Alumni

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My name is Coleman Maitland, and I was a member of the U.S Naval Sea Cadet Corps from August 2015-August 2020. In my time with the sea cadets I learned many things, but the main takeaway that I will have for the rest of my life was the life and leadership skills. Before I joined I never thought about a career or leadership nor what it even was. Then my first year I saw a Chief Pinning Ceremony and I thought to myself “I want to be there someday.” Though I never made it to Chief I still ranked up and became the Leading Petty Officer of the unit. I had many great teachers show me how to be strict yet still have a little fun, that sometimes people don’t just need someone to tell them what to do but to show them how and let them know mistakes are always going to be made. You just have to learn from them. Not only did sea cadets instill leadership skills in me but they also helped me figure out what I wanted to do for my career. My whole life I grew up thinking I wanted to be an engineer, but with sea cadets and the numerous training opportunities I learned that it was not for me. I am currently attending Powerline Worker School at Southside Virginia Community College. I never would have gotten where I am today without the USNSCC and I am grateful for everyone I met and learned from in the program.

 My name is Alexander Liu and I am currently a 4/C Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The United States Naval Sea Cadets was instrumental in helping me achieve my childhood dream of attending USNA. The Sea Cadets was the first program that really introduced me to the Navy and career opportunities in different communities as an officer and enlisted. It was through the Sea Cadets that I got my first tour of the Naval Academy. The most important factor that Sea Cadets has taught me is valuable skills of peer leadership and intrapersonal communication. Another important experience that the Sea Cadets have taught me is the ability to keep going after failure. My first application to USNA was unsuccessful and I ended up having to do a Rat Year at Virginia Military Institute. I used my failure to motivate me to work hard and reapplied to USNA and was successful. The countless training and teamwork opportunities learned through my team at Sea Cadets has allowed me to have a different perspective in the Naval Academy. Overall, I would not be where I am today without the help of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. .