By Joseph P Cirone

Henry E. Mooberry Division

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

 

            WASHINGTON (June 1, 2009) – Marching down Pennsylvania Ave., members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) Henry E. Mooberry Division, based at the Naval Support Activity Washington’s (NSAW) historic Washington Navy Yard and other area Sea Cadet  units formed a 100-plus member contingent. Mooberry Division unit members were part of the parade color guard and helped carry a huge Navy flag throughout the parade route.

The flag-carrying NSCC contingent marched behind the parade’s honorary grand marshal, Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, Vice Chief of Naval Operations and in front of a naval contingent from NSAW, the Naval District Washington and the Marine Corps.

 

The unit’s participation was noted by Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, who reviewed the unit’s personnel as they passed his position in the reviewing stand. Additionally, the unit’s participation was televised on two TV stations and the Pentagon Channel, as well as posted on the Internet, providing wide exposure for the Navy and to people able to distinguish the subtle difference from the similarly uniformed Navy personnel, the NSCC. 

 

 

Country music star Lee Greenwood sang his legendary song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” with backup sounds from USO singers, from atop a USO float, decked out in red, white and blue.

Earlier in the day, members of the Mooberry Division participated in a Memorial Day observance with the U.S. Coast Guard, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and well-known Actor Ernest Borgnine, a long-time friend of the unit and an avid supporter of the Armed Forces.  

 

Borgnine, 92, is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy (1935-1945), serving as a Gunner’s Mate 1st Class before discharge. In 2004, he was promoted to the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer.

An Academy Award winner, he had a long career in plays, movies and on television. In 1962, he began one of his most famous roles – the role of Lcdr. Quinton McHale in the hit-situational comedy, McHale’s Navy, along with fellow actor Joe Flynn (Capt. Wallace B. Binghampton) and actor/comedian Tim Conway, who played the role of Ens. Charles Parker. 

At the event, held at the Navy Memorial and emceed by Coast Guard Master Chief Boatswains Mate Mark Allen, the unit’s members provided an Honor Guard detail, serving as side boys for Borgnine and assisting in the placement of red, white and blue flowers on a memorial wreath by veterans.  

 Navy and Coast Guard buglers echo each other; make people cry            

Navy Muscian 1st Class Eric Brown, a trumpeter from the NSAW-based Navy Band and Mr. Paul Deafenbaugh, a trumpeter and volunteer member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, stood on opposite ends of the Navy Memorial’s grounds, echoing each other’s notes during their playing of Taps. Their solemn rendition of the often-heard ceremonial piece, combined with the dramatic effect of the echo, brought tears to the eyes of many people present – a reminder to them of the great sacrifices, hardships and tears shed by veterans and their families during past and current conflicts and wars.   

Borgnine presented a patriotic, upbeat keynote address, without the use of notes. The address was easily distinguishable as being heartfelt and was delivered with genuine passion. His remarks, which professed a deep love for the country and for all of its former and current service members, were interspersed with whit and humor. “I want to see the wars stop and let our servicemen live in peace,” Borgnine proclaimed.

 Following his remarks, which fostered a authentic feeling of pride among people present, he posed for pictures with members of the FRA, the Coast Guard and the Sea Cadet unit, inspired by his statements.

 Borgnine has been a friend of the Mooberry Division, FRA and the naval services for many years, attending its ceremonial Memorial Day and Navy Birthday events whenever possible.

Like most months, May was a busy month for the Mooberry Division. Members participated in the unit’s normal drill weekends; had fun during a night-time bowling event; provided an Honor Guard for the reunion of the USS Evans and participated in the Joint Services Open House and Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base.   

College scholarships, advanced military pay grades possible

 “The unit welcomes new cadet and adult members. Males and females, ages 10 to 18 and adults, ages 21 and up, are eligible to apply for membership – no prior military experience is necessary and there is absolutely no military obligation resulting or expected once a person joins the program,” according to Sea Cadet Ens. Hector Fandino, the unit’s recruiting officer.

For youth desiring to voluntarily join the military when eligible, NSCC members may enlist at an advanced paygrade (up to E-3). NSCC members are also eligible for a variety of college scholarships, many open exclusively to members of the NSCC.

Over 350 former members of the unit have enlisted in the Navy, Coast Guard, Army and Marine Corps in the last three decades, according to official records. Two current Cadets voluntarily enlisted, and are scheduled to report to Marine Corps boot camp in late June, 2010.

“Approximately 12% of the annual freshman class at the U.S. Naval Academy are former members of the NSCC; four times as many than some other similar programs,” Fandino reported. 

 “Similar results are found at other federal, state-based and private military academies, such as West Point, the Citadel and Virginia Military Institute,” according to Lavoie. The Sea Cadet program offers youth great opportunities to learn, grow and have fun. Our unit at the Navy Yard is one of the oldest, largest and best. Some people travel more than two hours to get here,” Lavoie concluded.