PENSACOLA – Fleming Island and Middleburg high Navy JROTC cadets were flown on training missions on a U.S. Navy transport aircraft, the C-40A, Clipper, operated by Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 59, “The Sunseekers.”

A group of 101 cadets and chaperons were flown from NAS Jacksonville to NAS Pensacola, the cradle of Naval Aviation, home of the National Naval Aviation Museum and U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron “Blue Angels” for a unique Aviation STEM field trip.

Once on base, the cadets completed the necessary paperwork to board a military aircraft and then made their way up the ladder to board the C-40A aircraft. It was his first time flying for some, like Cadet Hunter Sain. Before taking off, the VR-58 crew provided the cadets with a safety brief on what to do in an emergency.

For many cadets, this was their first time flying in an airplane. Soon, the throttles were advanced; they were rolling. After an uneventful takeoff, the crew interacted with the cadets throughout the short flight.

Upon arrival at NAS Pensacola, the cadets were greeted by NAS Pensacola’s Commanding Officer Capt. Terrance Shashaty and Command Master Chief James C. Wallace, who gave a brief history of NAS Pensacola, his career in the Navy and the importance of a quality education.

He ended his brief by answering questions. Capt. Shashaty introduced Chief Bradley Jordan, a Maintenance Chief with the Blue Angels. Chief Jordan is from Jacksonville. Chief Jordan remained with the cadets during their time on deck, took pictures and answered all their questions.

The cadets toured the museum and later watched the Blue Angels practice demonstration.