Former Cadets

Rear Admiral Charles Beers, USN (Ret.)
(Former) Commander, Submarine Group Ten
Former Sea Cadet
PASADENA Division, Pasadena, CA
DAHLGREN Division, Washington, DC

"I joined the Naval Sea Cadet unit when it started up at the local Naval Reserve Center when I was an eighth grader in Pasadena, CA.  My father was in the Navy and when transferred to Washington, D.C., I transferred to the Sea Cadet program there.   I attended boot camp in San Diego as a Sea Cadet and my experience served me well when I joined the Naval Reserve and when to boot camp again . . . and for sure my entire Plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy.  I spent three years in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and believe that it gave me great training for the future I faced then, as well as the future I look forward to now.  It cemented my belief that I wanted to join the Navy; but I know that if I had not decided to pursue a Naval career, my Sea Cadet experience would help me in any field.

 

Brigadier General Hugh B. Tant, III, USA (Ret.)
Former League Cadet & Sea Cadet
HUNLEY Division, Charleston, SC

" I will always be grateful for my wonderful experience as a youth member of the Navy League and Naval Sea Cadet Programs.  They clearly taught me to respect my people and they would respect me.  Thanks to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps for helping me achieve Flag Rank through your dynamic leadership program."

 

Captain David C. Leestma, USN (Ret.)
Director of Flight Crew Operations
National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Former League Cadet
Training Ship VAMMEN, Tustin, CA

"I remember joining the Navy League Cadet Corps when I was in the 8th grade and was living in Southern California.  A close friend's father was one of the officers in the new unit and he convinced me to attend some of the first meeting.  I enjoyed the discipline, the close order drill, the anticipation of receiving a uniform, and looked forward to actually sailing on a REAL Navy ship!  We met in one of the old blimp hangars at the Marine Corps Annex in Tustin, CA.  It was a thrill for me to be able to get on the base.  This was my first experience with the military service and it appealed to me.  My career in the Navy has been exciting and eventful -- from conning ships, to flying F-14's off aircraft carriers, to flying in space.  The sense of honor and accomplishment in serving in the Navy will be with me all my life.  My time spent in the Navy League Cadet Corps was the beginning of this journey with the Navy that has been a lifetime experience."

 

Captain Rodney G. McFadden, USNR(MMR), MNI
Assistant for Merchant Marine Affairs
Former Sea Cadet
PARCHE Division, San Diego, CA

"I was a member of the USS Parche Division in San Diego 1966-1968.  My relationship ended when the Navy transferred my father to Italy. My final drill, the unit presented me with the chevron advancing me to Seaman, still one of my personal highlights. I attended the New York Maritime College and was commissioned into the Naval Reserve's Merchant Marine Reserve in 1975.

I've spent over a decade at sea and am a licensed Master Mariner in the Merchant Marine, and a Captain, USNR. Right now (2000) I'm recalled to active duty as the OpNav Assistant for Merchant Marine and Maritime Affairs, one of only two MMR officers on extended active duty. In short, a very satisfying career all of which rests with the start I got with the Sea Cadets."  June 2000

 

Captain Raymond C. Ivie, USN (Ret.)
Former Sea Cadet
FORRESTAL Squadron, Dallas, TX

"I fondly look back at the benefits that being a Sea Cadet gave me.  I learned leadership, management, organization and discipline while developing honor, courage, and commitment.  What more could be asked for from a youth program?   I'm a believer in teaching our youth how to be good citizens, and good sailors, if they wish.  In today's world of computers and the internet, it is still very important to learn how to work with people.  As a Commanding Officer, I continue to benefit from the program everyday and hope others can take advantage of this unique program for many years to come."

 

Captain James Albert, US Merchant Marine
Former Sea Cadet
ALBANY Division, Albany, NY

"My father was a Yeoman in the US Navy in WWII and suggested I join the Sea Cadet program since I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.   I attended boot camp at the age of 16 in Great Lakes, IL as a Sea Cadet and eventually attained the rank of LPO (Petty Officer 1st Class). Upon reaching age 18, I became a Midshipman until I joined the Navy and went to boot camp again as a Seaman in 1974. I spent five years in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and believe that it gave me the fundamentals I needed for the uncertain future I faced back then.  After being discharged from the USN, I became the Operations Officer for the Albany Division (LTJG) and after 8 years, became the Albany Division's Commanding Officer attaining the rank of LCDR. I highly support the NSCC and would recommend all parents to encourage their teenagers to enter the program."

 

MCPOCG Vince Patton, USCG (Ret.)
Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
Former Sea Cadet
JAMES M. HANNAN Division, Detroit, MI

"By joining the Sea Cadets, I started on my road to career development as a citizen and as a leader.   Although the Sea Cadet program provided me with an understanding of the sea services, it did a lot more in preparing me to understand words like honor, respect, commitment, courage, and devotion to duty.  These words collectively make up the Coast Guard and Navy core values, something I have lived by and promoted."

Are you a former cadet?  We would like to hear how being a Sea Cadet and/or League Cadet affected your life.  E-Mail us at: webmaster@seacadets.org

 

Secretary of the Navy

The Honorable Donald C. Winter
Former Secretary of the Navy

"The United States Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment have long represented the foundation of life on the sea. These principles guide our Sailors to victory as America continues to fight the War on Terrorism. With the training the Cadets receive in these very same core values and naval traditions, they will play a vital role as the future leaders of our great Nation.

 

The Honorable Gordon England
Former Secretary of the Navy

"The Naval Sea Cadet Corps has a long and proud legacy of developing future leaders not only for future military service but also as good citizens in our communities."

 

 

Chief of Naval Operations

 

Admiral Gary Roughhead, USN
Chief of Naval Operations

"For half a century now the Sea Cadet Corps has helped countless young Americans truly understand the importance and impact of responsible citizenship. In teaching cadets about our rich naval traditions and our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, these young men and women stay on a true, even course for productive and responsible citizenship."

 

Admiral Vern E. Clark, USN (Ret.)
Former Chief of Naval Operations

"In teaching cadets about our rich naval traditions and our Navy core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, the Sea Cadet Corps is laying the foundation for productive and responsible citizens."

 

 

Admiral Jay L. Johnson, USN (Ret.)
Former Chief of Naval Operations

"Our nation's youth deserve the best care and guidance we can give them.  The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps helps fulfill that goal by providing critical mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities to young people enabling them to reach their fullest potential."

 

 

Commandant of the Coast Guard

Admiral Thad W. Allen, USCG
Commandant of the Coast Guard

"The Coast Guard is proud to count you as "shipmates" in the cooperative effort to develop meaningful and valuable leadership, seamanship, and military training to youth across the country."

 

 

Admiral Thomas H. Collins, USCG (Ret.)
Former Commandant of the Coast Guard

"The Sea Cadet program offers young people opportunities for adventure, leadership, and learning... The experience and maturity cadets gain from this experience provide a sound foundation for success in whichever direction they choose for their adult lives. I am proud that many Sea Cadets choose to continue to serve our nation as members of team Coast Guard"

 

Admiral Robert E. Kramek, USCG (Ret.)
Former Commandant of the Coast Guard

"The Sea Cadet Corps has a solid record of successfully training our nation's youth in positive leadership, personal discipline, and dedicated service.  I applaud your impressive record of preparing these fine young men and women to be responsible citizens.  In addition, I very much appreciate the tremendous support the Coast Guard units nationwide receive from the augmentation by Sea Cadets each year.   They display unusual maturity and professionalism beyond their years.  I salute your many accomplishments."