Sea Cadets Embark on Archeology Expedition after Meeting with Director
In the tranquil suburbia of Harrison Township, the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ (USNSCC) Great Lakes Division is preparing for a unique archeological expedition. The cadets are about to take the Pride of Michigan, their 80-foot training ship, into the vast expanse of Lake Huron. Their mission? An underwater quest to uncover remnants from World War II history.
A Brief Encounter with Leadership
Before their ambitious voyage, the sea cadets received a special guest. USNSCC’s Executive Director, Andrew Lennon, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, decided to pay the young sailors a visit. He went onboard the Pride of Michigan, enlightening the cadets about the organization’s operations across the United States.
Admiral Lennon was captivated by the Corps’ unique training program in Harrison Township. He stated that one of the essential elements of the program was teaching maritime and nautical skills in a hands-on manner. And, in his opinion, what better way than doing so aboard a ship?
The Pride of Michigan
Named aptly, the Pride of Michigan is the heart and soul of the USNSCC’s Great Lakes Division. Acquired in 1989, the ship serves as the organization’s primary vessel for scuba diving and research voyages.
The captain, Luke Clayburn, has a long-standing tenure with the organization. Under his guidance, the ship has been involved in a variety of educational and environmental initiatives, ranging from studying rare and endangered plant species on isolated islands to research on zebra mussels.
With the cadets at sea, Clayburn believes that they are preparing the young adults who will be the future of maritime and related industries.
Uncovering History
The ongoing expedition targets several underwater locations in Lake Huron that could potentially be airplane crash sites from the World War II era. Collaborating with Wayne Lusardi, a state maritime archeologist, the sea cadets will attempt to determine whether the cold, turbid depths of the Lake hide aircraft remnants once flown by the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.
These courageous pilots were the first all-Black units in the Army Air Corps. Tragically, several of these pilots met their untimely demise during training missions in Michigan, crashing over water. The plan is to locate traces of these downed aircraft, or at the very least, narrow down the search area.
A Unique Training Experience
The implications of such an expedition are immense. Not only does it pay homage to the brave airmen of Tuskegee, but it also provides an exceptional learning opportunity for the cadets. They are gaining invaluable experience in maritime navigation, scuba diving, and archeology, which serve as potent catalysts for personal development and possible career paths in related fields.
The Great Lakes Division’s yearning for adventure and a quest for knowledge continues to create robust links to the past and sculpt the mariners of the future. Their latest expedition is a testament to their resolve and dedication, honoring the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen while fostering personal growth and development in the sea cadets.
