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HSL-49 Commanding Officer Invests Time in Navy's Future

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060409-03
Release Date: 4/9/2006 10:14:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Ahron Arendes, Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Cmdr. David Lemek, commanding officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 49, inspected Point Loma High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit March 8 during their annual military inspection.

“It was a tremendously positive experience,” said Lemek. “I’d never been involved with NJROTC. I didn’t realize it’s an actual class that they take, Naval Science. There are 1,900 [students] in this school, and there are 106 of them in that unit. I was very heartened to see how enthusiastic they were.”

During the course of the inspection, Lemek challenged the cadets’ military knowledge, including reciting the General Orders of a Sentry and their chain of command. He also observed their marching skills during a drill. The best platoon of the NJROTC unit was named Honor Platoon.

“They were impressive,” said Lemek. “I was most impressed with the level of effort they put forward. They all wanted to do well, be part of a team, and of something that is greater than the individual. It made me feel good to see people who are so young thinking about something that is outside of their own lives.”

At the end of the inspection, Lemek had a formal meeting with the NJROTC staff to give them his critique. During the meeting, he stressed to the cadets the importance of continuing their education.

“They were very concise and to the point, and I appreciated their efforts, because I know it took a lot of time,” said Lemek.

Lemek told them about his experiences in the Navy and that he is prior enlisted.

“I told them about all of the opportunities the Navy gave me. When I came in, I wasn’t a high school graduate, and now I have a master’s degree and I’m a commanding officer of a squadron. I just wanted to personify to them what their potential could be, no matter where they are right now,” he said.

Following the inspection, Lemek invited several senior cadets to attend an HSL-49 all-officers meeting. The Honor Platoon was invited to receive a tour of the squadron.

“Some of these cadets may go on to military careers, but for the vast majority of them, this is the only contact with the military they will ever have, so this is an investment in not only the military’s future, but the nation’s future,” said Lemek.