United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
Summer 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
July/August 2005
The Cadets of the Spruance Division celebrated the Fourth Of July Holiday by presenting Colors at the annual First Baptist Church Independence Day Service. It was a great experience, and we carried all of our Nations Service Flags, for the first time, in front of a congregation of over 3,000 people.
The Cadets enjoyed a special tour of the Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, CVN 71, on July 7th. She was in Port for the 4th of July Holidays, and LCDR Starr made special arrangements with the Command Master Chief for an after hours tour. The entire Strike Group arrived with two Cruisers, two Destroyers, and a Spanish Navy Destroyer. The T.R. had her entire Air Wing on board, and this is the last cruise carrying two F-14 Tomcat Squadrons. They are being replaced by F-18 Hornet Squadrons.
On July 23rd the League Cadets worked with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in hosting 28 young boys and girls from “Kids in Distress” on a day on the water. The Leaguers helped demonstrate boating safety, don lifejackets, and act as escorts for these young people.
The Cadets and Color Guard participated with the Cadets of the Enterprise Division at the first annual Allied Veterans Association Dinner honoring all veterans, on July 30th. LCDR Starr was the Master of Ceremonies. Special guests included the Under Secretary for Veteran Affairs from Washington, and the State Chairman of Veteran Affairs from Tallahassee. Captain Mayes, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami was recognized. The British Consul from Miami was honored and spoke about the recent terrorist bombings in London. Everyone rose to their feet as “God Save the Queen” was played as a sign of solidarity and support for the British people.
The USS Antietam CG54 was hosted by the FT Lauderdale Council, NLUS. Carl Hallberg arranged with the Chaplain to have the Spruance Division be the recipient of their Community Relations Project, and on August 4th , 12 volunteers including 5 newly commissioned Ensigns and two Chief Petty Officer Selectees painted our building “Haze Grey, and ready to get underway”. Our thanks to the Damico’s for the donation of the paint.
LCDR Starr has been appointed a member of the Commissioning Committee for the USS Bainbridge DDG 96, and together with Hugh Kirkpatrick accompanied members of Broward Navy Days, FT Lauderdale Council, and NACAM for a visit to the ship at the Bath Iron Works Shipyard, Bath Maine, at the invitation of the Captain. While preparing to board the ship, Seaman Andy Chavez ran up to LCDR Starr, with a warm greeting. SN Chavez, a former Spruance Division Cadet is doing extremely well, and the Captain upon being told that he was a former Sea Cadet described his as one of the most “Squared Away” young sailors he had on board. This is an affirmation that our Sea Cadet training is paying dividends for the Fleet!
LCDR Starr is recommending that all of the Sea Cadet Units from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami participate with the Cadets of the Spruance Division, along with Cadets from the Navy Junior ROTC Schools in Presenting Massed Colors at the opening of the Commissioning ceremonies, on November 12th.
Summer Training provided another unique experience for our Cadets. The First Year League Cadets and Sea Cadets attended Recruit Training at Admiral Farragut Academy, in Sarasota. LTJG Leibowitz was the Executive Officer, and two of our Cadets were chosen as “Honor Cadets”. Several League Cadets attended Advanced Orientation at NAS Jacksonville. Two senior Cadets were Staff Cadets at the Recruit Training held at Fort Stewart, GA. Several Cadets attended Petty Officer Leadership Academy in Michigan, and Master-At-Arms Training. Three Cadets were chosen to attend the Canadian Exchange program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Three Cadets worked at Coast Guard Station, FT Lauderdale, and PO1 Vance and PO3 Rueda visited the Naval Academy, PO2 Nasta visited the Air Force Academy and both PO1 Vance and PO2 Nasta attended the Coast Guard Academy Summer Programs. PO1 Jessica Vance was the only female Cadet Nationwide chosen to attend an exchange program to St. Petersburg, Russia. As you can see, the Sea Cadet Program really does offer “an adventure of a lifetime”
The parent committee was busy over the summer, we have brand new cabinets installed in our galley, and the decks were cleaned and polished professionally. We are moving forward with our Brick fund raising project. We ended the summer with a visit from Captain Baker, USN Ret, Field Representative for the South East, who conducted an advanced Officer Development Course at our HQ for Instructors and Staff of Sea Cadet Units from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami.
We are grateful for the support provided by the FT Lauderdale Council, NLUS and we are looking forward to celebrating Sea Cadet month in September, with the Cadets making presentations at the September Dinner Meeting.Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance