(USNSCC) — The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is pleased to announce that the Natibu Division of the CNMI held its first weekend drill on Saipan, Saturday, May 21, 2022. USNSCC is open to all youth years 11 to 18 holding U.S. citizenship or green card. The middle school youth join the Naval League Cadet Core and high school youth join the Naval Sea Cadet Core.
Families and youth who are interested in joining the Sea Cadets should place an inquiry on-line at the Sea Cadet website https://www.seacadets.org/join and follow the link “Become a Cadet.” There are very limited slots left, and applicants may be placed on a wait list.
This past Saturday, the newly formed Natibu Division with 25 Cadet Recruits were led by Commanding Officer Ray Alvarez and Executive Officer Regino Celis Jr. at their first monthly drill hosted at Northern Marianas Tech in Lower Base.
Cadets were issued Natibu Division T-Shirts as part of an alternative uniform. The morning drill portion included Basic Military Training following the traditions of the U.S. Navy, close order drills and Maritime nomenclature.
In the afternoon, cadets learned basic Marlinspike Seamanship. Each cadet was issued a length of line for knot tying practice. Classroom training was followed by dockside training at Smiling Cove to learn about parts of a boat, tying a cleat hitch and more nautical language.
For a select few cadets, a sailing excursion was hosted by Saipan Sailing School. Cadets learned how to rig a sailboat and went sailing for a few hours in the lagoon.
Activities planned for the summer include Recruit Training, a week-long Traditional Maritime Heritage hosted by the Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.’s Master Navigators; an America Sailing Association Certification through Saipan Sailing School; and many other challenging programs.
The Navy Sea Cadet Corps is a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth training organization sponsored by the Navy League and supported by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, described as a regimented youth program similar to JROTC but with a focus on sea going services.
Sea Cadets build leaders of character. Goals are to develop interested in seamanship and sea-going skills, instill principles of good citizenship and strong moral character, demonstrate the value of substance free lifestyle and expose cadets to the prestige of a military or merchant marine career.
To inquire or support the program and our youth, contact Ray Alvarez at (670) 989-7266 or Reno Celis at (670) 483-5674. For more information about Saipan Sailing School, contact Capt. Dave Johansen at (670) 483-7901.
Cadets in formation at NMTech.
Cadets learn basic seamanship.
Cadets learn to sail.
