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 fall 2023. That August, the U.S. Coast Guard established and activated its first Coast Guard JROTC on the West Coast.
Mission Bay High’s unit is among the newest to join the Pacific Beach campus’ many popular, high quality, rigorous and award-winning instructional programs that attract students to enroll from all over the city. These include its International Baccalaureate program, instrumental and choral music, engineering and robotics, art, and athletics.
When 11th District Coast Guard Commander Rear Adm. Andrew M. Sugimoto inaugurated Mission Bay’s program in October 2023, he said it “will empower our youth to become future leaders with a great foundation.
“The goal is to foster a sense of duty, integrity, and respect,” Sugimoto said. “We aim to cultivate a new generation of individuals committed to serving their communities and our nation.
“The Coast Guard JROTC aims to inspire and develop young leaders and instill the values of teamwork, discipline and service to the community,” he added.
On Oct. 11, cadets in Coast Guard JROTC Bravo Platoon did a trash clean-up along Balboa and Garnet avenues as a community service project. (Courtesy of MBHS Coast Guard JROTC)
The program is experiencing increased interest and enrollment.
It started with 31 cadets in fall 2023 and by this fall had 58 cadets, according to retired Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. John Bannon, Mission Bay’s JROTC senior maritime science instructor.
“Our goal is 100 cadets enrolled by 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 with organizing, structuring and teaching the JROTC classes is retired Chief Petty Officer Guillermo Melendez.
“Since the program is in its second year we have first year cadets and second year cadets,” Melendez said. “The fact that the cadets have such an arduous academic day and yet still want to be part of something bigger … (means) everyday these cadets challenge themselves to take on more responsibility, volunteer their time and help each other meet 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.
The cadets take traditional courses like math, history, English and science throughout the week. As part of JROTC their academic courses on Mondays and Tuesdays also include maritime science. This covers many topics, such as Coast Guard missions and operations, health, nautical science, orienteering and the history of military marching and drill.
They also take physical fitness classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which fulfill San Diego Unified School District’s physical education requirement.
As for Fridays, their JROTC time is reserved for specialized programming, guest speakers and community service activities or field trips. Speakers have included representatives of law enforcement agencies, NAVWAR — Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (known as SPAWAR until 2019), the U.S. Navy and Space Force.
Last May, then-sophomore Madison Walker, pictured with retired Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. John Bannon, was promoted to chief officer for the 2024-25 school year. (Courtesy of MBHS Coast Guard JROTC)
In addition to her JROTC classes, junior Madison Walker’s schedule includes introduction to psychology, Associated Student Body (student government), integrated math 3, marine science, IB History and IB English.
Last May, Walker rose to the rank of lieutenant junior grade during the unit’s change of command ceremony. This year Walker has a top leadership position.
“What I personally take away from this program is that leadership starts with you, but its not always about you,” Walker said. “I have learned to always be ready for different situations, including the uncomfortable ones.”
Students in JROTC are enrolled as cadets with an initial rank of seaman recruit. Once they complete qualifications, they can advance to seaman apprentice, then to seaman and petty officer. Beyond those, there are leadership positions including commanding officer, color guard commander and academics officer.
Cadets can earn up to 28 ribbons for meeting various qualifications and achievements. These range from attending leadership training, passing required physical fitness training and participating in JROTC events, frequently with units from other high schools.
At the end of the year cadets are evaluated for highest honors in leadership and citizenship. Medals are awarded to outstanding cadets by various military organizations, such as Navy League, Army Leadership, Veterans of Foreign Wars and 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 give up or skip other high school activities or classes?
“Absolutely not,” he said. “Our JROTC cadets are regular students, in all different types of classes, play sports, do music, art, and AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. They have a very rigorous schedule.”
Freshman Mauricio Santiago, whose father is in the Coast Guard, said he enjoys the feeling of following in his father’s footsteps.
Sophomore William Sanderson is a cadet in the Coast Guard JROTC. (Cyril A. Reinicke)
JROTC is inspiring and helps build self-confidence and character,” said sophomore William Sanderson.
Sophomore MacKayla Peterson was awarded her Basic Leadership Training ribbon during an Oct. 15 fall advancement and awards ceremony. She is now a seaman cadet and credits JROTC with keeping her grades up.
“That makes my parents proud and that makes me proud, Peterson said. “I have gained more leadership skills and increased confidence. I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone.”
As for skills she brings to the program Peterson said, “I bring honesty, commitment, teamwork accountability and decisiveness. I love this program.”
Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Guillermo Melendez presenting the Basic Leadership Training ribbon to Seaman Cadet Mackayla Peterson on Oct. 15. (Cyril A. Reinicke)