Local Naval Sea Cadets excel across the country

Seaman Recruit Patience Simes
was named honor cadet of
her training course.

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Wendy Wyman

KNOXVILLE, TN (NNS) – The sounds of “left... left... left, right, left!” echo across the drill deck at Naval Operational Support Center Knoxville, accompanied by the stomping of 35 pairs of boots marching in time. This is how the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets of Knoxville’s Anchor Division finished up their annual training this summer, before they headed back to school.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide organization dedicated to helping young men and women between the ages of 11 and 17 to help them realize personal success, self-reliance and academic achievement through a military-oriented training program in an environment free of alcohol, drugs and gangs.

“It is our goal to teach these kids the core values of honor, courage, and commitment through the use of our rich history of U.S. naval customs, courtesies, and traditions,” said Lt. j. g. Todd Johnson, commanding officer of Anchor Division. “This summer, our unit training focused on seamanship, aviation, and survival techniques."

Each senior cadet must pass an initial physical readiness test to qualify to attend the basic recruit training (commonly referred to as “boot camp”) where they learn a multitude of foundational skills. After this requirement is met, cadets are eligible to participate in a variety of advanced training sessions. This year, six of Anchor Division’s senior cadets had the opportunity to attend specialized recruit training across the country.

“Through exposure to a unique hands-on, team-centric, objective-based environment, cadets learn during their summer training to demand the best from themselves and from others,” Johnson said.

Many of Anchor Division's Sea Cadets excelled at the different recruit trainings hosted over the summer. The unit had four Honor Cadets and two members of Honor Companies, as well as two cadets who earned marksmanship ribbons. The twenty-one cadets of Anchor Division, who attended a training course, earned a total of 31 awards for their division.

At the basic recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois, Seaman Apprentice Patience Simes was selected as the Honor Cadet of her training course comprised of over 304 cadets. Due to her exemplary performance, she earned a plaque, a citation award, a unit commendation as part of the Honor Company, and a sharpshooter ribbon.

"It's the hardest fun I've ever had!” said Simes. “Can I do it again, please?"

Seaman Recruit Patience Simes earned a plaque, a citation award,
a unit commendation as part of the Honor Company, and a sharpshooter ribbin.

Earlier in the summer, Seaman Josue Granados completed Field Medical Training and earned the opportunity to complete the Special Operations Tactical Field Medical Training, where he learned medical techniques used in battlefield conditions. With completion of the two medical trainings this summer, Granados, 17, will now serve as the medical first responder for Anchor Division.

“Cadet Granados maintained excellent military bearing and respect throughout the course,” said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Farland, commanding officer of Special Operations Tactical Field Medical Training. “He is an exceptional cadet with a promising future.”

While attending Unmanned Aerial Aircraft Training, Seaman William Haines utilized his skills to not only build, but also fly a 4-bladed drone helicopter. Applying critical STEM technology, he successfully completed the course and was allowed to return to Anchor Division with his very own drone helicopter. 10

During Field Operations Training hosted at Latimere Scout Reservation, Seaman Apprentice Elesionna Lovelady battled through water, sand and obstacles to earn the coveted position of Honor Cadet for her training unit. Additionally, due to her hard work and dedication, Petty Officer Third Class Leah Hinsley was also selected as Honor Cadet at her advanced SCUBA Training in Key Largo, Florida.

“I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the parents of these fine children. Also, the highly motivated adult leaders that volunteer their time for an entire weekend and many hours behind the scenes make me proud to be the commanding officer,” said Johnson. “When I sit back and realize that the possible future of our military is among this group, I am proud. I am comforted by the display of patriotism and courage that they exuded each weekend and I know that they are a beacon of light during the rest of the month at school and at home.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is comprised of two federally chartered nonprofit programs that seek to instill good citizenship and strong moral principles in its cadets. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps, or senior cadet program, is for young adults from ages 13 through the completion of high school. Additionally, there is the Navy League Cadet Corps, or junior cadet program, for youths from ages 11 through 13. Both programs are sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

The membership of Anchor Division geographically encompasses young people from Johnson City, Tenn. to Wartburg, Tenn. and as far south as Cleveland, Tenn. The unit meets one weekend a month and trains at least one week per year mirroring the standard drilling requirements of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Cadets have the opportunity to train aboard U.S. Navy ships and are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with U.S. Naval Sea Cadet insignia. Cadet units are structured along the military rank system and are led by voluntary commanding officers.
For more information about the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets of Knoxville, Anchor Division, contact Lt. j. g. Todd Johnson, commanding officer, at www.seacadet.org.