Sea Cadets Hold Special Training Event in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo has a new Sea Cadet battalion. Sunday, about 100 Sea Cadets from all over the surrounding region graduated from a special training camp here where kids aged 10-17 practiced swimming, marching, first aid, and a variety of other basic skills and workshops designed to develop leadership and, for some, future service in America’s armed forces.

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps — called Sea Cadets — is a maritime based youth program sponsored by the U.S. Navy and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cadets train on naval bases and other military installations in a variety of military disciplines. The organization promotes that Sea Cadets are, “always choosing adventure, seeking challenges, and stepping outside of their comfort zones to prove to the world that ‘Greatness Has No Age.’"

This was the first camp organized by San Angelo’s newly-formed CPO Stephen M. Mills Battalion at the U.S. Army National Guard Armory. Graduation ceremonies were held at the gymnasium at Veribest High School.

Sea Cadets augment the readiness of the US Navy and Coast Guard by preparing youth for service in the US Navy and Coast Guard. It Is similar to the US Air Force’s Civil Air Patrol. About 65% of cadets are interested in joining the military.  According to the U.S. Navy, more than 500 former Sea Cadets join the United States Navy in a typical year and 10% to 12% of graduating Sea Cadets will enter each incoming U.S. Naval Academy Class.

San Angelo’s Mills Battalion was organized in May in part by a transplant to San Angelo, Lieutenant JG Joe Cahill, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. About 200 parents and well-wishers in the audience to congratulate the graduating cadets. Even San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter was there.

For more information about the San Angelo CPO Stephen M. Mills Battalion, contact the battalion via email to [email protected].