United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
Feb 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
FEBRUARY 2005
February was a very productive month for the Cadets of the Spruance Division and Radford Training Ship. We interviewed over 15 prospective new Cadets, and have already signed up 4 new Cadets. We are pleased to report that Chief Balcunas one of our seniors, has received an appointment to West Point, however, he has his heart set on attending the US Coast Guard Academy, and has received confirmation of his acceptance to the Coast Guard Academy Prep School, which will guarantee him a seat. We had three advancements this month, with new two new Second Class Petty Officers, Christopher Williams and Timothy Nasta. A brand new Third Class “Crow” was earned by Eric Toler. Two of our outstanding Cadets are applying for the Coast Guard Academy summer AIM Program, PO2 Jessica Vance and PO2 Tim Nasta.
On a sad note, the Cadets paid their last respects to the late LCDR Maurice Schmidt, USNR, Retired. Maurice was a veteran of the Battle of the Leyte Gulf, and the Chaplain Emeritus of the Fort Lauderdale Council, NLUS. He devoted his life to the Navy and the Navy League. We were proud to participate in a ceremony honoring his service. We had a special day dedicated to the Coast Guard, with a visit from LT Lassalle, and Chief Houston who work in the Merchant Mariner Licensing Regional Examination Center. They both participated in the morning PT Session, and talked to the Cadets about their experiences and the choices they made in their Coast Guard careers. We had a special presentation from Senior Chief Bradley, OIC of the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet. He brought a beautiful picture of the Gannet in the Winter Fest Boat Parade with our Cadets on deck. The Gannet was awarded honorable mention for the most spirited entry in the Winter Fest Boat Parade.
The Color Guard had a great month, participating in the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation, Broward County Chapter, annual Ball, held at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. The highlight was the performance at the Fort Lauderdale Council NLUS Presidents Day Ball, held at the Marriott Marina. 13 Cadets participated in the Color Guard, the Rifle Drill team, and were side boys rendering honors to the Military Guests. The Rifle Drill Team demonstrated a brand new Rifle Drill Routine and presented a special salute to the guest of honor, General Bantz J. Craddock, US Army Four Star General, and Commander of United States Southern Command. The Cadets ended the month with another spirited two hour PT session on FT Lauderdale Beach, with LCOL Weinstein, director of the PT Beach Boot Camp Program. They enjoyed a run and a “detailed tour” of the Obstacle Course. We ended the day with a picnic and pool party at Bahia Cabana.Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance