Local Sea Cadet chosen for international program
Submitted by US Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Sea Cadet Chief Petty Officer Peter Nguyen is not your typical high school senior.
In 2009, when he was just 11 years old, he joined the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps as a young Navy League cadet. Seven years later, through determination, dedication and hard work, he rose to the highest USNSCC cadet rank of Chief. The requirements needed to achieve the rank of Chief are similar to attaining Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
The trait of Chief Nguyen which stands out most is his leadership skills. He always displayed respect, discipline and military bearing as he progressed through the ranks. Now that he is the unit's Chief Petty Officer, this leader is highly respected by not only his crew, but his superiors, as well.
For the second year in a row, Nguyen was selected to participate in the Sea Cadet's highly competitive International Exchange Program. As one of only two cadets selected, he is heading to Australia to work alongside cadets from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Africa. It was just last year that this young leader was selected to represent USNSCC in its exchange with Canada.
He is very proud to have been selected twice as a representative of the Sea Cadet's International Exchange Program.
The program begins with a two-day adventure camp at an Australian Naval Air Station, which will include sailing, canoeing and shipboard/simulator activities. Cadets will also visit the Darling Harbor Zoo, the Australian War Memorial and Sydney Maritime Museum, as well as participating in the annual ANZAC Day parade.
The Division 9-1-1 Sea Cadet is currently the highest ranking cadet in his unit. Furthermore, Nguyen not only performs community service as a member of Division 9-1-1, but also as part of his high school commitment. Between the two, he has more than 350 volunteer hours to date.
Nguyen attends Carmel Catholic High School, where he has a 4.26 GPA. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting and volunteering as a CCD catechist at his Catholic parish. Every Tuesday evening, he teaches more than 25 fellow teenagers who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps is a nonprofit youth development program for youth ages 11 through the completion of high school. Cadets participate in weekend drills with their local unit and may attend national training events during their winter and summer vacations. Trainings are conducted in more than 60 different Navy and STEM career fields.
Division 9-1-1 serves the Lake County Illinois general area. For more information on the Sea Cadet program, visit www.seacadets.org. For information about the Division 9-1-1, go to seacadets911.org.
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