Sea Cadet program seeks more young people to become members

Commanding Officer Lt. J.G. Robert Bledsaw is back in command of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Carson City.

And he's wanting more youth who are looking for opportunities in their life to join the corps.

"The Sea Cadet program teaches kids leadership and gives them goals and opportunities to get ahead in life," said Bledsaw. "And it can teach them to stay out of trouble."

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is for youth ages 10-17 who have a desire to learn about the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia

The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs. They are also required to maintain good grades in school.

"A couple of the kids in the corps went aboard a submarine and they did things they can't even tell me about," he said. "It was that classified.

"The sub was on deployment and the kids had a great time and learned a lot. This was a great opportunity for them."

The group meets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Carson City Airport, in the old restaurant building, 2600 Graves Lane.

Some of the training schools available to cadets include: air traffic control training, culinary arts, medical, photojournalism, music school, SEAL team training, judge advocate general training, firefighting and much more.

In addition, cadets who exhibit extraordinary initiative and leadership may participate in annual exchanges with Sea Cadet Corps around the world. Foreign exchange partners include Bermuda, Hong Kong, Russia, United Kingdom, Belgium and others.

"We have a new drill center and now I just need more recruits to keep this program going," Bledsaw said.

For information on the Sea Cadet program, visit www.seacadets.org, or call Bledsaw at 720-1156.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.