Recognizing that the future lies with the next generation, the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) has entered into a mutual support agreement with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC).
“There is a natural synergy between our two organizations and, in addition to promoting each other at professional and other events, when possible, AUSN will provide speakers as requested for Sea Cadet events and, in turn, the NSCC will provide a color guard when requested by AUSN,” explained AUSN Executive Director LCDR Steve Rogers (USN, Ret.).
The Sea Cadet Story
Founded nearly 75 years ago at the behest of the United States Navy, the NSCC is a congressionally chartered non-profit youth organization focusing on the sea-going services of the United States. A middle school program, the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC), is open to girls and boys ages 10 to 13. The Sea Cadet Corps program is for high school students, ages 13 through 18.
With the support of the Navy and the Coast Guard, more than 400 Sea Cadet units meet and train on naval bases and other military facilities throughout the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico. The cadets gain unique and valuable experiences that incorporate hands-on learning and teamwork. Program opportunities include seamanship, sailing, aviation, security, building robots, medical, STEM, SCUBA, submarines, photography, culinary and special forces training.
In adopting the NSCC’s core values of honor, respect, commitment and service, many cadets go on to join the ROTC. Although service is not obligatory, cadets who attain the grade of E-3 or Seaman/Airman or are in the program for two years may enter the Navy at an advanced pay grade of E-3 or for the Marine Corps, E-2.
AUSN Engagement
On December 7, AUSN member Larry DeVries, CAPT CEC USN (Ret.), was the guest speaker for the morning session of the monthly meeting of the Sea Cadet Portland unit, held at the Naval Reserve Center, Swan Island, Portland, Oregon.
After describing AUSN and the October Memorandum of Understanding with NSCC, DeVries presented a history of the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1942 onwards. In addition to showing and talking about two recruiting posters and a Seabee challenge coin, he also displayed and explained the utility green working uniform, field boots, softcover and Seabee construction safety helmet he wore during the Cold War era.
AUSN members who are interested in making a connection with a local Sea Cadet unit contact Steve Rogers
