Sea Cadets Take to the Air

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (NNS) -- Nashville LPD-13 Division Sea Cadets received firsthand exposure to the aviation world at Smyrna Airport in Tennessee Aug. 14.

The cadets each took a flight in a fixed wing single engine aircraft piloted by Experimental Aircraft Association volunteers as part of the Young Eagles program.

"I think it's very important for the Sea Cadets to do events like this to show youth that there are so many opportunities out in the world," said Lexi Toft, chief petty officer cadet and Nashville LPD-13 Division leading cadet. "We are able to take the cadets and show them that they are able to do anything. They are not just kids that are stuck at school all day. There are limitless possibilities out there for them. I hope it shows them a little bit of direction and helps them figure out what they want to do in the future."

In 1958, the Department of the Navy and the Navy League formally established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) for children ages 14 to 17 and the Navy League Cadet Corps for children ages 11 to 13.

NSCC was established to help young Americans broaden their horizons through hands-on training and guide them to becoming mature young adults. The Nashville Division of Sea Cadets was established in 1999 and is named after USS Nashville (LPD 13). The ship was decommissioned in 2009.

"I am excited about my involvement with the Sea Cadet program," said Chief Electronics Technician Timothy Lavachek, Nashville LPD-13 Division military leader. "The program gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge of the Navy and my experiences as a Sailor with young people who are looking for opportunities after high school. I hope that my involvement helps cadets make good choices in their futures whether they choose military service or not."

For more information on the Sea Cadets program, visit http://www.seacadets.org/public/.

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Nashville, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nrdnashville/.