Photo By Staff Sgt. Heather Atherton | A Naval Junior ROTC cadet of Kalaheo High School explores the cockpit of a KC-130J...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KĀNE‘OHE BAY — Students from Kalāheo High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) executed their annual Basic Cadet Training (BCT) camp at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH). The event immersed cadets in the core values, operations and culture of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Kalāheo NJROTC has a long history of partnering with MCBH to introduce first year cadets to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps principles. As the official unit sponsor, Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 153, a subordinate squadron of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, worked closely with MCBH to coordinate guided tours, static displays and military instruction over the span of two-days from September 12, 2025, to September 13, 2025. The BCT camp offers orientation training to new cadets while allowing senior cadets to showcase their operational planning and small unit leadership skills by supervising the cadet’s movements between stations.
“MCBH Kāne‘ohe has been a tremendous partner over the years,” said retired Lt. Cmdr. Henry Van Oss, the program’s senior naval science instructor. “The support provided by MCBH is a key factor in successfully orienting our new first-year cadets to Navy JROTC and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team.”
NJROTC is an elective program emphasizing self-discipline, character development and leadership. At Kalāheo High School, the program supports federally mandated goals as well as many Hawai‘i Content Performance Standards, including social studies, science and physical education. While participation does not require a military obligation, it provides numerous benefits for cadets interested in military careers.
This year’s training began with guided tours of the Marine Corps Air Station, air traffic control tower and radar room. Cadets then moved to the flight line to learn about Marine Corps aircraft and equipment, including the KC-130J Super Hercules and MV-22B Osprey.
“I personally loved going into the Osprey,” said cadet Lacy Bitanga. “I’m thinking about cadets who have never been on a military base. They don’t know what it’s like to be in these types of positions, so I think it’s really cool how they can incorporate civilian life into military life.”
In addition to the aircraft displays, cadets also learned about some of the engineering equipment used by Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, including a water filtration system, solar charging station and heavy equipment like the P-19R Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle. At each station, Marines engaged with cadets, explaining their occupational specialties, answering questions and offering insights into military life.
After an event filled morning on the first day of training, cadets had lunch while the sergeant major of MAG-24, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Rivera, spoke about physical and mental toughness, the ability to lead, and his personal connection to the program. Many of the Cadets recognized Rivera because of his daughter, who recently graduated from the Kalāheo High School NJROTC program. “Seeing my daughter benefit directly from the NJROTC program makes this deeply personal,” Rivera explained. “She was a cadet in Kalāheo’s NJROTC, and the exposure, discipline, and mentorship she received laid the foundation for her transformation. Supporting and mentoring cadets is MAG-24’s way of creating that future, ensuring we leave it in capable hands.”
The second day, Cadets gained hands-on experience with simulated marksmanship training before attending a military and career orientation and leadership training. At the conclusion of the training, Cadets expressed their thoughts. “As a leader, events like this really help you build a relationship with your cadets,” said cadet Mia Krebbeks, who serves as the cadet’s command master chief. “You’re able to build memories with them, and I think that relationship is one of the most important parts of leadership.”
Following this year’s Basic Cadet Training Camp, cadets can move forward with more confidence in their ability to lead others and overcome adversity. Through collaborative programs and opportunities, MAG-24 and MCBH will continue supporting cadets in their journey to build resilience, embrace responsibility, and answer the call of leadership.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2025 22:36 |
| Story ID: | 548347 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | KAILUA, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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