United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
November 05 Report
Unit Headquarters:
300 SW 25th Street
P.O. Box 21101
Fort Lauderdale
Florida 33335-1101
954-522-8995
E-Mail:
info@flseacadets.org
To: All Hands Subject: Monthly Report
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
November 2005
November began with the major recovery efforts from Hurricane Wilma. We were blessed that our Parents Committee came to the rescue and engaged a roofer immediately, and took the steps necessary to protect our computer equipment, Cadet records, and the precious memorabilia we have collected through the years, that gives Spruance Division Cadets the sense of our Naval History, Pride and Patriotism.
The USS Bainbridge DDG 98 arrived for the Commissioning Ceremony on Nov 12, and our Unit provided the Color Guard Equipment for the members of the Bainbridge Color Guard. As the host Unit, we coordinated and welcomed NJROTC Cadets and Sea Cadets from the Enterprise Division, in Miami, and the American Veterans Division, from West Palm Beach.
The highlight of our whole year was the Foreign Exchange visit from the Royal Canadian Naval Sea Cadet Unit from Barrie, Ontario. 50 Cadets arrived after a 3 day bus ride from the frozen north, to our south Florida sunny shores, on November 10. The Parents Committee prepared a special dinner and planned a “Meet and Greet” for the Canadians, including a visit from Mayor Jim Naugle, however their bus broke down in Jacksonville, and they did not arrive until after 11 PM. We packed up all the food and brought it over to their hotel, where they devoured everything! The Cadets were up early the next day to participate with Spruance Cadets in Veterans Day Ceremonies in Sunrise and in Tamarac. On Sunday all of the Cadets participated in the International Armistice Day Parade in downtown Miami, with the Allied Veterans Association, and visited Miami Bay Side for lunch. The last function of the weekend was the annual Remembrance Day Service, conducted by the Royal British Legion back in Ft Lauderdale, with the British Consul General recognizing the Canadian Cadets.
The Commissioning of the USS Bainbridge was an event that will stay in the memory of all of the Cadets for many years to come. For many of the Canadian Cadets, it was there first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean, and the first visit to a US Naval Warship. The Spruance Cadets participated in the Commissioning program by providing parking assistance at the Airport Garage, guides to the bus transportation, and they greeted everyone arriving at the Port with the Commissioning Program and a bottle of water. The Canadian Cadets had a very distinct role in the program. They were all lined up as a guard of honor for all of the VIP’s to pass through to get to their seats. There was not a dry eye in the house when the order was given “to bring our ship to life”, and all of the sailors ran on board. At the conclusion of the Commissioning, all of the Canadian and Spruance Cadets went to the other end of the Port and visited the USS Anzio, CG 68. The Cadets did not have a chance to partake in any of the Commissioning refreshments. The Anzio Command Master Chief asked the Duty Galley crew to prepare a special lunch just for all of the Cadets.
The Canadian Cadet visit was the most rewarding experience for all hands! It opened the door to lasting friendships between the Cadets and Staff and provided memories that will last a lifetime!
Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance