Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed aboard the Belleau Wood Sea Cadet Squadron from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for an overnight tour of the ship, Jan. 21-22.

The squadron is part of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC). NSCC was developed for older cadets, ages 13-17, and exposes the cadets to the full rigors of a military training program, while preparing them for whatever path they may take after high school.

The Sea Cadet Program is here to teach its cadets the values of the general orders, and to teach them the expectations of military life, said retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. William Ferrel, the Belleau Wood Sea Cadet Squadron's Company Commander.

Sea Cadet Seaman John Neal has been in the Sea Cadets for two years and joined in order to obtain experience from the Navy.

My cousin steered me towards joining the Navy, and after looking over all of the different jobs that the Navy has to offer, I made my decision, said Neal, who leaves for Recruit Training Command in July to start his Navy career as a Seabee steelworker.

The cadets were given a full walkthrough of GW. Sailors aboard explained the different responsibilities of the quarterdeck watches, gave a full tour and breakdown of the flight deck, and showed the cadets the high-tech working of GW's combat direction center. The next morning they participated in an early morning physical training evolution.

While at the Warrior's Gala in October, I met one of the Belleau Wood Sea Cadets' mothers, and I learned this group of cadets has never visited a Navy ship nor had much interaction with the Navy at all, said Cmdr. Don Wilson, GW's combat systems officer. After learning these kids, who love the Navy so much, didn't have any actual Navy experiences or visited a ship, I decided that it would be a great idea to invite them to the ship for a weekend.

Their shipboard experience continued with training on the ship's damage control equipment, a briefing from a pilot, and on-board lunch.

It was interesting to think, "this could be my future right here," said Sea Cadet Seaman Tanner Thornton.

Thornton said he aspires to be a pilot, and is considering joining the military. The 17-year-old high school junior became interested in flying at age nine, and has been working on his commercial license by flying with his uncle since he turned 12.

I've seen pictures of a carrier flight deck before, but it was surreal to see in person, said Thornton.

After the cadets departed GW, they toured Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) to see a different part of the Navy. The cadets who attended were able to get an up-close view of an aircraft carrier and a submarine, providing them with insight to potential career opportunities.

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