Despite its location far from the nearest ocean, Signal Mountain now has its own division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
"You don't need water to run a Sea Cadet unit," said LTjg Stacy Kehoe, Commanding Officer for the Signal Mountain Division.
Junior grade Lts. Stacy Kehoe and Larry Morgan and Cmdr. Lynnette Church, from left, are leading the recently established Signal Mountain Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.Open to 10-year-olds through seniors in high school from the community at large, the Sea Cadets meet at Signal Mountain Middle/High School the first and third Thursday of every month from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and the second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Recruits can join at any time.
Kehoe said the Sea Cadet Corps has several goals and objectives similar to the Navy JROTC, which is a program conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, including Howard School in Chattanooga.
"It's not about getting you into the military," she said. "It's about becoming a future leader and a responsible, productive US citizen."
Sea Cadets will have the opportunity to explore and try out all the different jobs available on a naval base, from the culinary arts or photography to operating a submarine.
Potential Sea Cadets go through an application process and background check, said Kehoe. The initial cost is $175, which covers the required uniform and uniform accessories. Cadets pay an annual fee of $75, and separate fees apply for different types of training, such as scuba training.
The large number of retired naval personnel living on the mountain who helped push for the start of a Sea Cadet program here will serve as a ready arsenal of speakers and mentors for the group, Kehoe said. Many of these naval personnel are members of the Greater Chattanooga/John J. Spittler Council of the Navy League of the US, which provides additional financial support and advice to the Division.
Sea Cadets will master skills including basic marching, close order drills, knot tying and seamanship and will have the opportunity to participate in international exchanges, she said.
"It teaches your kids discipline and reinforces your rules at home," said LTjg Larry Morgan, Executive Officer of the Signal Mountain Division. "You'll see your child change really quickly."
"It's not a reform program," Kehoe pointed out. "We're building leaders in business and our military, and we want kids who are pretty much on the straight and narrow."
Cadets must maintain a C average in school.
Kehoe's goal, although admittedly very lofty, is to have the Hamilton County Board of Education authorize the program to count as a military science credit on students' transcripts.
All Sea Cadets, ages 13-18 are required to attend boot camp for two weeks. LeagueCadets, ages 10-13, have the option of going to boot camp. Cadets are then eligible to move on to more advanced training.
The group must meet for 40 drills per year, which can be activities such as community service or participating in a parade. Cadets are required to attend at least 75 percent of the drills and present a valid excuse when absent, Kehoe said.