A Hidden Gem with a Powerful Mission:
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Our mission is simple but powerful — to immerse young people in the Navy experience in order to build leaders of character. Through the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, we serve 192 cadets across six units in North Texas, with locations in Fort Worth, Gainesville, Frisco, Greenville, Tyler, and a new unit opening soon in Waxahachie.
“One of our biggest priorities is increasing awareness,” shares LCDR Anthony Luedicke. “For many families, this program remains one of the best-kept secrets. Yet we consistently see that cadets who participate are better prepared for future opportunities, including appointments to prestigious service academies such as United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the Naval Academy.”
Our program, available in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, is entirely supported by dedicated civilian volunteers. Many come to us through personal connections — parents, mentors, or former cadets —and stay because of the meaningful impact they see. Each summer, our volunteers commit a full week to staffing intensive training programs, a level of involvement that truly sets us apart from other youth organizations.
We serve youth ages 10 to 18, with the goal of guiding every cadet through structured training experiences. Our foundational program, Recruit Training, mirrors Navy boot camp and introduces discipline, teamwork, and leadership. From there, cadets can explore a wide range of career paths, including culinary arts, scuba, STEM, underwater robotics, cybersecurity, law, construction trades, and more. If there is a career in the Navy, we strive to help cadets experience it firsthand.
One of the most unique opportunities we offer is specialized training with Navy SEALs for cadets ages 16 and older. Additionally, our international exchange program allows cadets to travel abroad and train alongside partner units in countries like New Zealand and England.
Our programs are both accessible and immersive. A typical week-long summer training in the Dallas–Fort Worth area costs approximately $300 and is often held on military bases. Cadets live the experience — wearing official Navy uniforms, participating in color guard and honor guard, and representing their communities at events like the Colonial Golf Tournament.
While the summer session deadline has passed, new cadets can register in August, begin training in September, and participate in our winter program starting just after Christmas — preparing them for the following summer’s opportunities.
For more information: sea-cadets.org/join-us.
