwide Sea Cadet movement as a special youth ambassador,” Lieutenant Commander Michael Campbell, NSCC, the Director of the International Exchange Program (IEP) told INST J. Lavoie when he presented her with an IEP certificate and a Challenge coin.

LCDR Campbell called Seaman B. DeShong a diplomat, who helped make the experiences of the 19 foreign Sea Cadets and their escort officers “as complete and as positive as possible.” Cadet DeShong’s “performance, ‘can-do’ attitude and personal example were all outstanding,” LCDR Campbell concluded.

For his exceptional performance as one of only a few U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, serving as an IEP Staff Cadet, which required him to sacrifice his personal needs and comfort at times, in order to accomplish the mission and assigned tasks and handle a number of diverse responsibilities throughout the day and night, Seaman DeShong was awarded the NSCC Commendation Ribbon by Captain E.S. Sobieray, USNR (Ret).

CAPT Sobieray also awarded the NSCC Commendation Ribbon to INST Lavoie for her work as a Command Duty Officer; collateral supervisory and leadership duties and her extraordinary work as the Medical Officer, handling 21 injury and sick calls and follow-up care during the nine-day training evolution that was held in three states (RI, CT and MA). At one point in the training, INST Lavoie found herself in an ambulance and spent all night accompanying a Canadian Sea Cadet to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room for more extensive evaluation and treatment. Commenting on the situation, LCDR Campbell, who recommended the award, stated, “When faced with a potentially life-threatening situation…Her clear thinking and prompt actions mitigated the seriousness of the condition…[which] brought an air of calm and reassurance to all others present.”

Being true to her role as an “Ambassador” for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the Henry E. Mooberry Division, Instructor Lavoie takes a few seconds from her duties, to pose with a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officer’s Staff Academy at Marine Corps Base Quantico VA, before greeting 2003 American Idol winner and award-winning recording artist, Ruben Studdard and collegiate athlete, bestselling author, motivational speaker, ESPN Espy Award winning wrestler and quadruple amputee, Kyle Maynard, at a recent event in Washington DC. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Out West

While attending Advanced Airman training at Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, TX , 17 year-old Seaman R. Malley not only earned his “Wings” and was officially designated as a qualified Transport Safety Specialist on the C-40A aircraft, but he was also specifically cited “for excellence and dedication…for a job well done!”

Cadet Malley received hands-on training with active-duty and reserve Navy personnel from Fleet logistics Support Squadron 59 (VR-59). He trained on the C-40A aircraft, performing pre-flight checks, loading the baggage compartment and filing flight plans for the missions. He was trained in aircraft survival equipment, drown proofing (in a pool), ground crew hand signals, emergency ditching procedures, abnormal landings, crew resource management, operational risk management, and why leadership, assertiveness, communications, decisiveness, flexibility, adaptability and situational awareness are important, especially in dangerous land-based, aircraft and shipboard/boat evolutions.

Other training including military ceremonies, flag folding, etiquette, public relations, personal hygiene, teambuilding, CPR/AED and Navy aircraft career opportunities, meeting with Navy pilots and crews.

A highlight of the training was flying in the F/A-18 jet simulator, used to train Navy pilots.

And, In DC, Too!

RADM J. B. Foley III, USN (Ret), said after receiving an update on the unit, “Somebody is doing something right! The number of adult volunteers in your unit is impressive — lots of interest and care in a good program. Keep charging.”

“Glad to read all of the positive comments. POD (Plan of the Day) looks great too,” CAPT R.B. Baker, USNR (Ret), added.

A SMASHING “SUCCESS” EMPHASIZES THE NEED FOR RULES

T
he return trip from the NLCC Recruit Training in Beach Haven, NJ was fraught with bumper-to-bumper traffic for many miles, losing about an hour’s travel time. While in the very slow moving traffic, a vehicle driven by a 20-year old Maryland resident, crashed into the rear of the van being driven by INST Eichler. While no one was hurt and the van only suffered a small dent to its rear bumper, the other driver’s vehicle suffered significant damage to its front end and passenger side, resulting in the ability to open the passenger side front door.

After ensuring that no one was hurt and then driving the vehicle to the side of the road into a safety zone, INST Eichler remained calm and professional. She advised LT Cirone of the incident, while he was at a fueling stop at few miles behind. LT Cirone alerted police and both arrived on the scene shortly after.

The 20 year-old driver reportedly admitting that she took her eyes off of the road while looking down inside of her moving vehicle. She was issued a summons by the New Jersey State Police for careless driving (for failing to pay attention while driving), according to the New Jersey State Police Trooper at the scene. INST Eichler was not charged nor suspected with any wrongdoing.

The front of the SUV that struck the rear of the unit’s van shows signs of significant damage as a result of what New Jersey State police, called “careless driving.” The damage on the lower right was sustained during the driver’s attempt at parking in Baltimore, according to the driver. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

After providing the State Police with the appropriate information, INST Eichler and her passengers continued on their way back to DC, without further incident.

When questioned by LT Cirone, the young Maryland driver admitted the large scrapes on the driver’s side front bumper, existed prior to the accident – the result of an attempt to park in Baltimore, MD, she said. Luckily for her, the good natured driver stated her boyfriend worked in an auto body shop.

While no one was hurt, no significant damage occurred to the van and INST Eichler was not the cause of the crash, the incident’s sudden occurrence emphasizes the need for all unit personnel (Cadets and adults) to be properly trained and ever vigilant in their duties.

Because the unexpected happens, no matter how much we hope it does not, adult volunteers and Cadets must always follow established rules, regulations and procedures, with rare deviation, and exercise due caution. Doing so, helps ensure safety, limits the risk of an incident happening and mitigates the effects of the inevitable, unavoidable and occasional accidents that happen during the course of normal operations.

Failure to follow or enforce strict adherence to the rules, regulations and procedures or slacking off in any of these areas is unacceptable. It should not be tolerated at any time, for any evolution – from marching and classroom training to training in the field and travel.

Strict military bearing at all times is essential for not only professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness, but it can often be the difference between the loss of a limb, a disability or a loss of a life. Lives can literally be at stake without it.

The military has a centuries-long history of trying and honing new and innovative methods for all that it does. While the news media occasionally criticizes administrative effectiveness of the military or government; when it comes to the operational/training areas, the military’s methods have proven time and time again to be lifesavers.

The methods have been so successful that they have been duplicated and used by police, fire and rescue departments; some school systems, businesses and many other organizations, worldwide, for decades.

Following a strict set of rules, standard operating procedures and maintaining proper military bearing and discipline, unit Cadets fight a helicopter fire during firefighting training at a navy facility, earlier this year. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

The common element that ensures success and safety is military bearing/behavior and standard operating procedures. It is one reason why in the Henry E. Mooberry Division and Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. Training Ship, we insist that “Boot Camp Never Ends.”

INST Eichler’s continual professionalism and her calmness during the time of the incident is noteworthy and is the result, at least in part, of living the military lifestyle as a military spouse – often the forgotten component of the military. Her actions serve as a model for all to follow.

MOOBERRY DIVISION TUNES 4 THE TROOPS EFFORTS TOPS 1,000 MARK!

1,371 CDs and DVDs plus 37 boxes of books have been collected and sent to Navy, Coast Guardsmen and Marines afloat in combat zones or preparing to enter the fray, thanks in large part to the untiring efforts of INST C. Eichler, the unit’s Tunes 4 The Troops Coordinator.

Five months ago the unit announced that it was committed to assisting Sea Cadet Kaylee Marie Radzyminski, of the Chattanooga (Tennessee) Sea Cadet Division, in helping Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and other military personnel, beat a different kind of foe – periodic boredom!

While attending Sea Cadet Boot Camp in 2005, 14-year old Sea Cadet, Kaylee Marie Radzyminski, heard from military members returning from combat zones and long shipboard deployments, about the lack of entertainment resources and periodic boredom that exists.

“The one thing they kept telling me was that entertainment is a need. The little entertainment they do have gets used so many times, it becomes repetitive and they pass it on to the other men and women,” Radzyminski said.

With plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after graduating from High School, and determined to help her future shipmates, Radzyminski, returned home; gathered her CD’s; and told her friends and members of the Chattanooga (Tennessee) Sea Cadet Division, what she learned. They donated theirs, too. “I was amazed! Before I knew it, I collected almost 500 CD’s,” she said.

148,000 Sent, 500,000 Planned

For the past two years, Radzyminski has operated “Tunes 4 The Troops,” sending nearly 600 boxes, containing 148,000 new and used CD’s and DVD’s, worth over 2 million dollars, to military personnel stationed in combat zones and in ships. Each package shipped contains about 250 CDs and DVDs.

Cadet Kaylee Marie Radzyminski (center, right, not uniformed) poses with Mooberry Division Cadets, Recruits and Adult Volunteers, as well as U.S. Army Private First Class Steven J. Cobilich (left center) of the U.S. Army Ceremonial Guard, after Radzyminski spoke to unit about the importance of the work they are doing for the troops, during a visit to the unit’s space at the Washington Navy Yard. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Working with other Sea Cadets, school friends, financial supporters, and the media, awareness of Tunes 4 The Troops has grown significantly. “Right now we have 750 requests from Military Chaplains and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Officers, but only have enough CDs and DVDs to fill 43,” explained Stephanie Radzyminski, a Sea Cadet volunteer instructor, and Cadet Radzyminski’s mother.

Mooberry Division Joins the Fight

After speaking to INST Radzyminski, Lieutenant Joseph P Cirone, commanding officer of the Washington Navy Yard’s Sea Cadet units, realized help was needed and the Mooberry Division could be counted upon to help our shipmates afloat.

“We are in it for the long-haul. As long as military personnel are deployed in remote locations, away from entertainment venues and department stores, there will be a need for us to help. I know what it is like being deployed to remote parts of the world. Music was vital to me; it got me through the periods of danger and boredom,” he declared in February 2008, upon making the announcement that the unit would begin helping.

(Left to Right) – PO3 K. Herbert, PO3 KG Plata and PO3 KA Plata prepare boxes for shipment to Navy, Coast Guardsmen and Marines overseas, at the Washington Navy Yard. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

Spearheading and coordinating the National Capital Region’s collection and shipment of CDs and DVDs, the Navy Yard’s Cadets, males and females aged 10 to 18, are doing their part to help Tunes 4 The Troops meet its goal of delivering a half-million CDs and DVDs by Christmas 2008. “We all have a few CD’s and DVD’s we no longer want or we’d be willing to give up for a military member protecting our way of life. It’s a small token of gratitude to show those serving abroad how much we care and support their efforts, regardless if we support the war or not,” Cirone said.

With members from throughout the National Capital Region, the Sea Cadet unit was anxious to work with other Youth Development, Military, Civic, Veteran’s, School and Church organizations, businesses and individuals. “This is a massive project. We can’t do it alone. We have the contacts, leadership, management and shipping resources in place, but we need much more help establishing, publicizing and maintaining collection points and conducting collection drives,” Cirone added.

“INST Eichler took the ball and ran with it,” he said. “She contacted churches, libraries, Officer’s Wives groups, and of course, people right here in our own unit. The work she has put into it is impressive, and the results are equally impressive” Cirone added.

Most of the Navy Yard’s Sea Cadets know someone deployed in support of securing the nation from terrorism. “Three of our Cadets have or will have a parent deployed – one in the Army and two in the Navy. One of our adult volunteers is deployed with the Army and another has been deployed with the Navy,” Cirone said.

INST J. Lavoie said that hearing about military members having to watch the same DVD movies and listen to the same CD music over and over again convinced her that someone need to do something to help the very people who help preserve our way of life.

Army Specialist Harrell (a member of the 10th Mountain Division 1st Battalion, from Fort Drum, NY, currently stationed in Iraq), said in an e-mail, “we are in dire need of some entertainment, since watching Forrest Gump for the 70th time is a bit tiring.” Army Lieutenant Craig (an Infantry Platoon leader with the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Colorado, on his second tour in Iraq and deployed to a Forward Operating Base), wrote, “DVD’s get passed around over here like you wouldn’t believe. Morale would go through the roof if we were to get an influx of DVD’s.”

INST Eichler went to work, typing and talking. “Nearly all of the contributions we have received have been through word of mouth and working within various organizations I’m affiliated with,” she reported. She encouraged other members of the Henry E. Mooberry Division to do as she has – approach groups (church, work, neighborhood, library, professional organization, etc.) and ask them to do a collection at a upcoming gathering (either each person bring in CDs or DVDs, to a meeting or gathering; or perhaps having the organization place a collection box and promote it with flyers.

“The CDs and DVDs that our unit collects are being sent to sailors, coast guardsmen and marines who are deployed, or soon-to-be deployed on a ship, at sea. They are without a local Navy Exchange or other convenient shopping option. Unlike many other organizations and efforts, we are not sending the CDs and DVDs to the boots-on-the-ground troops, since they have established Post Exchanges, etc. for the most part, our CO made the decision to support our shipmates,” INST Eichler commented.

Precision Tune Auto Care Partners With Us

In the Spring 2008, Precision Tune Auto Care, headquartered in Loudon County, VA, the home of many of the Mooberry Division’s members, partnered with the unit to help its Tunes r The Troops efforts by placing collection boxes at its corporate owned stores in Manassas and Culpepper, VA and encouraging its franchisees to do the same, throughout the area.

The manager of the Precision Tune Auto Care location in Manassas, VA, second from left, takes a DVD out of collection box, while Cadet S. Thomas, second from right, removes a handful of donated CDs, to bring back to the unit’s Navy Yard office to be packed and shipped to ships at sea, while PO3 Plata, left; INST Eichler, right and a Precision Tune employee in the background observe. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

“This is a terrific program that gives the average citizen an opportunity to show their support for the troops and I am very happy that Precision Tune is part of the program,” CEO and President Robert Falconi declared. “On a personal basis, it means a lot to me because my father served in Vietnam and a number of other places abroad. Now that I am a father, I understand what a tremendous sacrifice that was for him. I am very pleased that Precision Tune Auto Care is affiliated with the “Tunes 4 the Troops” program,” Falconi concluded.

In just the two months since it affiliated with the unit’s efforts, Precision Tune has collected over 600 CDs and DVDs to be sent to our shipmates afloat.

A Surge Planned

Like a General in the Middle East or an Admiral of the Fleet, INST Eichler is leading the way to surge the unit’s collection efforts. “I plan to contact Ourismann Dodge and request to place a collection box at each of the Ourismann locations,” she said of her initial plan of attack.

As Veteran’s Day and the holiday season arrive, when people have vacations and fun in the sun behind them and are more focused on the spirit of giving, while realizing that the enjoyment they get from DVDs and CDs at home is not easily available to those at sea, the unit will work harder to pass the word about its efforts.

In hopes of getting closer to the goals of getting a half million CDs and DVDs into the hands of the troops by Christmas, the combined efforts of the unit’s personnel and INST Eichler’s continuing leading efforts will be increased and more bold. “I’ll ask whether we could tie our collection efforts into a Veteran’s Day or Thanksgiving celebration,” Eichler reported.

Results Made Known, From the Top to The Bottom, Worldwide

Not only has the unit gotten results from its efforts, but it has gotten worldwide coverage as well. The March 2008 edition of The Navy Leaguer, distributed worldwide, featured the unit and its efforts, along with a photo of Petty Officers KA Plata and KG Plata, along with PO3 Herbert hard at work. The publication of that press release and photo resulted in nearly 200 CDs and DVDs being sent to the unit, from around the world.

Through INST Eichler’s efforts, even the Chief of Naval Operations’ office is well aware of the unit’s work for sailors and others afloat. This Spring, a Navy-wide Plan of the Day contained mention of our unit and its efforts. The Chief of the Chaplain Corps’ Office sent an e-mail to both Fleets and the U.S. Fleet Forces Command also sent one mentioning the project.

Cadet Kaylee Marie Radzyminski and Tunes 4 The Troops were featured on CNN numerous times during the Memorial Day weekend, providing worldwide coverage.

But nothing beats the feedback that comes from the people closet to the target – the very users and beneficiaries of the collective efforts. A number of items have been given directly to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which will be deploying overseas in the near future. INST Eichler stated, “the response has been very positive and excited, really. Even the officer spouse group, has gotten excited about supporting them in this simple, no-cost way.”

Who Has Helped?

To date, INST N. Rafikian, INST McFadden and the Naval Officers Wives Club in the DC area are among those that donated CDs and DVDs to the program.

Members of the Navy League of the United States, as well as the office manager at Sea Cadet Headquarters (INST E. Tadle), have also helped in a large way.

Customers and employees of Precision Tune Auto Care were very generous. Churches and libraries round out the list of the largest contributors.

USS BASS REUNION

On 27 JUL 08, while some Cadets were heading to NAES Lakehurst, NJ for MAA Training, other Cadets were performing an Honor Guard performance for veterans of the USS Bass.

The reunion week event, was well attended and began on 22 JUL 08. Our unit was tasked with presenting the Colors at the start of the event’s formal banquet and then mingling with the veterans, on the last night of the reunion. the banquet was held at the Hyatt in Herndon, VA.

One of the unit’s five Honor Guard Color Sets presents the colors at a U.S. Coast Guard event in Washington DC. From left to right, SA R. Thomas, PO1 K. Player, PO3 Plata and SN A. Stephens. Photos by Joseph P Cirone

Answering the call for volunteers to fulfill the mission and carrying the U.S. Flag, Navy Standard, the unit’s Standard and rifles, were:

PO3 Lan, A; PO3 Lan, H; PO3 Malley; PO3 Plata, KA and PO3 Plata KG, who were supervised by WO M. Gonzalez and INST M. Plata.

LC1 R. Eichler and SR E. Eichler volunteered as well, but were not needed as all billets were filled by Cadets living closer to the event location. Additionally, INST C. Eichler and INST S. Hallinan also volunteered to serve as escort Officers, but were not needed.

“The Color Guard was most impressive. There were many compliments from the BASS sailors on how professional and impressed they were with the commitment and the performance of the Cadets. They also expressed their thanks for the job we did and for what we stand for as a unit, because in their words ‘so many young people nowadays do not understand service,’” Warrant Officer Gonzalez reported.

Echoing WO Gonzalez’s assessment, Barb Taylor, the ship’s reunion coordinator who traveled from the West Coast, said, “they did a wonderful job and everyone enjoyed having them stay for the Banquet.”

LT J.P. Cirone said, “It was comforting to know that while MIDN Maye, INST Lavoie and I were on the road getting Cadets to MAA training in NJ; others in our unit were taking care of another evolution on behalf of the unit and the Navy, in a professional way that went smoothly – that is the way things are supposed to work!”

Concluding here remarks, WO Gonzalez stated, “If anyone gets the opportunity to do one of these ship reunion events, DO IT! These guys and their wives are just wonderful people. It is because of them and their service that we have all the blessings this country has to offer. They also have great stories to tell.”

ALL ENGINES FULL AHEAD, NEXT STOP – THE ISLAND OF SUCCESS!

Knowing that his mentor, LCDR Mooberry, gave 33 years of his life to the unit as a volunteer. 27 of those years were as the unit’s Commanding Officer (CO), the unit’s current CO, Lieutenant Joseph P Cirone, NSCC, has the goal to restore the unit to its one-time, long-held position as the best unit in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and help ensure that LCDR Mooberry’s unit always gets the recognition and respect it deserves.

LCDR Mooberry had a profound and positive effect on the lives of many inner city and suburban DC area youth, as well as on the NSCC and the Navy, as an NSCC Regional Director and as the youth progressed into adulthood. “When I was being mentored by Commander Mooberry, I knew his unit and leadership style was good, I just didn’t know at the time that it was the very best in the entire NSCC program. His unit was ‘Number One’ at the very time he was mentoring me in the 1980s! We intend to honor Commander Mooberry by getting our ‘Number One’ spot back and remain at the very top for years to come, as he did,” Cirone said.

Just 10 months into his time as CO, Cirone already sees an impressive series of accomplishments that were made possible by the adult volunteers and Cadets of the unit, as well as the unit’s sponsors, supporters, and the cooperation of many Coast Guard, Navy, Army and Army National Guard facilities and personnel. “With the help of our adult volunteers, our primary sponsor, great supporters within and external to the NSCC, our U.S. Navy hosts and tenant commands at the Navy Yard, and those within the U.S. Coast Guard, we’ve reversed the course the unit was following in 2006 and 2007, erased the trackline and set course for a new destination – the Island of Success! While we enjoy a healthy and friendly competition with units to our East and South, I think we can safely say we are the best unit in the area. The next Annual Inspection will bear this out, I’m sure,” Cirone boldly predicted.

WELCOME ABOARD!

The following personnel have become members of the unit in the last month:

ADM J.S. McCain, Jr. Training Ship – U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps:

LC3 G. Wilson (Transfer from HMCM Charette Battalion)

LC1 M. Vargas (Transfer from HMCM Charette Battalion)

LC1 J. Buzard

Cadet Buzard (Top) and Cadet Oxendine (Bottom). Photos by Joseph P Cirone

LC1 S. Buzard

H.E. Mooberry Division – U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps:

INST B. Federico (Former USCG and USN member)

INST S. Bragg

INST L. Herbert

MIDN J. Maye (Former Chief Petty Officer and H.E. Mooberry Division member)

SN R. Malley (Transfer from HMCM Charette Battalion)

SR A. Hernandez

SR C. Hernandez

SR L. Silva

SR S. Oxendine

SR E. Samuel-Turner

SR D. Campbell

SR J. Allen (Transfer from Charette Battalion)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the following Cadets for passing their most recent advancement exams for Petty Officer:

For PO1 – PO2 Player

Cadet Malley. Photo by Joseph P Cirone

For PO2 – PO3 A. Lan, H. Lan, KA. Plata, KH Plata, K. Herbert and R. Malley

All will be promoted with the effective date that time-in-grade/service and advanced training completion requirements were met.

All other Cadets are highly encouraged to complete the required correspondence course, advanced training and exam (as applicable) for promotion as soon as they can. The adult leadership staff is available for guidance and help – just ask!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to:

WO S. Bryant

INST Boutin

LC1 R. McFadden

SR N. Tong

SR J. Juste

SR Y. Ortiz