ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Students from the Robertsdale High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps traveled to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., for a two-day field trip on Sept. 7. The purpose of the trip was to educate the cadets …
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ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Students from the Robertsdale High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps traveled to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., for a two-day field trip on Sept. 7. The purpose of the trip was to educate the cadets about the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
The 44 cadets visited such historical sites as First Site Pensacola, “Persidio Santa Maria De Galve,” which was established 1698. The group then climbed the 177 steps to the top of the historic Pensacola Lighthouse. During a tour of Fort Barrancas the cadets learned some of the fort’s history as it related to the Civil War.
During lunch and dinner the cadets were able to converse with active duty Sailors and Marines at the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center chow hall and later that evening showed off their bowling skills alongside uniformed personnel at Naval Communications Training Center, Corry Station’s, bowling alley.
At sunrise, in typical military fashion, the students displayed their “Go Navy, Go Bears!” spirit during early morning physical training at the Blue Angel Recreation Area. The cadets then put their marching training to good use alongside active duty US service members.
During a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial “Wall South” the cadets heard Master Chief Dairy, a Viet Nam veteran himself, give a poignant speech about its message to the world, “Hate War, but do not Hate the Warrior.”
The orientation visit ended with a stop at the Naval Aviation Museum where the cadets were treated to the IMAX movie “Operation Red Flag” an inspirational movie about today’s Fighter Pilot, which is a life goal of cadet Rachael Starling.
“I will definitely go again next year,” said cadet Chief Petty Officer Jasmine Mons.”
Most of the reactions from Mons’ fellow cadets reflected that same positive energy. The trip turned out to be a great success, as many said that it definitely brought the unit closer together.
The Robertsdale High Naval Jr. ROTC is under the command of Cmdr. Gary Watkins and Master Chief Bob Dairy.
