PCU Marinette Sailors meet with First Coast High School NJROTC students

Photo By Lt. Anthony Junco | JACKSONVILLE Fla. - Sailors of USS Marinette (LCS 25) and First Coast High School’s NJROTC Unit pose in front of the school’s anchor during a community relations visit in Jacksonville, Florida, May 16, 2023. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Patrick Obrien)  

JACKSONVILLE, FL, UNITED STATES

05.15.2023

Courtesy Story

Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron TWO

Story by Lt.j.g. Michael Bauldrick, PCU Marinette (LCS 25)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 15, 2023) – Crewmembers of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Marinette (LCS 25) visited First Coast High School (FCHS) to speak with Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets.

The visit provided an opportunity for students to speak with current active duty Sailors across several different job ratings, all with diverse backgrounds. The Marinette Sailors discussed daily life in the Navy, their jobs requirements, military service benefits, and shared their perso
nal “why” for choosing to serve in the United States Navy.

The event was lead by Cmdr. Shane Brewer, commanding officer of Marinette, who is both a Jacksonville native and FCHS charter class graduate. Brewer was joined by Command Master Chief Chris Carman, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Charles Taylor, Electronics Technician 1st Class Alex Heinz, Fire Controlman 2nd Class Stefanie Wade, Gunners Mate 1st Class Patrick O’Brien, and Damage Controlman 1st Class Michael Neiner.

The Marinette team began the visit by performing a uniform inspection of the NJROTC cadets. A uniform inspection is used to ensure that Sailors have all uniform items and are in standards. During this visit, the inspection created an opportunity for the Marinette team to interact one-on-one with each student.

“These students show significant interest and potential for careers in the U.S. Navy,” said O’Brien “We’d all be glad to work along-side with them.”

The NJROTC cadets were shown a presentation which highlighted recent shipboard operations, and outlined the unique route that littoral combat ships take from the construction shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, then begin the transit down the St. Lawrence Seaway toward their eventual homeport of Mayport, Florida.

“I’m certain these students will continue to serve our communities in one capacity or another,” said Brewer. “The United States Navy provides anyone motivated enough the opportunity to serve our country, improve themselves both mentally and physically, while getting paid for world-wide experience.”

Following the presentation, at the request of Senior Naval Science Instructor, retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Al Layne Jr., two deserving cadets were promoted due to their hard work and dedication.

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2023
• Date Posted: 06.02.2023 12:31
• Story ID: 445950
• Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL, US