Smith OEF Squadron, a platform where potential transforms into leadership and achievement. The journey ahead for your cadet, punctuated by dedication and hard work, promises avenues for growth and unparalleled opportunities. With Leadership courses and Advanced Training Schools available, our operations mirror that of our active-duty peers, emphasizing high standards throughout. Naval Sea Cadet Co
rps was established in 1958 by the Navy League of the United States and is the U.S. Coast Guard’s national non-profit organization for youth ages 10 - 18. The mission of the USNSCC is to build leaders of character. This is achieved through various fun and challenging military-like activities, training schools, drills, and teamwork. Our diverse program includes seamanship, sailing, aviation, security, robotics, medical, STEM, SCUBA, submarines, photography, culinary, special forces training, an International Exchange Program, and more! Through our program, the young cadets will learn our core values of Honor, Respect, Commitment, and Service. These values will guide them throughout their lives, regardless of the career path they choose. Much like the military reserves, we hold drill weekends one weekend per month and there are multiple opportunities for more lengthy trainings during the summer and winter*. Until now, our closest units were in Pensacola and North Mobile, making the opportunities provided by the USNSCC difficult to access for our local youth due to distance. With the establishment of a local unit, we can bring these opportunities directly to the doorstep of our youth in Central and South Baldwin County, and truly make a positive impact in their lives and in the community. WHO WE ARE
The USNSCC David C. Smith OEF Squadron is named in honor of Air Force Staff Sergeant David Cazzie Smith who was killed in action on June 9, 2010. On June 9, 2010, amidst the harsh terrains of southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, tragedy struck when insurgents ruthlessly downed SSGT Smith’s HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter in Helmand province. It was a day that would forever be etched in the history of the Air Force, marking its bloodiest day in over five years. SSGT Smith was among those killed that day, a grim reminder of the realities of war and the unpredictable nature of service. The Pave Hawk incident occurred as SSGT Smith and his comrades engaged in a medical evacuation mission, a life-saving endeavor amidst the turbulent backdrop overrun with Taliban. Their mission was emblematic of the Air Force's noble motto, “These Things We Do, That Others May Live”, a pledge that SSGT Smith embodied to the fullest. SSGT Smith’s unwavering bravery was evident every time he took to the skies. The challenges were many, but his resolve never wavered and he had previously saved the lives of 130 people during combat missions. This tragic incident was a testament not only to the uncertainties of warfare but also to the steadfast courage of SSGT Smith who faced these uncertainties head-on. Among other awards, ribbons, and medals, SSGT Smith was awarded fourteen Air Combat Medals and was posthumously awarded his fifteenth Air Combat Medal “with valor”, and the Purple Heart. SSGT David C. Smith is the embodiment of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps core values of HONOR, RESPECT, COMMITMENT, AND SERVICE. The USNSCC David C. Smith OEF Squadron honors his service, sacrifice, and legacy that we will carry on in building leaders of character for generations to come. WE ARE NOW REGISTERING CADETS, ADULT VOLUNTEERS, and SPONSORS!!! Smith OEF Squadron is comprised of two units: the Navy League Cadets (NLCC) for kids ages 10 – 13, and the Navy Sea Cadets (NSCC) for ages 13 – 18. Since we are a newly established unit, we are not listed on the website yet. Please use the following steps to join the David C. Smith OEF Squadron. Visit our national website at https://www.seacadets.org/join/ then follow these steps.
• Once on the website, click “Become a Cadet” or "Become a Volunteer".
• Enter 36322 for the zip code.
• Click “Request Info” for Wiregrass Division
• Fill the form out completely
• In the comment section put, “Ali Critchfield, David C. Smith OEF Squadron, Elberta, AL”
• Submit your contact information.
*Note: Submitting info to the Wiregrass division is for registration purposes only. Once our squadron is added to the website, you will be transferred to the David C. Smith OEF Squadron in Elberta, Alabama. You will not at any time be part of the Wiregrass Division. Come join us in our new adventure and Chart Your Own Course! WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON! PLEASE NOTE, WE CURRENTLY ARE NOT ACCEPTING CADET TRANSFERS FROM UNITS WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS. If you would like to Donate, please email: OEFsquad@gmail.
