Our History

The Maritime Eagles Unit of the U.S. Navel Sea Cadet Corp was formed in 2013 by the Sarasota Manatee Navy League.  The unit was created fill a void in the Sarasota Manatee area for introduction to the sea services.

Upon its creation, 8 Juniors from the Sarasota Military Academy signed up.  These Cadets received permission to wear the U.S. Navy NWU once a week in show of Naval Sea Service possibilities among all Army Cadets.

In the beginning…
The Cadets had the privilege of traveling to JB McDill to spend time with U.S. Navy Reservists.  They built underwater robots, flew unmanned systems and learned all the Basic Military Requirements.  This was, also, the beginning of building a tremendous relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez that continues thru to present day.

Leadership
As the unit began to progress, the need for adult volunteers became significantly important to the growth of the Maritime Eagles Division.

  • In 2015, retired Navy Veteran James Charnell, a teacher at the Manatee School for the Arts, volunteered as a leader and eventually became the X.O. of the Maritime Eagles Division.
  • Our leadership continued to grow, when the Navy League introduced us to newly retired Navy Veteran of 30 years, Commander LTJG Dennis Turner.
  • Ensign Jamie Russell, a former Security Forces (Law Enforcement) with the U.S. Air Force, joined the team of volunteers and continues to provide valuable guidance and service to the Unit.

Adult Volunteers

Civilians or military (active, reserve or retired) personnel and Cadet parents, from all walks of life, are recruited to help our young Sea Cadets as they navigate thru the junior program, Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC).

Learn more about the requirements to become a volunteer

Submit an application to become a Cadet or Volunteer