S.C. NJROTC Unit visits Norfolk Sailors

From Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Josue L. Escobosa, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Cadets from the Laurens District High School Navy JROTC visited Navy units in the Norfolk area April 29 to experience life as a Sailor firsthand.

During their visit, they visited two air squadrons, embarked USS Gravely (DDG 107) for a day and enjoyed a meeting with Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

During an underway transit to Naval Station Yorktown aboard Gravely, the students were treated to a tour of the ship which included several demonstrations of shipboard systems. The students also had an opportunity to interact and eat with the crew.

"My favorite part was learning what life aboard a ship is like," said Cadet Ryan Sparks. "I learned it's hard; it's very hard being away from your family. It made me appreciate what they [Sailors] do."

The respect the cadets and Sailors had was mutual as the crew was honored to have the students aboard the ship.

"Programs like NJROTC showcase the best of America's high school students," said Cmdr. Kevin Kennedy, Gravely's commanding officer. "You could tell from the moment they stepped onboard the tremendous pride they take in their unit and themselves. It was a pleasure having them onboard."

The Gravely visit was followed by a sit-down with Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. Gumataotao shared insights, his own experiences in Navy JROTC, the importance of working hard and the opportunities life can present to them if they do.

"Growing up in Guam, NJROTC opened up a portal for me," said Gumataotao. "That portal opened many opportunities for me. I could have been happy staying on the island, being a fisherman. But, I am pretty happy with where I am now. Seize your opportunity for happiness and see where it takes you."

The cadets and their leaders were grateful for the opportunity to sample the various Navy ratings, the different commands, and for the time Gumataotao took to encourage the group.

"He taught us that, whatever we do, as long as we're happy, that's all that matters," said Cadet Jamie Ackerman. "It doesn't matter if it's in the Navy or somewhere else, so long as we felt good about it. Our leaders really want the best for us and I feel very inspired after hearing the admiral speak."

"No admiral has a lot of time," said retired Cmdr. T.J. Linardi, Navy JROTC instructor. "For him to take the time to meet with the cadets was personally huge for me. I didn't think it was going to happen. I'll be the first to admit I was wrong, but for the commander of SURFLANT to take time out of his day and talk to these kids, it was awesome."