US NAVAL SEA CADETS CORPS RADM CHARLES W PARKS BATTALION

OUR MISSION ...

"...through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, to encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues."

- NSCC Charter - 36 USC 1541

Sea Cadet Units

Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly through out the year. A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer. Units may drill on military bases, at reserve centers, local schools, or community centers.

Sea Cadet units are organized as either divisions, squadrons, or battalions. Divisions closely reflect the surface Navy, while squadrons are geared toward the field of naval aviation, and battalions meanwhile reflect Navy construction battalions (SeaBees).

Whether a division, squadron, or battalion, the local unit has one main purpose, and that is to foster team work, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure.

Cadets are instructed by both Sea Cadet Officers and senior cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, and leadership. And most Sea Cadet regions throughout the country hold weekend competitions where units compete with each other to test their seamanship and military skills.

Local units will often participate in community events such as parades and fairs. They may also tour Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations. And participate in community service such as working in Veterans' Hospitals and organizing clothing and food drives.

Specific Funding Needs

We are seeking sponsorship to meet our unit and growth goals. Sponsorship funding goes directly to fund our unit and more specifically to help our Cadets. All Officers are Volunteers and the funding will be used in the following ways:

- Color Guard & Drill Team - Our Cadets perform in parades, community events and military ceremonies. We are looking to expand the number of Cadets in our Color Guard and Drill Team. Flags, ceremonial rifles and other equipment are costly. We are hoping to have two complete Color Guard and Drill Teams and include even more Cadets in the program this year.

- Training Classes & Travel Expenses - Our Cadets perform monthly training courses for advancement. They attend Boot Camp, Summer and Winter Trainings. Most training events are focused on leadership, life saving and technical military training.

- Facility, Technology and Classroom Needs - Our gracious host, the US Navy Seebeas, are located in one of the oldest buildings on base. The building is fairly sparse and has a very limited IT infrastructure. We hold classes in our facility and have a number of old PCs. We occasionally need to fix or improve the office area and are in need of 8 to 10 new Microsoft Windows combination Tablet/Laptops, 2 new Color Laser Printers and toner supplies.

- Uniform Expenses - Our Cadets follow the US Navy regulations for proper uniform and attire. These young men and women are regularly expected to upgrade their uniforms for proper fit.