U.S. Fleet Forces Command
11/15/2024 | News release | Archived content
HSC-2 Supports 2nd Annual JROTC Day at Hampton University
HSC-2 Supports 2nd Annual JROTC Day at Hampton University
by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
15 November 2024 HAMPTON, Va. - Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 2, also known as the "Fleet Angels", supported the 2nd annual JROTC Day at Hampton University in Hampton, Nov. 8.
SLIDESHOW | 1 images | HSC-2 Supports 2nd Annual JROTC Day at Hampton University Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2, also known as the "Fleet Angels", supported the 2nd annual JROTC Day at Hampton University in Hampton, Nov. 8. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students from local high schools, North Carolina and Maryland participated in the event attended by nearly 250 students. The event hosted by Hampton University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) was held to provide an opportunity for Air Force, Army, Navy JROTC cadets to learn more about naval service. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Cragg/Released)
HSC-2 Supports 2nd Annual JROTC Day at Hampton University 1 of 1
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2, also known as the "Fleet Angels", supported the 2nd annual JROTC Day at Hampton University in Hampton, Nov. 8. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students from local high schools, North Carolina and Maryland participated in the event attended by nearly 250 students. The event hosted by Hampton University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) was held to provide an opportunity for Air Force, Army, Navy JROTC cadets to learn more about naval service. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Cragg/Released)
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students from local high schools, North Carolina and Maryland participated in the event attended by nearly 250 students. The event hosted by Hampton University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) was held to provide an opportunity for Air Force, Army, Navy JROTC cadets to learn more about naval service.
Retired Cmdr. Robert Clements, who serves as the JROTC instructor at Suitland High School, graduated from Hampton University in 1988.
"We brought Army and Air Force cadets with us from Prince Georges County to ensure other services could get that same exposure and outlook was the Naval Service Training Command allows our Navy JROTC cadets," Clements said. "This is life-changing and livelihood changing for youth from all walks of life."
Hampton University NROTC Naval Science Instructor Lt. Aaron Barnum coordinated the JROTC Day and reflected on the aviation experience.
"Active duty and veterans are teachers of this new generation, and our curriculum is showing these students, not just careers, but lifestyles. Our second annual JROTC-high school day is an important event that educates high school students, JROTC cadets, and current college students about the benefits and advantages of joining the military," Barnum said. "We hope to continue this annual event and educate students that an exciting career is waiting for them, and all they have to do is ask about it."
Linora Hayes, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2019, serves as a volunteer with the Suitland High School NJROTC unit and travelled with the cadets to Hampton University. Hayes, who retired at the rank of lieutenant commander, believes strongly in a duty to give back to society.
"I think that exposure and opportunity are great, sometimes you are unaware of what your opportunities are, what your abilities can be, what you can see or just anything," Hayes said. "Being here gives them an opportunity to be able to get outside of their world, and realize their world is very small and that it is much bigger and the possibilities of being part of the big world is even better."
Hayes said these types of events provide opportunities for more awareness of educational and service opportunities once students graduate from high school.
Chief Quartermaster Charon Bingham, who retired in 2022 after serving in various Navy ratings - Quartermaster, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) and Navy Career Counselor - provided a wealth of experience leading and mentoring nearly 100 cadets at Suitland High School's NJROTC unit.
"With my background, I know what it is like to give people an opportunity," Bingham said. "I get to make good and successful citizens that will go out into the community."
While Bingham loved serving in the Navy, she believes that serving in her JROTC unit allows her to share her Navy chief pride with the cadets.
"I love the Navy still. I found another way to stay in and wear my uniform, still show my pride and I get to pass it to others. This is the ideal job for me," Bingham said.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kaleb Valadares, assigned to HSC-2, assisted with the aviation demonstration and discussed the importance of experiencing the aviation event.
"These types of events give younger students an idea, a platform that they can focus on," Valadares said. "It gives them a general sense of what they will be working on and also allows them to talk with pilots and aircrew who can guide them."
Aviation Electrician 3rd Class Edward Flint, who works with Valadares, and has served nearly the same amount of time in the Navy - nearly four years - discussed the benefit of attending aviation events.
"It's important because it shows these younger students that there is a route for everyone. The Navy is not just one job," Flint said. "The Navy is a lot more than that."
The NJROTC mission is to instill in students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.