United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
Monthly 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
December 2006
The Spruance Division ended the year with a Bang! The month began with a land navigation exercise at Snyder Park in Ft Lauderdale, where the Cadets practiced taking compass and azimuth bearings, and following a preset course. The Color Guard presented Colors and Cadets provided escorts at the annual Pearl Harbor Survivors Luncheon, sponsored by the VFW. They had an opportunity to meet and speak with 7 Pearl Harbor Survivors, and share their experiences first hand. The Cadets had Picture Day, where formal and group pictures of the Cadets were taken, so the parents can share the memories of their Sea Cadet experience.
The highlight of the South Florida winter season is the annual Winterfest Boat Parade, held on the Intercoastal Waterway. 4 Cadets had the honor of sailing onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet, the lead ship in the Boat Parade. The Cadets of Spruance Division held a key role in supporting Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest celebration. The Coast Guard Station is the assembly area for the more than 100 boats participating in the Boat Parade. The Station opens their gates and invites the military community and their families to watch this annual event. The Cadets assisted in greeting visitors, parking control, food service, and children’s activities. LT Scott Rooke, USCG, the Station Commanding Officer, sent a Letter of Appreciation for the support the Cadets provided. Their presence and outstanding support enabled the Station’s crew to enjoy the festivities with their own families.
The Parents Committee held an outstanding Holiday Party to end the year, with a traditional Latin flavor. Officers from the Boca Delray Unit and the Miami Enterprise Division attended, and enjoyed Spruance hospitality. Instructors George Perez, and Timothy Diener, from Spruance, and Instructor Jerry McColgan, from the Boca Delray Unit, were Commissioned as Ensigns in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. LCDR Starr presented their new Collar Devices, which were pinned on by family members.
Awards were presented to the Cadets, and Assistant LPO Bradford Barrett was advanced to PO1. He has received a nomination from Congressman Clay Shaw to the Naval Academy, and has received a letter of academic qualification. He is waiting for his acceptance. PO3 Marcos Quintana has been accepted to the Mass Maritime Academy, and is also going through the selection process for the US Coast Guard Academy. PO1 Christopher Williams is interviewing for a NROTC Scholarship to the University of Florida.
We welcomed back two of our Alumni, at the Fort Lauderdale Council Dinner meeting, home for Xmas leave, attending their Plebe year at the Naval Academy.
Jessica Vance, our National Sea Cadet of the Year, for 2006, has made the Superintendents List, and Tim Nasta has made the Deans List. We are very proud of all of our graduates as they face the challenges of adult life with the unforgettable experiences gained in this program.
The Color Guard presented Colors and were Side Boys for the Annual Cystic Fibrosis Ball, with Florida Governor Jebb Bush, as the special guest of honor. The Governor greeted the Cadets, and thanked them for their participation. Over half a Million Dollars was raised at the event for Cystic Fibrosis research. The Chairperson for the Ball was very appreciative of the Cadets participation, saying that the Side Boys added a very special impressive touch.
6 Cadets gave up their Xmas vacation and worked at the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station. The X.O. stated that the Station was short handed with their own crew on Xmas Leave, and the Cadets made the difference in their ability to meet operational commitments. The Cadets responded to Search and Rescue Missions, and Law Enforcement missions where drugs were discovered during a chase and search of a vessel.
The Cadets of Spruance Division are making a difference in the community we live in, and provide invaluable support to the US Coast Guard. We look forward to meeting the challenges of 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance