Navy Commands Host Winning Army JROTC Cadets

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commands at Joint Expeditionary Base - Little Creek Virginia Beach, Va., rolled out the red carpet Jun. 28 for six Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from from Michigan's Calumet High School (CHS).

Members and support staff from Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) TWO and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) TWO and Riverine Squadron ONE (RIVRON ONE) team members hosted the Army cadets for two separate events. The first event was running the base obstacle course promoting physical fitness and building teamwork ethos. The second event was boarding two riverine crafts for a hands-on experience with the communication equipment, handheld weapons and combat gear.

The Army cadets took top honors in the leadership element of the National JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) competition, held June 22 in Washington, D.C. The team wrapped up their competition with a visit to Norfolk, Va., to see the Navy side of the house.

The six member team - Sarah Beck, Angelicca Kenny, Abbey Kesti, Bailey Langdon, Jessica Rich and Olivia Torola - spent the last 10 months studying and testing to qualify to compete. They placed first in both regional and national competitions. Regionally CHS came out on top against 1,345 participating battalions. Nationally, the team beat out 40 participating battalions.

A few bumps and bruises and a lot of sweat were part in parcel with running the course with NSWG2 and ESG2. But the opportunity to run it with Sailors and a Marine made the effort rewarding and memorable.

"The obstacle course was one of the most interesting physical activities I have ever participated in because it is something not just anybody could try; especially high school students," said Beck. "I loved the versatility of the physical challenges because it made me work harder than I thought I could. NSWG Sailors were on hand to demonstrate each obstacle and help us through the course."

After a short but much needed rest, the cadets met up with RIVRON ONE Sailors. The Riverines and Army cadets covered the Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) and the Riverine Assault Boat (RAB), two fully equipped, mission ready static displays, from stem to stern.

"I think the best part of the riverine presentation was when the Sailors allowed us to try on their vests and talk through the radio," said Rich.

Lt. Kenneth Walker, officer in charge, Riverine Squadron One Detachment Three, welcomed the community outreach opportunity. "We really appreciated the cadets taking time out to stop by and check us out. It was our pleasure to be there, socialize and provide some insight to the new up and comers."

The Army cadets realized hosting a group of high school kids was probably not in any of these military teams normal work day. Kesti noted, "The fact that they changed their schedules just for us is a real honor. Not many people have the chance to experience what we did."

The city of Calumet held a parade to honor the returning winning cadets. "They aim to have CHS JROTC return to next year's national competition with both leadership and academic teams," said Farley.

CHS academic team finished third regionally, competing against 1,538 battalions.

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