Saturday, November 22, 2008
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Do you think video gambling machines like those seized Thursday should be legalized?
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Published Sunday, October 05, 2008 in Close-Up
Sea Cadets have active Coweta group
By Amy Lott
The Times-Herald
As September drew to a close, so too did National Sea Cadet Month -- a time of recognition for one local youth activity group about which many Coweta residents may not be aware.
The local U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Unit, called Pathfinder Excursion Squadron, was launched May 3 and has since grown to include five cadets. The squadron meets regularly to receive instruction in subjects such as naval history and traditions, military etiquette and formations, aviation safety, fire fighting and first aid.
"This instruction focuses on instilling the precepts of courage, self-reliance and discipline," said Moreland resident Robert Wylie, commanding officer for the unit. "Along with the learning and development the cadets acquire from this training, they are offered the experience of new adventures on a regular basis."
Wylie, employed by Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions in Airline Operations, said recent squadron activities included visits to the Delta Airlines Training Center, Robins Air Force Base (AFB) Museum of Aviation and the Airport Traffic Control Tower at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
During the visit to the Delta Training Center, cadets toured the Delta Museum, participated in a flight attendant emergency evacuation and experienced "ditching" mock-ups. Wylie said the unit had the opportunity to participate in both a simulated emergency evacuation using an escape slide and a water ditching using life vests. They also received instruction on the use of emergency water survival equipment.
"The visit to the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation was equally exciting," Wylie said. The cadets saw displays of vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia ranging from the Wright Brothers' first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. in 1903 through to the creation of the B-1 and SR-71.
Future squadron activities include a trip to Ft. Benning, where cadets will get a glimpse of the rigors of Airborne Training during a Forward Training Exercise, and a visit to the Naval Civil War Museum in Columbus. Wylie said cadets will also provide ramp security for the Great Georgia Airshow in Peachtree City Oct. 11.