Following their class motto of “citizenship, operations, advancement, service and teamwork” – or COAST – 58 Mission Bay High students are cadets in their campus’ Coast Guard JROTC.

The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps was established at Mission Bay High in the fall of 2023. In August 2023, the US Coast Guard established and activated its first Coast Guard JROTC on the West Coast.

The facility at Mission Bay High is among the newest to join the Pacific Beach campus’ many popular, high-quality, rigorous and award-winning training programs that draw students from all over the city to enroll. These include its international baccalaureate program, instrumental and choral music, engineering and robotics, art and athletics.

When Coast Guard 11th District Commander Rear Admiral Andrew M. Sugimoto inaugurated the Mission Bay program in October 2023, he said it will “empower our young people to become future leaders with an excellent foundation.

“The purpose is to foster a sense of duty, integrity and respect,” Sugimoto said. “We aim to cultivate a new generation of individuals dedicated to serving their communities and our nation.

“Coast Guard JROTC aims to inspire and develop young leaders and instill the values ​​of teamwork, discipline and service to the community,” he added.

The program is experiencing increased interest and enrollment.

It started with 31 cadets in the fall of 2023 and by this fall had 58 cadets, according to Lt. Cmdr. John Bannon, Mission Bay JROTC senior marine science instructor.

“Our goal is 100 cadets enrolled by the fall of 2026,” he said.

Bannon grew up in La Jolla and served 22 years in the Coast Guard. He retired in 2019 and has a master’s degree in education from San Diego State University.

Joining Bannon in organizing, structuring and teaching JROTC courses is retired Chief Petty Officer Guillermo Melendez.

“Because the program is in its second year, we have first-year cadets and second-year cadets,” Melendez said. “The fact that cadets have such a tough academic day and yet want to be a part of something bigger … (means) every day, these cadets are challenging themselves to take on more responsibility, to give of their time and to help each other to achieve class goals. It inspires me to want to do more.”

MBHS students enroll in eight classes, taking four on “A” day and another four on “B” day.

Cadets take traditional courses such as math, history, English and science throughout the week. As part of JROTC, their academic classes on Mondays and Tuesdays also include marine science. It covers many topics such as Coast Guard missions and operations, health, nautical science, orienteering, and the history of marching and military exercise.

They also take fitness classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which fulfill the physical education requirements of the San Diego Unified School District.

As for Fridays, their JROTC time is reserved for specialized programming, guest speakers, and community service activities or field trips. Speakers included representatives from law enforcement agencies, NAVWAR — Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (known as SPAWAR until 2019), US Navy and Space Force.

In addition to her JROTC classes, Madison Walker’s junior program includes Intro to Psychology, Associated Student Body (student government), Integrated Math 3, Marine Science, IB History, and IB English.

Last May, Walker was promoted to second lieutenant during the unit’s change of command ceremony. This year, Walker has a top leadership position.

“What I personally take from this program is that leadership starts with you, but it’s not always about you,” Walker said. “I learned to always be prepared for different situations, including uncomfortable ones.”

Students in JROTC are enrolled as cadets with an initial rank of Marine Recruit. Once they have completed their qualifications, they can progress to apprentice seaman, then seaman and petty officer. Beyond these there are senior positions including Commanding Officer, Color Guard Commander and Academic Officer.

Cadets can earn up to 28 ribbons for meeting various qualifications and achievements. These range from participating in leadership training, promoting required physical training, and participating in JROTC events, frequently with units from other high schools.

At the end of the year, cadets are evaluated for the highest honors in leadership and citizenship. Medals are awarded to outstanding cadets by various military organizations, such as the Navy League, Army Leadership, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Coast Guard Chief’s Association.

“Nothing is given … these awards and ribbons are earned by our outstanding cadets here at Mission Bay High School,” Bannon said.

A common question asked of Bannon by students is if they join, will they have to drop or skip other high school activities or classes?

“Absolutely not,” he said. “Our JROTC cadets are regular students, in all different types of classes, sports, music, art and AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. They have a very rigorous program.”

Freshman Mauricio Santiago, whose father is in the Coast Guard, said he likes the feeling of following in his father’s footsteps.

“JROTC is inspiring and helps build self-confidence and character,” said sophomore William Sanderson.

MacKayla Peterson received her Basic Leadership Training ribbon during a fall advancement and awards ceremony on Oct. 15. She is now a Sea Cadet and credits JROTC for keeping her grades up.

“It makes my parents proud and me,” Peterson said. “I gained more leadership skills and more confidence. I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone.”

As for the skills he brings to the program, Peterson said, “I bring honesty, commitment, accountability for teamwork and determination. I love this program.”