NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- “Attention on Deck,” echoed throughout the Patuxent High School gymnasium in Lusby, Md., as Rear Adm. W. Mark Skinner, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft here, entered to conduct a unit inspection of the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Feb. 12.

The inspection, a bi-annual command requirement, included a personnel inspection, drill performances, promotion and award ceremonies, and a unit status brief that is prepared and delivered by the senior cadet staff.

“This inspection was coordinated and scheduled totally by the school’s Navy JROTC cadets,” said Cadet Lt. Matthew Herten, unit executive officer.

During his visit to the unit, Skinner spent face-to-face time with each of the 92 cadets present for inspection as he made his way through the cadet ranks. This was the first time an admiral had conducted the inspection and the cadets’ excitement could not be contained.

“We spent about a month preparing for his visit,” said Cadet Ensign Christina Leyton, a junior at the school who has been in the program for three years. “We are very excited. I feel like it is an honor.”

“It is something they will never forget,” said Lori Sikorski, a member of the school’s staff. It’s a self esteem boost to have someone in his position here. They have worked hard for this, and it is paying off. These kids look amazing!”

The Navy JROTC Program requires each unit to complete a command inspection annually. Every two years, the Area 5 Navy JROTC manager completes this inspection. The remaining years are considered an off-sight inspection, and the unit is required to obtain a guest inspector.

“The teamwork displayed by the cadets was outstanding,” said Skinner. “I know how much work it takes to organize a command inspection, and I appreciate the work of each and every one of the cadets and the time they put in. This unit has enjoyed great success in the past, and with the talent, leadership and teamwork I see here today, I am confident they will enjoy much success in the future.”

Patuxent High School Navy ROTC boasts a unit of 101 cadets. These cadets, according to the staff and faculty of the school, are role models for other students.

“The cadets are in different organizations and have different functions they participate in,” said Sikorski. “One of them is class president, and last year’s valedictorian came from the school’s ROTC unit. The kids look up to them.”

The cadets’ pride in their unit, self and school could be felt as Skinner walked through the high school’s halls. Their professionalism and months of preparation had paid off big, earning them a thumb up from the admiral.

“My generation counts on their generation to come through for us and take over the reigns of leadership, no matter what career path they choose,” said Skinner. In a short time, they will be the leaders of this country, so the excellence I saw today gives me great confidence. It was truly a job well done and congratulations to the cadets.”

Cutlines:

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The Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft, Rear Adm. W. Mark Skinner, inspects the uniform of Cadet Ensign Kenneth Swart, a junior at Patuxent High School in Lusby, Md., during the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit inspection Feb. 12. (Photo by Marcia T. Hart-Wise)

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The Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft, Rear Adm. W. Mark Skinner, inspects the uniform of a cadet at Patuxent High School in Lusby, Md., during the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit inspection Feb. 12. (Photo by Marcia T. Hart-Wise)

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The Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft, Rear Adm. W. Mark Skinner, speaks to the senior cadet leadership at Patuxent High School in Lusby, Md., during the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit inspection Feb. 12. (Photo by Marcia T. Hart-Wise)