By Debbie Adams
Students in the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) based at William Byrd High
School underwent their first Area Manager Inspection (AMI) since their unit was established in
February 2023, demonstrating what they have accomplished as a unit in the past year.
The inspection is meant to ensure that the unit is operating at and maintaining the Navy’s
standards and includes personnel inspection, a color guard demonstration, and an unarmed drill.
Lt. Commander Jim Landis, USN (Ret.) conducted the inspection in the gymnasium at William
Byrd on Feb. 27. He is the Area Manager for 30 units in North Carolina and Virginia.
talks with Cadet Senior Chief Jamey Umberger (front right) during the first Area Manager
Inspection of the NNDCC unit at William Byrd. Cadet Lt. Mason Perdue (center of photo) was the Commander of Troops. (photos by Debbie Adams)
William Byrd students, families and school officials were welcomed for the ceremonial portion
of the inspection. Dignitaries were greeted with the “boatswain’s call,” a United States Navy
tradition, using a pipe and bell. They included School Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely, WBHS
Principal Tammy Newcomb, Roanoke County Career and Technical Education Manager Mark
Jones, the unit’s Senior Chief David Perrin, SCPO, USN (Ret.), and Lt. Commander Landis.
NNDCC Naval Science Instructor at WBHS, enters the inspection ceremony at the “boatswain’s
call.”
The Cadet Color Guard posted the colors followed by Cadet Leighann Wood performing the
national anthem.
Emcee Cadet Andrew Murphy explained the inspection and the Pass in Review to follow. He
began by describing the importance of the cadet’s uniform as an important element in the morale,
pride, discipline, and effectiveness of the NNDCC program. Cadets are to maintain a high
standard of dress and personal appearance in neatness, cleanliness, safety, and military image.
“The purpose of today’s inspection lies in the fact that it provides an opportunity for the cadets to
demonstrate military professionalism,” Murphy said. “The uniform is a symbol of the nation’s
defense forces. It projects an image of devotion to duty in the service of one’s country. The
uniform worn by the William Byrd High School NNDCC cadet is the same with certain exceptions. Cadets are obligated to wear the uniform properly and proudly, and in doing so, they
uphold the dignity of the Navy, the school, and fellow cadets.”
During the personnel inspection, LCDR Landis walked among the cadets, stopping to speak to
each one individually.
cadet during the inspection.
After the inspection, Landis addressed the cadets and spectators. In his remarks, he noted that the
first unit inspection is a nerve-wracking experience for the cadets, but “you did a fantastic job.
You have made significant growth in the past year– well done. You are the first class to complete
an AMI here. Keep challenging yourself; the experience will pay off for you.”
Commander Landis was present at the unit’s establishment ceremony in 2023 and spoke about
the extraordinary support from the community and the school who “have embraced the NNDCC
program.”
He commended Senior Chief Perrin, the NNDCC Naval Science instructor at WBHS, for “doing
a fantastic job in a demanding role, as the only instructor in a brand-new unit.”
Landis described the NNDCC program as a “citizenship development program based on a
military model with a major goal of completing community service projects which make a
positive impact on the local community. It is not a military recruiting program. Sixty percent of
students in such programs do not go into the military after high school.
“We want to prepare students to do whatever they have a passion for,” Landis said. “Service,
however, is vitally important to community, home, family, church, school. We want them to
continue to serve even if they are not in uniform.”
Landis noted that the NNDCC is an elective course that the cadets have chosen from many
options– and a harder path than many of the others they could have picked.
He thanked the parents, families, and students who attended the ceremony to show their support.
The inspection concluded with the Pass in Review, a long-standing military tradition dating back
to Valley Forge. It consists of cadets marching past the reviewing party for inspection purposes.
Review during the AMI inspection, led by Company Commander Cadet Noah Nicely.
The Navy established the NNDCC in 2008 and offers the program to qualifying secondary
educational institutions. The program provides schools who do not qualify for a Navy Junior
Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit (due to enrollment numbers) an opportunity to
provide a similar program designed to expand students’ opportunities to gain the values of
citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.
To host an NNDCC unit, the school must be approved by the Secretary of the Navy and enter
into an agreement with the Naval Service Training Command.
Cadet staff for this first AMI included: Commander of Troops Lt. Mason Perdue, Company Operations Officer, Cadet ENS Drew Bartley; Company Administrative Officer, Cadet Ensign Alexis Cook; Company Supply Officer, Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Leighann Wood; Company 1st Lt., Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Charles West;
Company Senior Chief, Cadet Senior Chief Jamey Umberger; Company Guidon Bearer, Cadet
2nd Class Petty Officer Jordan Davila; and Company Photographer, 2nd Class Petty Officer Cadet Jayden Hedrick. Adjutant for the ceremony was Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Umberger.
Members of the Color Guard included Cadets Robinson, Lenorah Garcia, Isabella Garcia, and
Emily Atwood.
