The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a nonprofit organization that teaches young men and women from ages 10-18 (Graduating High School Seniors), teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership.
The United States Naval Sea Cadets program allows our cadets to sample military life without any obligation to join any branch of the Armed Forces. Should a cadet decide to enlist in either the Navy or Marine Corps, his or her cadet record may permit enlistment at an advanced pay grade. In addition, scholarship grants are available to qualified cadets (and former cadets) who are pursuing studies at the college level.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has clearly distance itself as a nationwide youth organization dedicated to helping American youth realize personal success and achievement through a nautically oriented training program. Through Navy League and Sea Cadet leadership, young Americans ages 10 through 18 develop interest and skill in basic seamanship and its naval adaptations, while learning the value of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, teamwork and accountability. In addition to shore activities, cadets train aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear U.S. Navy uniforms marked with Naval League and or Sea Cadet insignia. Over 350 Sea Cadet units are opening in nearly every state as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, with over 9,000 members.
Objectives of the NSCC and the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division are:
- To develop an appreciation for our Navy’s history, customs, traditions, and its significant role in national defense.
- To develop a sense of pride in our nation, positive qualities of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, confidence, pride in workmanship and seamanship skills, and other attributes which will contribute to development of strong moral character and good citizenship traits.
- To present the advantages and prestige of a military career, and to increase the potential for advancement of those cadets who may wish to join the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Air Force or Army.
The rich history of the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division is strong, through the years we have received a number of awards that we are proud of, and we continue to support the Hudson Valley community in many ways. It’s important to know your history so we can learn from it and grow as individuals and as a team with our community.
The Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division was established in June of 2008 and we officially received our commissioning warrant in January 2010. At that time each original cadet received a Plank Owner Certificate, Plank-owner certificates are procured by and issued to crew members of the ship being commissioned, since then we have played a large role in preparing many cadets for their future. We continue to make the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division visible through community service as we support local towns and villages requests for our cadets to participate in activities ranging from parades to veterans memorials.
To the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division Cadets:
Our program provides numerous benefits to each and every one of you – both tangible and intangible. You and alumni cadets often cite the feelings of pride, camaraderie, respect and honor associated with their experience in the Sea Cadets. These immeasurable benefits are very important to us. They define us. Remember, you get what you put into the program. As an official youth organization of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, no other program educates its members in America’s rich oceanic traditions and teaches them the values of professional seamanship. Training received in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps helps to shape capable and competent Sailors and Officers for our maritime services and merchant marine. Your experience with the USNSCC and the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division will not only provide the motivation and encouragement to pursue your goals, but also concrete assistance in achieving them.
When you all achieve the highest level, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) in the program, and you are ready to be discharged you will always carry the friendships and memories for the rest of your life.
Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division 