Cadet Michael Burke, and Mayor Terry Bellamy at the Army Reserve Center in Asheville during the yearly inspection.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a federally chartered youth training organization which helps youth to explore careers in the Navy and Coast Guard ashore and afloat.

By Scott Lunsford

The Asheville Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets is expanding its program by recruiting young people and adult volunteers to take part in this exciting youth organization. Open to young people ages 11 to 17 who may be interested in learning about Navy and Coast Guard life, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps objectives are to develop good citizenship, self-discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills.

In April, the cadets held their regular monthly drill at the Asheville Civil Air Patrol headquarters along with the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles Flight Program. Licensed and experienced volunteer pilots explained the workings of small aircraft and flight instruction and took each cadet for a flight in one of the aircraft. Cadets were also given a class in land navigation, map reading and radio detection by Civil Air Patrol Major Richard Augur. While at the Airport, cadets also met with members of the Air Force’s 20th Special Operations Squadron who were conducting training missions at Asheville Regional Airport.

Cadets drill at least once per month at the Army Reserve Center in Asheville and receive training in first aid, drill, fire safety, survival skills, and United States Naval history and tradition. Because the program is endorsed by the U.S. Navy, Cadets are authorized to wear the official Navy Uniform and earn rank in the program. In addition, the National Sea Cadet Headquarters offers insurance to cadets while involved in any program activity.

During summer months, after school is out, cadets receive an abbreviated version of NSCC Recruit Training, better known as” boot camp.” During this scaled down version of the Navy’s basic training, which last two-weeks, cadets are instructed by active and reserve military personnel and Sea Cadet officers in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history, and leadership.

From left to right: Cadet Kaitlin Kassel, Cadet Sidney Stines, (in the background), and adet A.C. Berry, preparing for the yearly inspection.

After cadets have successfully completed boot camp, they can then take part in advanced training in a number of different fields including: Airman Training, Air Traffic Control, FAA Ground School, Culinary Arts, Medical Training, Firefighting, Photo Journalism, Ceremonial Guard, Submarine Seminar, Marksmanship, Navy Music School, Seal Team Training and Master-At-Arms Training are some of the advance training for which cadets are eligible.

In order to expand the program to more of the multicultural population who may not be aware of Sea Cadet opportunities, the Asheville Division will be expanding their information dissemination efforts as well as stepping up recruitment. To this end, the Asheville Division is also actively trying to locate funding from the community to provide scholarships for young people who might not be able to afford the initial cost of insurance, uniform and equipment.

The program also needs adult leadership to act as teachers, mentors and guides for the youth involved. Prior Military experience is not necessary. The program is open to all young Americans regardless of race, color, creed, or sex. Officially supported by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, the program provides a healthy discipline, and positive role models for their lives.

If you know of a young person who may be interested, or adults that would like to help, please contact: Commanding Officer
LTJG Collins 828 627-6163; Executive Officer Ensign Lunsford 828 350-6944, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
You should also visit the Asheville Division web site, www.ashevilleseacadets.com.

Or, visit the national Sea Cadet web site at www.seacadets.org