Ansley Odell, a recent graduate of , has been selected as one of two cadets from the United States to participate in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps International Exchange Program trip to Hong Kong.
On the trip she will learn about history, cultural differences and nautical traditions hosted by cadets in Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps. The itinerary also includes a city tour, water sports, sea survival training, shopping and sightseeing. She applied for the opportunity because of a love for learning about new cultures, foods and sights.
“From my first day as a recruit to my current position as Assistant Lead Petty Officer for the 2745the Seabee Battalion as a Petty Officer First Class (E6), I have been on an adventure," she said. "This program has developed my strength, athletic ability, patriotism, and leadership skills. My favorite trainings have included Homeland Security and Special Boats. I obtained sailing qualifications, studied navigation, scuba and earned my boating license. Our drill weekends have included experiences such as: flying in private planes, rock climbing, marksmanship and combat simulator training, fire fighting, wilderness survival and marching in the Veteran’s Day Parade.”
Miss Odell joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps in the fall of 2009 and is the recipient of the 2011 William T. Schwendler Award for Excellence.
The 2745 Seabee Battalion is a unit of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The unit is based in metro Atlanta and currently drills at the Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. The unit provides a naval and military based organization for young men and young women aged 11-18.
Cadets are introduced to naval life with weekend drills and a two-week scaled down version of the Navy’s boot camp called Recruit Training. They learn basic military regulations and take tests to advance in rank.
Miss Odell has been accepted for the fall to the Texas A & M Maritime Academy in Galveston, and will major in Marine Transportation.
