topside
Volume 114, Issue 4
Page 10
Division 17
Division 17 Provides Safe Boating Courses for the Naval Sea Cadets
Article by Frank Michel. Photos taken by Ray Robson
On the weekend of 28 Oct. 2017, Lorraine Cannata, VCDR 17, Frank Michel (17-3) and Ray Robson (17-1) con-
ducted a joint New Jersey certified Boating Course to a group of eager young men and women of the U.S Naval
Sea Cadets Corps (USNCC) located at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The training was organized by Ray Robson who is
the Training Officer of the Sea Cadets.
The Weekend was filled with “hands on” training of knots and lines, charts and demonstrations. As with all kids,
the days were filled with many questions and “high energy.”
It was wonderful to work with such a GREAT group of kids who demonstrated enthusiasm, respect and a willing-
ness to step into an organization such as the Naval Sea Cadets.
In addition, the joint effort by Lorraine Cannata, Ray Robson and Frank Michel demonstrated that great things can
happen when we pull our resources to educate the public about boating safety.
JOB WELL DONE!
The NSCC was founded in 1958 by the Navy League of the United States at the request of the Department of the Navy. In 1962,
the USNSCC was chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code as a non-profit youth organization with an emphasis towards
the sea-going services of the United States. The law was amended in 1974 to allow female participation in the USNSCC.
In 2000, the U.S. Congress stated that the NSCC and related programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including
significant public relations benefits." Although under no service obligation, a sizeable percentage of cadets later enlist in the military.
Members who obtain the grade E-3 or Seaman/Airman may receive an advanced paygrade of E-3 if they join the Navy or Coast
Guard before they turn 24 years old, and E-2 in the Marine Corp s or other services, due to the training they receive. Former Sea Ca-
dets also represent a percentage of students at the five federal service academies.
Lorraine Cannata, VCDR 17, instructing Sea Cadets
Frank Michel, Flotilla 17-3, FSO-PE, instructing Sea Cadets in
marlinspike.