View From The Bridge.

MAY 2010

Fleet Week ended with a VIP Reception on board the USS Iwo Jima, LHD 7. The Cadets had the unique opportunity to present the Colors. Special guests included several Admirals including Commander Second Fleet, Navy Region South East, The Strike Group Commander, and a Marine Corps General. LCDR Starr made a presentation to Admiral Gary Roughead, the CNO, on behalf of the Spruance Division, and Fort Lauderdale Council. We presented two groupings of photos and original signatures of the only 5 star Fleet Admirals from World War II, with two pieces of the original teak decking from the Battleships Missouri and New Jersey.

Aviation Training was held at the Coast Guard Air Station, Opa Locka, under the direction of our Aviation Officer, Inst. Jay Rollins. We conducted a joint training evolution, with the Cadets of Enterprise Division. The Cadets had the opportunity to sit in, and learn about the Dolphine Helicopter, and the Falcon Patrol aircraft. After a hearty lunch in the Base Galley, the Cadets held their Swim Quals at the Base Pool, under the direction of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.

Mini-Boot Camp was held over Mother’s Day weekend, where the Cadets were indoctrinated into what to expect when they go away to  Recruit Training over the summer.  Our policy is that a Cadet must be prepared mentally, physically and spiritually, as Boot Camp is a life changing experience. Graduation was held and each Cadet was given a rose to present to their Mothers for Mothers Day.

We had our Annual Cruise on the Inter Coastal Waterway, on board the M/V Lady Lucille, sponsored by Voyager Maritime Alliance Group and Rolly Marine shipyard. Captain Ed Fink, JAG Corps Ret. took pictures of every Cadet as they had a turn manning the helm.

Our Annual Awards Banquet was held at Tropical Acres Restaurant, and special thanks to Barbara and Leo Greenfield for hosting another great event. LCDR Starr announced that the Radford Training Ship was selected as the Number One Navy League Unit in the Country!

The Cadets and Staff received the Awards and Recognition they have earned during the year, and PO1 Robert McStravick was Awarded the Sea Cadet of the Year, and Sebastian Amaya was awarded the League Cadet of the Year. Ensign Randy Bieszczak was awarded the Officer of the Year, and Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Sanchez USMC Ret. Was awarded the Instructor of the Year. Dr Lynn Drucker and Ensign Donald McKinney were awarded the “Over the Top” Award for their special contributions to another successful year. A Change of Leadership was held, as the Unit Guidon was passed from LPO PO1 McStravick to our next year’s Leadership Team of PO2 Brock and PO2 Rollins.

We bid farewell to PO1 McStravick who was presented his Discharge and will be attending the University of Florida with a full NROTC Scholarship. PO2 Tom Hixon was presented his Discharge, and he will be attending USF, with a full NROTC Scholarship.

LCDR Starr, LTJG Jorge Perez, Inst. Kayanne Perez, Inst Linda Vazquez, and Inst Ivy Francis traveled to Annapolis to watch with immense pride our two Naval Academy Graduates and Commissioning of  Ensign Timothy Nasta, and Ensign Jessica Vance, who were both selected to become Naval Aviators.

Former Cadet LPO Eric Balcunas graduated Mass. Maritime Academy, and was Commissioned as an Ensign in the US Coast Guard.

This has to be another Spruance First, as three Spruance Cadet graduates were commissioned as Ensigns!

Memorial Day was honored by our Cadets presenting Colors at the City of Fort Lauderdale Ceremonies and the City of Sunrise Ceremonies.

On a more somber note, we learned of the loss of Joe Millsaps at a tragic accident while he was attending the Indianapolis 500. Joe was the Executive Director of Broward Navy Days, and was the sponsor of Fleet Week.  He was a great supporter of the Sea Cadets, and asked us to present Colors at all of the Broward Navy Days Events. It was an honor for our Unit and our Cadets to present the Colors one final time for Joe, at his Memorial Service at Calvary Chapel.

Respectfully submitted,

LCDR Alan Starr, NSCC

Commanding Officer