BRONX, New York (MARCH 10, 2022) – SUNY Maritime College is opening its campus to New York City’s Sea Cadet unit. On March 12, cadets from George Washington Division, one of 387 Sea Cadet units in America, will meet and conduct monthly drills at Maritime College.
Maritime College will allow Sea Cadets to use classrooms, computer labs, the pool, indoor gym, and waterfront. Additionally, midshipmen from the college’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) will help teach and train the middle school and high school aged Sea Cadets. Access to facilities and good mentors will enable the cadet unit to grow and thrive.
“This is a great opportunity for the George Washington Division,” said Ensign Priska Diaz, an adult volunteer who leads the cadets. “We drill two days per month with the guiding mission to build leaders of character.”
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps gives young men and women a head start in life and provides diverse experiences and leadership opportunities. With a combination of weekend drills during the school year and weeklong summer events, cadets learn about seamanship, aviation, submarines, law enforcement, culinary, SCUBA, special forces, robotics, marksmanship, and many other training opportunities. While many Sea Cadets join the military, there is no obligation to join the armed forces.
“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.”
On March 12, the George Washington Division will exercise its first drill on the Maritime College campus. Sea Cadets’ Executive Director, Rear Adm. Andrew Lennon, U.S. Navy retired, will join the cadets in a 60-pushup challenge as a celebration of the Sea Cadet's 60th Anniversary. On March 13, Maritime College’s NROTC midshipmen will lead the Sunday drill. Cadets will earn their swimming certifications, which are pre-requisites for maritime-related advance training, followed by the marine-style obstacle course designed for members of the NROTC.
Sea Cadets is sponsored by 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.
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MEDIA Interested in covering this event, please contact Ensign Diaz at ao.032gwd@seacadets.org.