Featured Cadet: PO1 Jameson Lee
PO1 Jameson Lee: Charting a Course Below the Surface
Cruiser Milwaukee Division
At Cruiser Milwaukee Division, we believe leadership is built through challenge, service, discipline, and opportunity. Petty Officer First Class Jameson Lee is a powerful example of what can happen when a cadet commits to the journey. Jameson is entering his final chapter as a Sea Cadet, and he is doing it with purpose. After years of training, leadership, and personal growth, he is now preparing for his next goal: serving in the U.S. Navy, with a strong interest in the submarine force.
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“This program has shown me that leadership isn’t about rank...it’s about setting the example every day. The more effort you put in here, the more you get out of it.” - PO1 Lee
But that goal did not appear overnight. Jameson’s story is one of steady growth, real responsibility, and leadership earned through action. As he approaches the final chapter of his Sea Cadet career, he reflects on a journey defined by challenge, growth, and a commitment to excellence. Through drills, trainings, field exercises, and leadership opportunities, Jameson has grown into the kind of cadet others can look to for direction. He has learned that leadership is not about attention...it is about showing up, doing the job right, and setting the example.
That mindset has helped shape him into a cadet who is respected by peers and trusted by leadership.
Leadership in Action
Leadership is not merely taught. Leadership is lived. PO1 Lee is among a select group of cadets to complete the Chief Petty Officer Academy, a milestone that reflects advanced leadership capability and trust.
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“PO1 Lee trained in joint, multi-division environments including Fort McCoy exercises and collaborative operations with active-duty and reserve military units (the 128th Air Refueling Wing) ... experiences that demand professionalism, adaptability, and leadership under pressure.” - CO Lloyd White
From Recruit Training to advanced opportunities...including his pursuit of submarine training...PO1 Lee has consistently stepped up, led from the front, and set the standard for those around him. His story is a powerful example of how discipline and perseverance transform potential into purpose, as he prepares to take the next step toward service in the United States Navy.
125+ Days of Advanced Training Across the U.S...
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RX-WI-2501: Advanced Military Operations (Served as Operations LPO) - Fort McCoy, Wisconsin
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RT-WI-2501: NSCC Recruit Training (Staff Cadet) - Navy Operational Support Center - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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CB-TX-2501: Chief Petty Officer Academy (CPOA) - Camp Blanding Joint Training Center - Starke, Florida
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CB-TX-2501: Seabee Basic Training - North Central Texas College (NCTC) - Gainesville, Texas
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RT-CT-2401: NSCC Recruit Training (Staff Cadet) - Camp Nett at Niantic, Connecticut
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NA-FL-2301: Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) - Camp Blanding Joint Training Center - Starke, Florida
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SS-WA-2301: Seamanship / Submarine School (Two Weeks) - Trident Training Facility - Bangor, Washington
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PA-WI-2301: Photojournalism Training - Navy Operational Support Center - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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CA-WI-2301: Culinary Arts Training - Navy Operational Support Center - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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CA-TX-2201: Culinary Arts Training - Texas Army National Guard - San Angelo, Texas
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CG-WI-2201: Coast Guard Safe Boating Course - U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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RT-WI-2201: NSCC Recruit Training - Navy Operational Support Center - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Over four years in Sea Cadets, PO1 Lee has completed approximately 80 drill weekends, representing an estimated 640 hours of hands-on unit training, leadership development, and military instruction. PO1 Lee is also the recipient of the Navy League Youth Award (Theodore Roosevelt Medal), recognizing his outstanding performance of duty and commitment to the core values of leadership, service, and excellence.
Petty Officer First Class Lee has demonstrated consistent growth, discipline, and leadership throughout his time in the program. Since joining in September 2021 as a member of the Color Guard Team, he has steadily advanced through positions of increasing responsibility. In January 2023, he served as Master-at-Arms, earning an “Excellent” evaluation under the leadership of Lloyd White. He was later selected as Education Petty Officer in October 2023, and now serves as the Assistant Leading Petty Officer (ALPO), a key leadership role within the division.
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“Sea Cadets has challenged my son, built his confidence, and helped him develop real leadership skills. The growth we’ve seen has been incredible.” - Parent of PO1 Lee
Interested in following in PO1 Lee's footsteps?
Join the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps – Cruiser Milwaukee Division and start building the skills, leadership, and confidence that will serve you for life. You do not need to have everything figured out on day one. You just need to be willing to show up, work hard, and grow. That is how leaders are made. If you are looking for adventure, challenge, teamwork, and the chance to become something more, the Sea Cadets may be the right place for you.
Contact Us: crmilwaukee@gmail.com
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