NYC Sea Cadets Team Up with SUNY Maritime
NYC Sea Cadet unit, George Washington Division is now drilling in the SUNY Maritime campus
On March 12, cadets from George Washington Division, one of 387 Sea Cadet units in America, drilled at Maritime College located beneath the Throgs Neck Bridge. Sea Cadets’ Executive Director, Rear Adm. Andrew Lennon, joined the cadets in a 60-pushup challenge as a celebration of the Sea Cadet’s 60th Anniversary. See the NYC’s Channel 12 coverage. Then, on March 13, Maritime College’s NROTC midshipmen commanded the drill. Cadets earned their swimming certifications, which are pre-requisites for maritime-related advance training. Followed by the marine-style physical training designed for members of the NROTC.
SUNY Maritime College is now home to the NYC Sea Cadets, with access to classrooms, computer labs, pool, indoor gym, Marine obstacle course, and waterfront activities. Additionally, midshipmen from the college’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) help train the middle and high school-aged Sea Cadets. Right next to this manicured peninsula-campus is the Navy Reserves Center (NRC). Looking south, directly across the Sound, is the Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). And about 1.5 hours north is the West Point Academy. Therefore, this “NYC’s hidden gem” is an ideal location for any Sea Cadet unit.
From Management
“Maritime College is pleased to partner with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and share our campus facilities with their Sea Cadets,” said Maritime College President RADM Michael Alfultis. “These experiences support the development of essential skills Sea Cadets need to succeed in their future careers and align with our own mission of preparing the dynamic leaders of tomorrow.”
“This is a great opportunity for the George Washington Division, which serves children from the five boroughs and lower Westchester. The COVID pandemic took a toll on our unit, but we are now poised for growth thanks to SUNY Maritime. The beautiful Fort Schuyler, built between 1833 and 1856 for the U.S. Army, has been set to many big-screen movies such as “the Departed” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon,” said Ensign Diaz, an adult volunteer who leads the cadets. “We drill two days per month with the guiding mission to build leaders of character.”
Who are the Sea Cadets?
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps gives young men and women a head start in life, provides diverse experiences and leadership opportunities. With a combination of weekend drills during the school year and weeklong summer advanced training events, cadets learn about NAVY-life. Advanced training is available for the cadets in seamanship, aviation, submarines, law enforcement, culinary, SCUBA, special forces, robotics, marksmanship, STEM topics, and many more. While many Sea Cadets join the military, there is no obligation to join the armed forces.
Sea Cadets is sponsored by the U.S. Navy League, the U.S. Navy and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cadets aged 10-17 train on naval bases and other military installations. In addition to exposure to a variety of military disciplines, Sea Cadets gives an opportunity for young people to seek challenges, step outside of their comfort zones and build confidence and character.
Want to be a Sea Cadet?
To join the program, the cadet must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident, 10-17 years of age, satisfactorily be enrolled in a public or private school or a certified home school program with a GPA of at least 2.0, be of good moral character, unmarried and remain single while in the program, and free of any felony convictions. Take a look at our “Join Now” section of this website and see if you want to give it try.
