About the battalion
We are the Travis Manion Battalion of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp (USNSCC). Our main base of operations is the Homeland Defense Technology Center at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ. We have a satellite drilling location at the Federal Air Marshalls Training Center in West Orange, NJ.
The Battalion consists of 44 cadets, both male and female, consisting of 31 Sea Cadets and 13 League Cadets. The Battalion trains the cadets on military bearing with an emphasis on drilling, Navy history and PT. We also create experiences for the cadets to learn about military and maritime history and are actively involved in Community Service.
The Travis Manion Battalion services Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Union, Hunterdon, Warren and Somerset Counties in NJ.
We were formed as a Battalion because we are associate with the Mobile Construction Battalions of the United States Navy or SEABEES.
About 1St Lt. Travis Manion, Usmc
The Travis Manion Battalion is named in honor of 1st Lt. Travis Manion United States Marine Corps. “1st Lt. Travis Manion made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. He, his fellow Marines, and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house. 1st Lt. Manion led the counterattack against the enemy forces. He was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded comrades. His selfless actions allowed every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor.”
Learn more about Travis and his life of service at www.travismanion.org which was created to honor Travis and to carry on his motto, “If Not Me Then Who”, to the next generation.
about Our command staff
Our staff is made up of adult volunteers who dedicate their time to mentor and train the cadets within the battalion.
Commanding Officer - ENS Peter Ricciardi
Executive Officer - ENS John Carroll
Admin and Finance Officer - ENS Jennifer Molloy
Supply Officer - INSTR Matthew Molloy
Assistant Admin Officer - INSTR Stacey Sullivan
Not pictured:
Personnel Officer - INSTR Brian Weaver
Recruiting Officer - INSTR Eric Lopez
PT Officer - INSTR Derek St. Thomas
about our commanding cHIEF PETTY OFFICER
CPO Caedyn Ricciardi
A Sea Cadet since 2019 who has steadily moved through the ranks, attending 9 trainings through the years and amassing 12 ribbons on his rack, all while staying humble and focused. His military bearing is on point and he possess the ability to work with all the cadets in his charge, showing them the correct way to do things with a stern, yet respectful demeaner. In 2022 he rose to the rank of Commanding Chief Petty Officer of the Travis Manion Battalion. CPO Ricciardi is also the recipient of the 2022 Sons of the American Revolution Good Citizenship medal.
about our cadet staff
LPO Rebecca Carroll
A Sea Cadet since 2019, she has attended 9 trainings and was Honor Cadet at her Basic Medical training in Kentucky this past summer. She is extremely active with Community Service and has moved through the ranks to become a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Through her high moral character and her ability to lead, she was elevated to the Battalions Leading Petty Officer in June of 2023.
Not pictured:
Squad Leaders
PO2 Alexander Bord
PO3 Amanda Molloy
PO3 Robert Niesmertelny
SN Jonathan Yoo
About our color guard
PO2 - Alexander Bord
PO3 - Amanda Molloy
SN - Dante Ricciardi
SN - Nathan Weaver
Alternates:
SA - Aquinas Clancy
SN - Gabrielle Drucks
SA - Gabriel Lopez
PO3 - Kyleigh Martin
If you are interested in having our Color Guard present the Colors at your next ceremony, parade or special event, please contact Instructor Matthew Molloy at mmolloy@seacadets.org
About OUR SPONSOR
Our Battalion is proudly sponsored by the American Legion Post 278. Through their generous support the Battalion is able to outfit our cadets and create memorable training experiences.
American Legion Post 278
119 Route 183
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-5558
About the United States Naval sea cadet corps.
The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a program for young people age 13 through 17 and was federally chartered by the Congress on September 10th 1962 under Public Law 87-655 as a non-profit civilian educational organization. (Mature 10 through 13 year olds may join as Naval League Cadets.)
Objectives of the NSCC are: "(1) To develop an appreciation for our Navy's history, customs, traditions, and its significant role in national defense; (2) To develop a sense of pride in our nation, positive qualities of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, confidence, pride in workmanship and seamanship skill, and other attributes which will contribute to development of strong moral character and good citizenship traits; and (3) To present the advantages and prestige of a military career, and to increase the potential for advancement of those cadets who may wish to join the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Merchant Marine."
The NSCC allows young people to sample military life without any obligation to join any branch of the Armed Forces. Should a cadet decide to enlist in either the Navy or Marine Corps, his or her cadet record may permit enlistment at an advanced pay grade. In addition, scholarship grants are available to qualified cadets (and former cadets) who are pursuing studies at the college level. Cadets are authorized to wear a Navy uniform distinctively modified with NSCC insignia.
Please Note: A medical examination similar to a high school sports physical is required for all cadet applicants . No one will be denied admission to the NSCC/NLCC due to a medical disability. Adult applicants must be in good health commensurate with their age group and be free from any ailment or condition that would prevent them from satisfactorily performing their primary duty of supervising youth.