A blue ribbon was cut aboard the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay on Oct. 6 to announce the re-establishment of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The corps is a leadership program for young people ages 10 through high school. Courtesy photo
A program designed to teach children seamanship, the importance of public service, and how to be a good citizen is back. The Texas Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps was re-established during a ribbon-cutting ceremony aboard the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay on Oct. 6. The Texas program, which was first established along with the national program in 1962, was disbanded several years ago.
“For many years in the past, the Sea Cadets met here on the Lexington,” said museum Executive Director Steve Banta. “We’re really glad it came back here.”
Navy Sea Cadets are part of a national youth leadership development program that promotes naval disciplines while instilling strong moral character and life skills through leadership and technical programs modeled on Navy development.
It accommodates two age groups. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps works with young people ages 13 through completion of high school. A second program, the Navy League Cadet Corps, features programs for young people ages 10-13.
The program is based in Arlington, Virginia, and is sponsored by the Navy League of the United States. It is supported by both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“It’s a great opportunity for the development of some of the youth that are a part of this organization,” Banta said at the ribbon-cutting. “There’s just no better place to learn naval history and to get this development than on board a historic war ship.”
The year-round program is open to all Coastal Bend youth. Those interested can sign up on online. The Texas Division Unit meets and drills aboard the USS Lexington under the command of retired U.S. Navy Capt. Jim Jones.
“It is a great honor and privilege for me to command Texas Division,” Jones said. “The Sea Cadets gave me the start I needed. The things I learned as a cadet kickstarted my Naval career, which spanned more than 38 years of active duty. I truly believe that I would not have had the career I had without the Sea Cadet experience."
