AVON AMERICAN LEGION POST 145

Welcome aboard! 

I am very pleased that you have considered enrolling in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Program with the Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) Division. 

Unit Information: 

Our Division drills the 3rd weekend of every month at American Legion Post 145 located at 4812 East Main Street (Old 36) in Avon, Indiana.  Drill starts at 7:00am to 4:30pm (0800-1430) Saturday and Sunday.  There will be a 30-45 minute lunch break at approximately 12 noon each day.  Your child can bring their own lunch and drink.  Ocassionally, our parent auxiliary provides lunch and a $5 fee is then charged. For the safety of the cadets, they are not allowed to leave the drill hall during drill hours unless they are leaving for the day. While this is the first unit that is named after an active ship in the state of Indiana, we are all embarking on one of the greatest adventures with the support of the American Legion and its staff, with Senator Lugar’s strong naval heritage and tie to Admiral Burke, and the USS Arleigh Burke itself. 

Ship Information: 

The USS Arleigh Burke is the lead ship of the Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers.  These ships were the first destroyers in the world equipped with the AEGIS Weapons Systems.  It was the first U.S. Navy ship designed to incorporate shaping techniques to reduce radar cross-section to reduce their detectability and likelihood of being targeted by enemy weapons and sensors.  Originally designed to defend against Soviet aircraft, cruise missiles, and nuclear attack submarines, this higher capability ship is to be used in high-threat areas to conduct antiair, antisubmarine, antisurface, and strike operations.  Please take a moment to review the web page for this ship @ http://www.arleighburke.navy.mil/default.aspx 

This ship is a currently active Guided Missile Destroyer and ports in Norfolk, VA and therefore, is part of the Atlantic Fleet.  Admiral Arleigh Burke remained the Chief of Naval Operations for consecutive terms; and Indiana’s Senator Lugar served under Admiral Burke during the 1950’s.  In fostering the relationship with the USS Arleigh Burke, we may gain their respect and may visit the ship in the future. 

Parents: 

We encourage parents to get involved in this program, we have openings for auxiliary members, or you may choose to become an officer which will allow you to attend the trainings across the United States, just as your child will.  If you would like more information regarding the adult/officer programs, feel free to call me at 317-446-8889. Our unit will also hold annual awards to include Medals, Ribbons, and Citations for those cadets that distinguish themselves apart from others.  Generally, these ceremonies are held in the last quarter of the calendar year and will most likely be during a dinner ceremony where formal recognition can be made. I am looking forward to working with you, and your child, giving them the best opportunity for career experiences in either the military, or civilian world.  

If you have any additional questions, please email me at COBrown.Swinscc@gmail.com