In celebration of one year in their drill center, the Carson City Division, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets will hold an open house and recruit day Sunday at the drill center, Carson City Airport Terminal, 2600 College Parkway.
From noon-4 p.m., youth ages 10-17 can talk with other cadets and officers about the Sea Cadet program. Tours will be offered.
The Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide organization dedicated to helping American youth realize personal success and achievement through a nautically oriented training program.
There are more than 300 Sea Cadet units in the United States, with units in nearly every state as well as Puerto Rico and Guam.
Through Sea Cadet leadership, cadets learn skills in basic seamanship and its naval adaptations, while also learning the value of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, teamwork and accountability.
The U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps and the U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps are programs of the U.S. Navy and Navy League. They are not school programs such as JROTC, or community youth organizations.
Lt. j.g. Robert Bledsaw of Carson City is the commanding officer. He has been with the program for five years, and formerly served in the U.S. Navy.
"It's a great opportunity to not only do something for their country and themselves, but to learn and experience things they normally wouldn't get to," Bledsaw said.
"You get money for college, get valuable skills, and as the motto of the sea cadets is, 'the adventure of a lifetime.'
"Where else can you go to SEAL school, photojournalism school or go to sea on a nuclear submarine or warship for two weeks? The program is now offering some of the most incredible training for jobs out there.
"This year they're even doing surgical technician school."
Youth age 10-13 can apply for the Navy League Cadet program. In both cases, the child must be a citizen of the United States. Applicants must successfully pass a physical examination very similar to that required of a regular Navy enlistee. Cadets study a broad range of subjects in different settings such as classroom training and hands-on training.
The Carson City Division and Training Ship Carson City are also interested in recruiting adult leaders interested in working with the cadets.
Adults must pass a screening, interview, background check, as well as personal references. All adults are welcome, whether or not they have a military background. Adults also participate in the educational process as well, taking some required online courses, as well as leadership training classes to learn about the Navy, the program, and to work with cadets.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
For your
information
WHO: Carson City Division, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets
WHAT: Open House, Recruitment Day
WHEN: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Carson City Airport Terminal, 2600 E. College Parkway
CALL: Lt. j.g. Robert Bledsaw, 720-1156