Featured Cadet: Seaman Pearce

Cadet Pearce: Stepping Up, Standing Out

Cruiser Milwaukee Division

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There's a phrase that follows Cadet Chloe Pearce around the Cruiser Milwaukee Division. It comes from LTJG Randy Lee, and it's become something of a shorthand among the staff: "When asked for a 5, she always delivers a 10."

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It's a simple line, but it captures something real. Pearce doesn't chase recognition. She just consistently does more than what's asked...and does it right the first time.

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Recruit Training: The Highest Compliment
Ask the staff cadets who supervised Pearce during Recruit Training what stood out about her, and you’ll hear a consistent response...one notably captured by PO1 Jameson Lee: “We hardly knew she was there.” Far from a criticism, this reflects something far more meaningful: Cadet Pearce executed every task exactly as directed, quietly and professionally, without the need for correction or additional oversight, consistently meeting the standard the first time, every time.

In Sea Cadet culture, that's about as high as praise gets. It means she followed every instruction precisely, held her discipline throughout, and completed everything required of her without correction, without incident, and without drawing unnecessary attention to herself. In an environment designed to find your limits, she gave them nothing to correct.

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From Newport to Fort McCoy
Pearce's training record reflects someone who seeks out hard things. At Naval Station Newport, RI, she earned Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) certification and completed Emergency Medical Transportation training...programs that demand focus, composure, and the ability to perform under real pressure. Those experiences have shaped her future goals: she now plans to pursue a career as a Navy Nurse through NROTC.

 

At Fort McCoy, she entered the "Most Fit Cadet" challenge and won...outperforming every competitor in the field. What the staff noted afterward wasn't just the result. It was how she carried herself after it. No fanfare. Quiet respect for the other competitors. The kind of humility that makes people want to follow you.

 

Leading from the Front

Within the division, Pearce has served as both Squad Leader and Leading Petty Officer. In both roles, she leads the way most effective leaders do: by example. She sets the standard for junior cadets not through authority alone, but through consistent effort and a willingness to keep improving herself alongside those she mentors.

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Her father, Bill Pearce, has watched the transformation from home: 

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• "Since my daughter joined Sea Cadets, I've seen her pushed beyond her comfort zone in a safe, structured way. She's gained confidence, developed strong leadership skills, and is building a foundation that will serve her well into the future."

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Confidence, in particular, is a through-line in her story. Early in her Sea Cadet career, public speaking and self-assurance were areas she openly acknowledged needing to develop. Rather than work around them, she worked through them...leaning into the discomfort until it no longer had the same hold. It shows. Cadet Pearce demonstrated exceptional initiative when she identified an opportunity for the division to visit a local medical flight program operated by her uncle, a former Navy physician now serving in a critical care aviation role. What began as an idea quickly became a fully developed plan...she coordinated logistics, organized participation, and presented the concept to her leadership team in the form of a structured mission brief. Upon approval, she executed the plan with precision, ensuring a successful and meaningful experience for the cadets involved. This effort reflects her ability to think beyond assigned tasks, take ownership, and lead from concept to completion.

 

Outside the Uniform
Pearce competes in volleyball, softball, and wrestling, and outside of athletics she reads, paints, and makes time for the people she cares about. The balance she maintains between structure and normalcy says something about her character...she hasn't let the discipline consume the person.

 

Her go-to motivational reminder is a Maya Angelou quote she returns to often:

 

• "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

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It fits.

 

When asked to describe what the Sea Cadet experience has meant to her, she said:

 

• "It's a transformative journey that builds character, leadership, and discipline...equipping you with lifelong skills, teamwork, and confidence through challenging military-style training and real adventures."

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Cadet Pearce is a driven, grounded, and genuinely capable young leader. She is, without question, one to watch.

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Looking to follow in Cadet Pearce’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.

Contact Us: crmilwaukee@gmail.com

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