A dozen Naval Sea Cadets got a firsthand look at the Coast Guard’s mission during a nine-day training program onboard the Coast Guard cutter Sea Otter off the coast of San Diego.
"We're proud to host these youths and show them firsthand what it is we do on the water," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Eaton, the Sea Otter's officer in charge. "Many of these cadets will go on to join a sea-going military service or law enforcement group so we view this investment of our time as extremely beneficial to the future of our country's security. I've been involved with the Sea Cadets for 12 years and it feels great to provide a positive influence as these young men and women consider their possible futures."
The Maritime Interdiction Operations training, which finished Saturday, also included tours of the facilities for the Coast Guard's Pacific Area Law Enforcement Team and Maritime Safety and Security Team in San Diego, as well as physical fitness, self-defense, weapons and safety qualifications.
The cadets are part of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a nonprofit organization that teaches teens about the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Merchant Marines.
