Did You Know…
By Brandon Montanye
In today’s Navy it is routine to launch and recover aircraft aboard carriers and land helicopters aboard small deck ships. Prior to the advent of the helicopter in the Fleet, it was unheard of to land an aircraft on a ship that wasn’t an aircraft carrier. But did you know that during WWII a Minnesotan invented a system that made it possible to recover small aircraft directly aboard small deck ships?
Captain James H. Brodie of the U.S. Army was born in Minneapolis in 1916, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, He led the modification of the Landing Ship Tank (LST) to be used as an aircraft carrier, a concept initially developed for Operation HUSKY to launch Army L-4 observation planes for artillery spotting. However, only for launching the aircraft and not recovering them. These LSTs were nicknamed the “Cub Carriers.” The flight deck, or runway, was orientated centerline on the main deck from the superstructure to the bow. The ship was able to accommodate a total of ten aircraft; six of which would be stowed on the sides of the flight deck until they were ready to be used. The runway measured 220 feet long by 16feet wide. Because the flight deck was too short to land on, as well as the superstructure obstructing the approach end of the runway, the aircraft would land on friendly territory when the mission was complete. The additional aircraft were launched when the off-going aircraft would be ready to land to have constant surveillance of the area. They reported the location of friendly and enemy forces, directed naval gunfire on enemy positions and guided landing craft to the beach.
To solve the problem of landing back onto the ship, the Army developed a “Brodie Device,” named after its inventor Army 1st Lieutenant James H. Brodie. This device was used with spotter planes, Marine OY-1s at Iwo Jima and Army L-4s at Okinawa. It was a contraption that consisted of a cable strung between two cargo booms mounted on the Main Deck, one forward on the forecastle and one aft of the superstructure that would catch the aircraft upon landing. Originally it was developed for use on land when an airstrip was not able to be constructed for landing light planes. The cable was stretched over the water on the port side of the ship between the two booms. The aircraft, with a hook attacked to the top of it, would catch the cable athwart ship, flying from starboard to port. A winch system would then lower the aircraft to the deck from the cable that caught it. Later the system would be used to assist in launching the aircraft as well.
Modifying an LST with this equipment eliminated the need for an aircraft carrier and, with the shallow draft of the LST, it was able to approach closer to shore than an aircraft carrier, which also gave the aircraft more time on station. A total of seven LST’s were modified as aircraft carriers, only one of those (LST-776) was fitted with the Brodie Device system. Even though there was only one ship with a Brodie device installed, the Army incorporated the procedures into their first air-observation-post doctrine, Field Manual 6-150. The introduction of the helicopter made this system obsolete before it could be developed throughout the Fleet.
After the war, Brodie founded an engineering company and moved back to Minneapolis. His company specialized in unique mechanical engineering devices for submarines and aircraft carriers. Today, an example of an aircraft rigged for the Brodie system can be seen at the National Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington D.C. And now you know.
RAIN DOES NOT DAMPEN MILITARY DAY AT THE STATE FAIR
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday evening, August 26th, delaying Tuesday's opening until 0900 am in order to assess and clean up damage. But, neither the rain, lightning or a stormy morning dampened the spirit of Minnesota Navy League Council volunteers for the Minnesota State Fair Military Day at the Fair on August 27, 2024.
The Minnesota Council volunteers were able to connect with many fair-goers who were given information on how to join the Navy League and contribute to the restoration of the USS Minneapolis St. Paul (SSN 708) sail/rudder restoration and movement of the USS Ward Gun to the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley. Volunteers made excellent connections with veterans and active-duty service members who attended the event and were able to engage with Sea Cadets interested in the USNA.
The Council also recognized two of our adopted units, Harding High School NJROTC and Washington Technical Magnet School NJROTC with $500 checks that will fund events and drills for them throughout the school year. It is the young people who will make the difference in our future and recognizing them and the leadership at the schools is vital to us.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers including: CDR Chris Schmid, Glenn Wachter. Heidi Hubbard. Linda McConnell Brian Swiderski, Como Park MCJROTC, Brian Skon, Brad Gawboy, Joyce Lacey, Kris Kivel, Curt Schiebel and Twin Cities Squadron Sea Cadets.
This type of outreach activity is crucial to let Minnesotans know of the work that the Navy League does to support the Sea Services, to educate the public on the importance of the Navy to our nation's defense, and to inform about the Navy's rich history and traditions.
MINNESOTA MILITARY AND VETERANS’ MUSEUM MAKES PROGRESS ON RESTORING USS MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL (SSN 708) SAIL AND RUDDER
September 29, 2024
After acquiring the sail & rudder of SSN-708 a couple of years ago and transporting it from the Bremerton Naval Yard to Camp Ripley, the MN Military & Veterans Museum has initiated an extensive restoration expected to take at least 6 months. Photos of the restoration can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mnmilitaryandveteransmuseum/sets/72177720320291343/
Primary partners in this process are C4 Welding (Sauk Rapids), Central Sandblasting (Mounds View), and Anderson Trucking Service (St Cloud).
Once complete, the sub's sail and rudder will be installed on the museum's new 32-acre site at the intersection of Highways 371 and 115. The grand opening is planned for summer of 2026. In the interim, the museum is seeking SSN-708 artifacts and oral histories from those who served on-board.
The museum has produced the first in a series of short videos to raise awareness of the new museum. View it here.
The story of the Navy veterans at the heart of this restoration effort will be chronicled in a documentary to be produced by Lakeland Public Television.
The Minnesota Navy League is partnering with MMVM on this restoration. To donate go to Donation-2024 — Navy League of Minnesota (navyleaguemn.org)
CREW OF USS MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL (LCS 21) COMPLETES WHIRLWIND VISIT TO NAMESAKE
The Navy League of the United States, Minnesota Council had a tremendous weekend with the crew of USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS 21). The Council developed a robust schedule of events, funded the crew visit and the VP Adopted Units, Brian Skon escorted the crew to the many events over the weekend.
It was a whirlwind weekend for Cmdr. Justin Neff, Commanding Officer USS Minneapolis Saint Paul and his crew. The crew included his senior enlisted CMDCS Ariel Ampier; HT1 Terry Oliver - Sailor of the Year; ET2 Adam Rowicki - Junior Sailor of the Year; and EN3 Makayla Lewis - Blue Jacket of the Year. These sailors were the best USS Minneapolis Saint Paul Sailors and their poise and professionalism was evident in the many events they attended.
The crew arrived Friday November 10 and immediately went to a Salute to Service Basketball game at the University of Minnesota where they were recognized at center court during halftime. Following the basketball game, the crew headed to Herbies on the Park to participate in Como Park’s Marine Corps JROTC Marine Corps Birthday Ball. They were able to witness Cadet Anthony Landaverde Guillen being awarded the highest award for achievement in the Marine Corps JROTC for the Northwest Region with the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. Cadet Landaverde is the only Marine Corps JROTC cadet to receive this award this year in the Northwest Region.
Veterans’ Day began with the crew appearing on KARE 11, the local NBC affiliate, where they talked about their visit and the thrill of visiting their namesake cities. After this the crew visited Twin Cities Squadron Sea Cadets where they saw firsthand cadets working on marksmanship, firearms safety, cleaning and maintenance, and dry fire laser training. What a tremendous opportunity for both the crew and the cadets to talk one on one about their careers and cadet aspirations. The evening was filled with a dinner with the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and their concert with the Minnesota Orchestra.
The final day of their visit to Minneapolis/Saint Paul was an interview with KSTP 5, the local ABC affiliate, where Cmdr. Neff talked about the friendliness of the people of Minnesota and the highlights of their visit. The crew’s afternoon was at US Bank Stadium to see the Minnesota Vikings football game. They participated in the Salute to Service with the Joint Service Color Guard and Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. The best thing was they were able to witness a Vikings win against the New Orleans Saints 27-19. We hope they left as Vikings fans. The evening was capped off with a dinner at Cossetta's in St. Paul.
The USS Minneapolis Saint Paul team returned to Mayport on November 13. The Minnesota Council is excited for their next visit and being to show them more of Minnesota and the friendly people here!!
Media Contact
Patricia Dolan,
VP Communications, Minnesota Navy League
703-851-5684
MN Navy League helps bolster recruiting numbers at Naval Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains
It’s no secret that the Department of Defense has faced many challenges in the recruiting environment over the past couple of years. When it comes down to it, these challenges cannot be taken on by the recruiters of their respective branches alone. Recruiting commands rely on word-of-mouth and engagements from outside organizations to help facilitate information between the military branches and prospective recruits. One of the primary organizations that helps assist the sea-services with meeting their recruiting mission is the Navy League.
The Navy League Council of Minn. has been a staunch supporter of the local area Naval and Coast Guard commands that include: NTAG Northern Plains, Naval Reserve Center, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota ROTC, Maritime Safety Unit Duluth, Coast Guard Cutter Spar, three Sea Cadet Units, and three Junior ROTC units. The Council has engaged in many events including command picnics, an annual Navy Ball, air shows, Navy Weeks, award ceremonies at adopted units, community parades, networking events, with the primary focus to provide education and awareness to the surrounding communities about the importance of the Navy on a world-wide and national security scale.
“The Minnesota Navy League Council is a tremendous asset for us at NTAG Northern Plains,” said Cmdr. Jonny “DOZER” Kane, executive officer of NTAG Northern Plains. “They are able to amplify our reach into the community, and not just from a recruiting standpoint, but as an advocate of the U.S. Navy and their impact on a global scale.”
On the average day, recruiters in the NTAG Northern Plains area of responsibility are actively seeking to spread Navy awareness and seek new accessions across seven states that include Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and parts of Wisconsin and Illinois. From the beginning of this fiscal year, they have enlisted 360 Future Sailors, processed 90 officer candidate submissions with 41 selected, and had 52 NROTC applications submitted with 32 selected, which is 12% higher than the national average. (Statistics provided by NTAG Northern Plains.)
“The Minnesota Navy League engages with state and local representatives and centers of influence to promote Navy programs and opportunities,” said Joe Fraser, President of the Minnesota Navy League Council. “One of the programs that we are particularly fond of promoting is the scholarship opportunities available through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps.”
One of the major scholarships available through the NROTC program is the Immediate Scholarship Reservation (ISR) scholarship, which is valued at approximately $200,000.
NTAG Northern Plains was approved to award four scholarships this year. Raina Elisabeth Roemhildt, graduate of St. Peter High School, will attend University of Washington this fall. She will pursue a major in mechanical engineering and wants to be a surface warfare officer like her retired father. Emmanuel Tallaferno Edwards, graduate of Eden Prarie High School, will attend Harvard University in the fall. He plans to major in economics and wants to enter the surface warfare officer community. Two additional students were awarded ISR scholarships, one from Valley High School (West Des Moines, Iowa) to attended University of Michigan and one from Saint Thomas Academy to attend University of Minnesota, but declined the scholarship offers to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point respectively.
“The NROTC Scholarship Program provides an avenue for students to attend college full time, gain invaluable leadership experience and ultimately pave the way for the future of the U.S. Navy,” said Chief Navy Counselor Lenora Sprague, NROTC scholarship program coordinator assigned to NTAG Northern Plains. “Our student applicants are both exceptional and humble, a testament to the quality education and strong work ethic of which the Midwest is known for.”
It is through teamwork between recruiters and organizations like the Navy League that the Navy is able to achieve recruitment goals.
“For any student that is remotely interested in applying, I highly recommend taking the leap and logging onto our website today, as fiscal year 2024 applications are open to apply for,” added Sprague.
If interested in applying please visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/NROTC/ for more information.
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul – A Change of Season and a Change of Command
MAYPORT, Fla. (June 20, 2023) – The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) has sprung into a new season with an eventful second quarter. This quarter the MSP crew participated in Final Contractor Trials, a Change of Command, and ended the quarter with training fellow LCS crews.
Newly commissioned Naval vessels like Minneapolis-Saint Paul undergo a ship-wide evolution known as Final Contractor Trials (FCT). FCT is a post-delivery event requiring much coordination between the ship's crew, government assessors, and the program office PMS-501. The event serves as a final in-depth review of the ship, crew, and onboard systems. The crew and systems performed extraordinarily from start to finish. USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul was able to claim this successful completion as the crew pushed one step closer to becoming a deployable asset.
This spring season has brought a new chain of command for the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul crew. On May 12, 2023, Cmdr. Hiram Andreu passed on the ceremonial commanding officer pin to Cmdr. Justin Neff. Neff, Minneapolis-Saint Paul's newest commanding officer, served as the executive officer aboard USS Sioux City (LCS 11) Blue Crew.
"I am deeply humbled, honored, and excited to take command of such an outstanding crew and ship," said Neff. "I look forward to continuing to build the relationship with the Navy League Minnesota chapter and appreciate the outstanding support thus far."
Additionally, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul's executive officers turned over as well. A position previously held by Cmdr. Bryan Kemmitz was assumed by Lt. Cmdr. Steven Fresse. Before his arrival, Fresse served as officer-in-charge at Surface Warfare Schools Command (N77) Engineering Learning Site Mayport.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul's executive officer," said Fresse. "I look forward to working with each and every Sailor aboard as we continue to refine our skills in preparation for future tasking."
The new duo is ready to keep setting the standard of success as Minneapolis-Saint Paul accomplishes their milestones toward deploying.
Finishing the quarter, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul spent the rest of May and the entirety of June training and supporting fellow LCS crews native to Naval Station Mayport.
The USS Indianapolis Blue Crew came aboard in May to show off their skills and complete their Advanced Phase certification events. Advanced Phase is the final large pre-requisite for a crew to deploy. For June, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul supported USS Saint Louis Blue and Gold crews as the crews conducted their Basic Phase certifying events.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul crew is ready to continue their development towards deployment and is always excited to help fellow crews prepare.
USS Minnesota (SSN 783) is 10 years old!! Happy birthday!!
USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783) is one of the most technologically advanced submarines in the world and the final Block-II Virginia Class submarine built by the U.S. Navy. MINNESOTA was built to excel in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as strike, special operations, mine warfare, and intelligence/surveillance operations. Since her commissioning on September 7th, 2013, MINNESOTA has conducted all phases of submarine operations. Between September 2013 and May 2016, MINNESOTA finished the initial construction phase of her life which prepared the ship and crew for fleet operations. On May 27th, 2016, MINNESOTA departed Electric Boat for her new homeport of Groton, CT.
While in Groton, MINNESOTA conducted numerous operations in local waters to certify her crew for deployment as well as assist other units in the same certification. Those operations included inspections, exercises, weapons testing events, and Submarine Command Course training, where future Commanding Officers and Executive Officers are trained with a submarine crew while at-sea. During her six years in Groton, CT, MINNESOTA conducted three deployments to the European Theater in support of Chief of Naval Operations maritime strategy and national security interests. The three deployments spanned between September 2017 to March 2018, June to December 2019, and May to November 2021. During each deployment, MINNESOTA completed multiple missions vital to national security. Additionally, MINNESOTA strengthened key strategic alliances throughout the European Theater by visiting Faslane, Scotland; Rota, Spain; and Haakonsvern, Norway.
During the 2019 deployment, MINNESOTA demonstrated her ability to execute combat operations in theater by conducting an expeditionary ordnance onload of a Mk-48 Advance Capability torpedo at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen, Norway. The “Viking Ship” finished its 2019 deployment and her crew was immediately recognized for their efforts in the spring of 2020. MINNESOTA was awarded the 2019 Battenberg Cup, an award presented annually to the best warship in the Atlantic Fleet.
Following MINNESOTA’s final European deployment, MINNESOTA commenced her transit to the Pacific Fleet to begin her first major maintenance availability. The transit started in February 2022 and concluded when MINNESOTA arrived in Pearl Harbor on March 17th, 2022. During the transit, MINNESOTA participated in the first ever anti-submarine warfare training exercise with the Columbian Navy. Participants included MINNESOTA, USS BILLINGS (LCS 15), Colombian Navy Submarine ARC Pijao (SSK 28), frigates ARC Independiente (FM 54) and ARC Almirante Padilla (FM 51), and Colombian helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. This exercise demonstrated both countries’ capabilities while improving interoperability against emerging threats in the region. Immediately after the exercise, MINNESOTA joined the Pacific Fleet on March 3rd, 2022 via the Panama Canal.
Once in the Pacific Fleet, MINNESOTA was able to transit south of the equator to conduct the “Shellback Ceremony,” a long standing naval tradition that celebrates the camaraderie and the braveness of all mariners. After arrival in Pearl Harbor, MINNESOTA started preparations for her Extended Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. During this availability, the crew, with assistance from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, is conducting extensive preservation, system upgrades, and repairs that will ensure MINNESOTA remains ready for tasking throughout for her projected lifespan. The Viking Ship has had many successes, including being awarded back-to-back Submarine Squadron Four Battle Efficiency Awards (2019 and 2020), throughout her 10 years of service, all due to the hard work of the crew and their families. We look forward to her continued success in the defense of our great nation!
Ex Septentrio, Virtus…From the North, Power
US Navy – Distinguished Visitor Program
By Ensign Shawn Wilson, Commanding Officer, Twin Cities Squadron Sea Cadets
Who doesn’t want to be Maverick in Top Gun? For most of us, this is a dream we can realize only through Hollywood movies and video games. The idea of a setting foot on an underway navy warship is equally unrealistic, so we settle for spending a few bucks to visit decommissioned museum pieces.
But is that the whole story? The answer is no. The US Navy – Distinguished Visitor (DV) Program exists to provide muggles (civilians) a once in lifetime opportunity and glimpse into the world of naval aviation, up close and personal. The program is designed for leaders in local, civic, education and business communities to foster awareness and understanding of the role of naval aviation in meeting the nation’s needs.
Ensign Wilson rides a CMV-22B Osprey to join the USS Theodore Roosevelt at sea.
DV’s embark from one of several naval stations (Norfolk, Jacksonville, San Diego, Pearl Harbor) to an aircraft carrier conducting training operations at sea. I was fortunate enough to be nominated by the NLUS-Minnesota Council and selected to participate in this program. Here is my Top Gun story.
I arrived at Naval Air Station – North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation and home to the Pacific Command Naval Air Force. Moored at the piers were gigantic hulks bearing the hull numbers CVN 72 and CVN 70, the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carl Vinson respectively. My intended destination, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) was already underway and operating some 150-175 nautical miles off the coast in the North Pacific Ocean. Following a brief tour, photo ops and the obligatory safety briefing it was time to fly.
A group of 12 DV’s, mostly academics, a sea cadet Commanding Officer and a rock n roll drummer boarded a CMV-22B Osprey. Seriously, she played the drums on the Top Gun soundtrack! After an exhilarating 1.5 hour flight cruising at 6,000 ft with the rear cargo hatch open, exposing the blue waters below, we arrived. I successfully completed my first tiltrotor landing as sea! And I have the patch to prove it!
Once aboard, the organized chaos of the flight deck hits you as fast as the rotor wash and smell of jet fuel. The array of colors, like a bag of skittles, adds to the sensory overload. The airboss and miniboss extended a welcome aboard wave from tower control. So focused on each step to avoid tripping on the no skid surface on the weather deck, I hardly appreciated the MH-60 Seahawks, E-2 Hawkeyes and F-18 Hornets and Super hornets preparing for daily flight operations.
After a quick introductory meeting with the Skipper and XO, the DV’s were ushered below decks to get prepared for the flight deck. I made a mental note, the CO’s foreword cabin was way nicer than anything I had seen on those old WW2 ships. Preparing for the flight deck, Kenny Loggins Danger Zone began to play in my head. This was it, I got to don a white float coat with DV on the back and its array of salt water activated life saving devices in the event I fell (or was blown) overboard. Then the white “cranial” helmet with integrated hearing protection and googles. At this point all efforts to communicate required hand signals. Up two decks and onto a catwalk. This was the first time I realized the ship was moving, and it was fast. Looking down through the holes, 70 feet below the water rushed by and created gentle swells as it rolled off the hull. What a magnificent shade of blue.
Rounding a corner past the island our guide, a freshly minted Ens., welcomed us to the flight deck by walking us directly through the jet wash from an F-18. The heat and smell alone were reminders to avoid that in the future – a safety lesson in real time. We approached the Shooter (yellow jersey) or Flight Deck Officer and toe up to the foul line of catapult number 2. The symphony begins. The blast shield raises behind an F-18 Super Hornet. Green jerseys move in to secure the aircraft to the shuttle and restraining bar. White jersey’s (Safety Officers) give the thumbs up when the flaps are tested. The shooter gives the pilot the signal to throttle up, in this case full combat thrust (aka afterburners). The pilot gives a final salute and grabs the cockpit, or “oh shit”, handle. The shooter drops to one knee, final checks and a tap of the flight deck pointing downrange. The catapult control station releases the steam operated catapult and in 2 seconds that F-18 is travelling 180+ knots launching off the bow. No time to contemplate what I just witnessed. The deafening roar, shaking of the deck and heat from the afterburners roaring past me, a mere 30 feet away. Time to move! We toe up to the opposite foul line, and another F-18 launches barely a minute later. Rinse and repeat, the symphony continued until the mission set was launched.
About 75 minutes later it was time to recover those aircraft. They move into approach, 2 miles out. Damage control teams (red jerseys) stand at the ready to jump into action in the event of a catastrophe. The goal is not to hit a wire, but the third wire every time. And to do it while travelling 150 knots. To low you risk hitting the fantail, to high and you miss the wires. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) guides them in with the Fresnel lens optical landing system, aka the meatball. The pilot gracefully passes over the stern and with a violent thud, and sudden rush of power drags the arresting gear wire some 350 feet, coming to a rest a precariously short distance from the edge of the deck at the end of catapults 3 and 4. The arresting gear quickly recoils, the green jerseys guide the F-18 away from the landing zone. A minute later, the next F-18 completes the landing, this time catching the second wire. Each pilot is graded on every approach and landing, and so the friendly competition between these Top Guns begins.
Admittedly, nothing can beat watching flight operations on the weather deck. That evening, we mingled with the officers in the wardroom, learning their stories. Up to the flag bridge and vultures’ row for night flight operations. The evening wound down with a walk through the hangar, and getting oriented to the various decks, and differences between enlisted and officer country.
Fortunately, we were treated to officers’ quarters for berthing, but even then, it was directly below the number 2 catapult. It was not the high seas that keep me up most of the night, but the repetitive sound of the launch system and sailors on night watch passing through passageways talking shop and life.
Up at 0600 and morning chow with the enlisted. No complaints here, the chow was fantastic and sailors eager to talk to someone other than ships company. For the rest of the morning, we toured the various departments and shops, learning about what it took to keep this floating city alive and functioning at peak performance. Of course, military secrets and all we were not allowed in some areas and photography was restricted or prohibited. The ordinance magazines housing sidewinder missiles, bunker busters and an array of highly classified things that go boom!
Afternoon chow was a real treat, the Chief Mess. Arguably the most sacred space on the ship. The Chief’s are widely considered the backbone of ship, and they work hard and long hours. But get them in a relaxed atmosphere and you can see they are a special breed with a personality that is very different from the enlisted ranks and officers.
To round out our tours, we got to visit the Navigation Bridge where the responsibility levels seem to rachet up a notch, and the tension level was higher. The constant chorus of bearing, range, and time marks filled the air. Everyone had a job, and they did it with a no-nonsense precision. The ships captain sat calmly overseeing the operation from what can only be described as a throne overlooking the deck.
To complete the Top Gun experience, nothing can beat a trip through the Air Department. Home Air Wing Groups are assigned to the ship. We had the Checkmates, Jokers, Titans and my personal favorite the Black Nights. Each with cadre of support staff combing through flight data, maintenance reports and landing evaluations. Then though a highly decorated hatch, often adorned with some version of KEEP OUT, was the pilots ready room. A floating pad adorned with big screen TV’s, surround sound, chairs that resemble cockpits, mood lighting and any number of caricatures depicting the squadrons colors and logo. Aviators comparing notes on landings, and the blue board chalked full of call signs and otherwise uninterpretable data on upcoming flight plans and mission sets. Be careful to avoid the heavy bolt hanging precariously at head-level knocking height over one pilot’s chair – the last in the squadron to miss a wire. Merely touching it is sure to bring bad luck. Being the proud owner is not good thing. Moving through the squadron spaces, we visit the equipment rooms where technicians tend to flight suits and helmets with head up display systems worth more than some homes on the mainland. I deferred the opportunity to suit up, I don’t need the memory of dropping Mavericks helmet on the deck. I would be awarded the bolt for sure! Or the washer!
Our visit concluded with a return trip aboard another Osprey, earning my patch for my first tiltrotor takeoff at sea. It wasn’t the “cat shot” of my Top Gun dreams, but it sure checked off a bucket list item or maybe ten items.
A special thanks to the sailors and airmen of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for giving this muggle a view into your world, and the sacrifices you make everyday to protect the freedom we all enjoy. I am honored to say I have embarked with the best – the US Navy! Hooyah!
Ensign Shawn Wilson is the Commanding Officer of Twin Cities Squadron Sea Cadets located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Twin Cities Squadron is the largest of three Sea Cadet units in Minnesota and has both League Cadets (Ages 10-12) and Sea Cadets (Ages 13-18). The Twin Cities Squadron is part of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
COMO PARK MCJROTC CADETS ACHIEVE RESOUNDING SUCCESS
By Pat Dolan, VP Communications, Minnesota Navy League
The Minnesota Navy League Council supports two Navy JROTC and one Marine Corps ROTC programs in the state.
The JROTC programs emphasize citizenship and leadership development. Como Park has the only Marine Corps JROTC in Minnesota (established in 1995) under the leadership and inspiration of retired United States Marines. A diverse elective that emphasizes patriotism, community service, and leadership development through leadership curriculum, planning, executing extra-curricular activities and life-changing events. Cadets wear Marine Corps uniforms, sustain military style grooming standards, travel across the United States, compete in drill competitions, improve physical fitness, develop awareness of leadership through practical experiences; Cyber Patriot, Rifle Drill, Marine Corps Birthday Ball, leadership crucibles at military installations, more travel, adventure and much more under the mentorship of two retired United States Marines.
The Council is thrilled to announce the outstanding success the St. Paul Como High School Marine Corps ROTC achieved this year. Sgt Major James Kirkland is the lead instructor at Como and through his efforts and “the village” that supports the cadets, Como Cougar graduates received $1.5 million in scholarships for the school year!! Specifically,
Cadet First Lieutenant Alex Le - $250,000 (Air Force Academy Scholarship)
Cadet Major Jesiah Mason - $190,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship & Olga B. Hart Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship)
·Cadet First Lieutenant Cindy Thao - $172,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Gay L. Htoo - $246,500 (Augsburg Full Tuition Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship & Travelers Edge Scholarship & Ray Eva Hope Miller Scholarship)
Cadet Captain Chong Her - $48,000 (Travelers Edge Scholarship)
Cadet Sergeant Ve Shar - $96,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship & Wallin Scholarship & Bethel University Scholarship)
Cadet Sergeant Major Sophia Moore- $10,500 (The North Star Marine Veteran Scholarship & The Le Family Scholarship & The CSP University Scholarship & The CSP PSEO Scholarship & The SPPACE Alexander Scholarship & The CSP Diversity Scholarship)
Cadet Corporal Gwenivere Thao - $1,500 (The North Star Marine Veteran Scholarship & USMC Minnesota Coordinating Council Scholarship)
Cadet Corporal Pah Meh - $500 (USMC Major Foley (Ret) Foundation Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Dallas Beilke - $80,000 (United States Navy Scholarship)
Cadet Second Lieutenant Ju Hei - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Second Lieutenant Paw Htoo - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet First Lieutenant Ze Vang - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Lance Corporal Bae Reh - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Cadet Lance Corporal Sandar Htway - $80,000 (Minnesota National Guard Scholarship)
Also at this auspicious event, VP Membership Cmdr. (SC)(Ret.) Robert Dolan presented the Theodore Roosevelt award to Cadet GySgt Adam Luchsinger.
The Minnesota Navy League is so proud of the new record and a remarkable achievement in HONOR-COURAGE and COMMITMENT from all of the MCJROTC cadet cougar graduates and proud to call them one of our adopted units.
