Eleven U.S. Naval Sea Cadets from Katy were among those graduating from basic training recently at Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi.
The Sea Cadets took part in an intense two-week boot camp under the guidance of active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
SEA CADETS COMPLETE TRAINING – Eleven U.S. Naval Sea Cadets from the Katy Division were among those graduating from basic training at the Naval Air Station – Corpus Christi. The two-week boot camp also included Sea Cadets from across Texas.
The basic training is a scaled-down version of the Navy’s boot camp during which cadets take part in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history and leadership training.
The eleven Katy cadets graduating were Brett Bagur, Wesley Booth, Alex Brissette, Drake Dillman, Taylor Garza, Alex Jennings, Leavington Lynch III, Drew Shapiro, Logan Torgerson, Dominic Waters and Dominick Wright.
Bagur served as Recruit Chief Petty Officer for Bravo Company, while Garza served as Recruit Chief Petty Officer for Alpha Company. Garza was also recognized as Training Honor Cadet.
Wright was selected to be Guidon for Bravo Company. Jennings was chosen to serve as Guidon for Alpha Company.
Brissette, Jennings and Wright all earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Ribbon during basic training.
SEA CADET GRADUATION SPEAKER – Commanding Officer Art Leobold (at podium, right) speaks to Naval Sea Cadets during basic training graduation ceremonies at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.
During the graduation ceremony, Commander Art Leobold told parents and friends they should be proud of what the cadets accomplished.
“The cadets participated in a number of training activities, including physical fitness, fire training techniques, close-order drill and classroom training. You should be proud of their accepting leadership and their ability to work as a team to achieve their goals,” Leobold said. “We congratulate all of you and thank you for a job well done.”
In addition to the recruits from the Katy Division, Sea Cadets from across Texas took part in the boot camp.
Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Swoboda of the Katy Division spent the two weeks working as a staff cadet. He assisted the company commanders with the recruits, worked with the cadets in the classroom and “hands on” sessions and took part in directing the physical fitness training.
After cadets have successfully completed boot camp, they can then participate in a host advanced training opportunities. Just a few of the advanced courses available include airman training, medical training, firefighting, submarine operations, marksmanship, mine warfare, SEAL team training, amphibious training and SCUBA school.
Cadets also have the opportunity to live aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations for two-week periods.
TRAINING SEA CADET RECRUITS – Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Swoboda (with American flag) of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Katy Division served as a staff cadet, assisting active-duty and reserve members of the military train recruit Sea Cadets.
Sea Cadet training is held throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam on military installations.
In addition, cadets who exhibit extraordinary initiative and leadership ability may take parting annual exchanges with Sea Cadet Corps around the world. The program’s international exchange partners include Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, The Netherlands, Russia, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
In the international exchange program, cadets get to meet their foreign counterparts, experience new cultures and learn how the navies of the world operate.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a national organization designed for young people 11-18 years old interested in learning about the U.S. Navy and the military way of life. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia.
While no military commitment is required, many Sea Cadets eventually choose to join the armed forces.
In March, Katy Naval Sea Cadet David Szabo received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Szabo, 18, has been a Navy Sea Cadet for four years.
Szabo credited the Sea Cadets with helping him gain the prestigious appointment.
“My Sea Cadet training really helped me get ready for my application to the Naval Academy,” Szabo said.
His goal, he added, is to become a Navy SEAL.
The Katy Division typically meets two Saturdays per month during the school year for drills, including volunteering as ushers at the annual Wings Over Houston Air Show, attending military memorial services and Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies at the Battleship Texas, kayaking the Lower Colorado River, marching in local parades and qualifying on the AR-15.
The Katy Division Sea Cadets are sponsored by VFW Post 9182.
