NJROTC Cadets traveled to the historic USS Alabama on their annual overnight trip to Mobile, Alabama and the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. Freshmen to Seniors spent time getting to know each other out of the school environment and grow as leaders. Onboard the ship, Cadets explored the decommissioned World War II ship, participated in a picture scavenger hunt and competed in a capture the flag game on board. They toured the USS Drum, a submarine used during World War II, which was located next to the ship itself. As Cadets walked around the complex, they learned about tanks and aircrafts and the missions and battles of USS Alabama. Walking around a ship was a new experience and several Cadets enjoyed getting lost in such a historic ship. They slept on board the ship Friday night in the “Chief’s berthing” and experienced the cramped living conditions first hand.
On Saturday morning, the group departed for the Naval Aviation Museum, watched a movie about flying with the Blue Angels and took part in a virtual flight simulator of a F-18 Super Hornet. They had free time to tour the complex and see retired aircraft from the beginning of Naval Aviation to present day, including a replica of the moon lander. The Cadets returned home with high spirits and full of energy from the trip, the leadership experiences and learning how to “count off” in order from front to back, and left to right. The Cadets professionalism and respect were noted by several of the staff in the museums and we returned home Saturday evening exhausted but ready to do it all again next year.
If you are interested in joining the NJROTC, see any Cadets in the unit, Commander Nolan, Chief Necaise or Mr. Lemon. We would also enjoy the chance to talk to any 8th graders about joining the unit next year!
