Atlantic Beach Man Passes Naval Training

An Atlantic Beach man recently completed a leadership program for the US Naval Sea Cadets at the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, according to that office.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent A. Ponte, a senior at the Valley Forge Military Academy and commander for the Liberty Division Color Guard, passed the Petty Officer Leadership program at MASS Maritime Academy as well as seamanship training at Norfolk Naval Base. 

The training programs are a partnership between the NSCC and the US Navy. The courses that the cadets take are the same courses and same requirements as the active duty Sailors and Marines, taken side by side.

Ponte hopes to have a career as an officer in the US Navy.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is a nationwide organization dedicated to helping American youth realize personal success and achievement through a nautically oriented training program. Through Sea Cadet leadership, young Americans ages 13 through 17 develop interest and skill in basic seamanship and its naval adaptations, while learning the value of patriotism, courage, self reliance, teamwork and accountability, and the value of education. Continued success and participation in the NSCC is dependent on maintaining good grades in school.

Membership in the sea cadets allows teenagers to sample military life with no obligation to join any branch of the armed forces. Should cadets decide to enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard, their training may allow them entry at an advance pay-grade. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps affords equal opportunity for participation to all young Americans regardless of race, color, religion or sex.