Last modified Wed., November 08, 2006 - 05:06 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 9, 2006

Sea Cadets Soar At Jax Air Show

Story by LeAnna Boudreaux, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Mayport Division Assistant PAO

Despite the high winds and nippy temperature, hundreds of people showed up Oct. 28 for the second day of the 2006 Air show. Among them was the US Naval Sea Cadets, Mayport Division Unit under the direction of their commanding officer, Lt. Sue Lounsberry. The cadets were the guests of the Association of Naval Aviation, who had one of the many chalets that lined the front of the air strip. However, the day was far from relaxing for the cadets.

The unit was split up into five groups comprised of three to five cadets and one or two adult leaders. These groups then walked around the air strip handing out brochures for both the Sea Cadet program and the upcoming US Naval D-Day Memorial installation ceremony in Normandy, France. Captain Francis Floyd, USN Ret. serves as the liaison between the Mayport Unit and the Navy League. Through his involvement with both organizations, the Mayport Unit was invited to help promote the ceremony.

The highlight of the unit's day was being invited to sit in the Blue Angels' chalet to watch the performance of the world famous flight team. The unit's Operations Officer, USN Chief Brett Vaughn arranged the privilege for the cadets and staff. Chief Vaughn was recently accepted into the Blue Angels program and will be leaving for Pensacola sometime next year. After the air show, the cadets joined the masses to get autographs and posed for a group shot with one of the pilots.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a fun filled program designed to bring out the best in young people through teaching principles that develop self esteem, positive attitude, discipline and patriotism.

For additional information go to www.mayportseacadets.org.