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OUR HISTORY

GREATNESS HAS NO AGE

The Marvin Shields Battalion is a Tampa Bay, Florida based unit of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC),  a leadership development nonprofit for young people, ages 10 through 17. Sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, our passionate all-volunteer force leads our units. Every year our cadets participate in training opportunities such as scuba, field and medical training, photojournalism, military police science and sailing. When cadets join the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, they embark upon a path of lifelong leadership. The program will teach them how to lead groups of their peers successfully and will also inspire them to become leaders in their schools and communities.

Ship's Wheel | Helm | Naval Ship

Our Story

The Sea Cadets was established by the Navy League of the United States at the request of the Department of the Navy in 1962 to "create a favorable image of the Navy on the part of American youth". 

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Today the Sea Cadets continue to further the image of our maritime services by:

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  • Developing an interest and ability in seamanship and seagoing skills

  • Instilling virtues of good citizenship and strong moral principles in each cadet

  • Demonstrating the value of an alcohol-free, drug-free and gang-free lifestyle

  • Exposing cadets to the prestige of public service and a variety of career paths through hands-on training with our nation's armed services

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The mission of the Sea Cadets is to build leaders of character by imbuing in our cadets the highest ideals of honor, respect, commitment, and service.

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AGES 10-13

NAVY LEAGUE CADET CORPS

AGES 13-18

NAVY SEA CADET CORPS

Sea Cadet Browsing in a Library
A Cadet Passes a Seabag to Another Sea Cadet
A Uniformed Cadet Stands at Attention
Cadets Crawling Under Wire
Cadets Stand Ready in Uniform
A Cadet in an Airplane Gives Thumbs Up
A Cadet's Uniform Being Inspected
A Cadet in Prone Position on the Range
Uniformed Cadets Participate in Training
A Cadet Smiles in Uniform
Cadets in Dress White Uniforms
Excited Cadets Training on a Boat
A Sandy Cadet in Physical Fitness Gear Smiles
Two Cadets Getting Set Up for Camping
A Formation of Cadets in Dress White Uniform Standing at Parade Rest Position
Cadets in Physical Fitness Gear Running in Formation
A Group of Cadets in Uniform Participate in Training Aboard a U.S. Navy Vessel
Cadets in Physical Fitness Gear Climb a Wall
A Group of Uniformed Cadets Stands Ready
Cadets Participate in Shipboard Firefighting Training
A Cadet in Dress White Uniform Poses Next to a Ship
Cadets Participating in Law Enforcement Training
A Cadet Uses a Fire Extinguisher During Firefighting Training
Cadets Gathered Around an Ambulance Learning About Emergency Medical Care
A Cadet Rappels Down the Side of a Tower
Cadets Learn How to Start an I.V. During Medical Training
A Cadet Smiles During SCUBA Training
Cadets Practice Dressing a Wound
A Coast Guard C-130 on the Tarmac at USCG Air Station Clearwater, Florida
Cadets Stand in Formation in a Grass Field
A Cadet Meets a Member of the Blue Angels Team
A Group of Cadets Participate in Training
A Cadet Holds a Fire Hose During Firefighting Training
Cadets in SCUBA Gear Participate in Training
Cadets Visit the U.S. Naval Academy
A Cadet Progresses Through an Obstacle Course
A Cadet Climbs Up a Rope Ladder
Cadets in Dress White Uniform Stand Ready

We could not share life-changing experiences with our sea cadets without adults volunteering their time during our monthly drills in Tampa Bay. The Officer Corps is comprised of dedicated volunteers. These adult leaders, both civilian and military, provide administration for all facets of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.   All officers must be over the age of 21, possess good moral character, be drug free, and free of felony convictions. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information about volunteering, please contact us!

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Our Sponsors

Navy League of the United States Logo
Department of the Navy United States of America Logo
United States Coast Guard Logo
United States Marine Corps Logo
United States Merchant Marine Logo
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