U.S. Navy Officer Encourages Cadets At Civil Air Patrol Squadron

HERNANDO COUNTY, FL — With exciting tales of U.S. Navy aviation, a former Civil Air Patrol cadet returned to the Hernando County Composite Squadron to inspire the next generation of potential pilots. Ensign Sean Skinner, U.S.N., brought stories from his experiences in ROTC, Officer Candidate School and U.S. Navy flight school. His message? Hold yourself accountable and don’t give up.

“You can do anything you want to do,” said Skinner. “Convince yourself that you can do it. Teach yourself and never give up. With enough work, you can definitely do what you want to do.”

More than 40 cadets and senior members attended the weekly meeting where Skinner spoke. Skinner, a former Civil Air Patrol cadet, was a member of the Hernando County Composite Squadron from 2008 - 2015.

As a cadet, he progressed through the program, rising to the rank of Cadet Captain before leaving to earn a Political Science degree at the University of South Florida. From there, he joined the Navy and completed Officer Candidate School. He is now assigned to Training Air Wing Four in Corpus Christi, Texas. Skinner credits a large part of his success to his time in the Civil Air Patrol.

“I remember when I first joined the Civil Air Patrol, and I couldn't talk in front of 10 people,” Skinner said. “Now, I have talked in front of hundreds of people. It's something that's very small perhaps on the surface, but it's something that's incredibly important.”

Skinner related how the leadership skills he learned in the Civil Air Patrol helped him to organize a group of more experienced sailors during intense damage control training. In the exercise, the team mission changed, thrusting them into a high-pressure scenario they were unprepared for. Yet, he was able to take charge and guide the team to success.

“Getting your peers to be able to listen to you is something that's very hard,” he said. “Learning to lead others - that is the ultimate challenge of being a cadet. It's hard to do, but you learn to carry yourself professionally. You learn how to use your voice, how to speak, how you treat people and how you deal with people in a leadership role.”

After Skinner’s presentation, cadets asked questions about the U.S. Navy and aviation. Skinner spent the rest of the evening talking to cadets individually and speaking to senior members who provided mentorship during his time as a cadet. Before leaving, Skinner offered one additional piece of advice.

“I'm going to hold myself accountable for my actions and goals,” said Skinner “There have been times in my life where I've had to do things that I may have not wanted to do, but I did them anyway because it was the right thing to do. I don't think it's natural that people will put themselves in those difficult situations. Integrity is something that needs to be practiced. And you practice that 100% in the Civil Air Patrol.”

The Civil Air Patrol is always looking for new members with an interest in flight. Cadets can join starting at age 12 while adults can join at any age. Weekly meetings are held on Tuesday starting at 6:45 pm. All are welcome to join. The squadron is located at:

Hernando Country Composite Squadron
3151 Air Commerce Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34604

Cadets have opportunities to learn about flight, space flight, science, technology, search & rescue, disaster response and so much more. The Civil Air Patrol offers numerous exciting encampment and training opportunities throughout Florida and the nation covering everything from space operations to engineering to flight school. The program also offers multiple tracks for scholarships and discounted flight training for cadets pursuing a private pilot license.

For more information about the Hernando County Composite Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, visit fl301.cap.gov.