MADISON — The cadets and staff of NCB39 Battalion, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps recently participated in annual swim qualifications in the lap lanes and rehabilitation pools at Redington-Fairview General Hospital. All of the cadets passed the U.S. Navy swim qualification standards with one qualifying as a first class swimmer.

The cadets later learned about drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, rates and ranks, self-discipline and self-motivation and harassment prevention.

Ceremonies also took place, including the presentation of the colors followed by an invocation by Sonia Mallar, chaplain, Maine Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Major Robert Demchak, USAF (Ret), commanding officer, then presented escort ribbon awards to members of his staff for providing adult supervision of the multi-unit cadet cadres during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. as well as other Sea Cadet joint activities.

Two promotions were then awarded. Cadet Riley Coleman was promoted to constructionman (E-3) and Cadet Roger Coulombe was promoted to chief petty officer, the highest cadet rank possible.

Certificate of appreciation and certificate of honorable discharge were presented to PO3 Riley Linton, a Winslow High School senior, who is in the process of enlisting into the U.S. Army.

Demchak then presented Coulombe with the Navy League of the United States Youth Medal and Ribbon. The medal enables sponsoring Navy League councils to annually recognize excellence on the part of young people participating in NSCC and NLCC programs.

Coulombe will retire from the NSCC Sept 1. He was accepted at the Maine Maritime Academy. where he plans to study marine engineering technology.

Wayne Mallar, awards presenter, Maine Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, was then introduced.

Mallar presented the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award to Coulombe for demonstrating a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, excellence in the performance of duties and having the potential for greater leadership responsibilities.

H. Ralph Withee, commander, American Legion Post 39, provided the cadets with words of praise for their color guard, battalion formation and support for the recent Memorial Day services.