Naples Middle High School NJROTC Hosts Distinguished Guests for Annual STEM Project

Storey, Christopher

Mar 31, 2025

Cadets in the Naples Middle High School NJROTC present their model aircraft carriers during the unit’s annual STEM project. The project focused on shipbuilding and naval operations, with models evaluated by distinguished guests including Vice Admiral Anderson, Commander of the 6th Fleet.

The Naples Middle High School NJROTC recently concluded its annual STEM project, focusing on aircraft carriers. The event provided students with a hands-on opportunity to apply their knowledge of shipbuilding and naval operations.

This year, the NJROTC unit had the honor of hosting Vice Admiral Anderson, Commander of the 6th Fleet; Rear Admiral Miller, Deputy Commander of the 6th Fleet; and Command Master Chief Dudley, the 6th Fleet Command Master Chief. The distinguished guests judged the cadets' model aircraft carriers, evaluating them based on creativity, defined metrics, and usability.

The STEM project required students to build aircraft carriers that met specific criteria, including a minimum length of 24 inches, a width of at least 6 inches at the beam, and a flight deck height of at least 3 inches above the waterline. The models had to float, move forward without capsizing or losing aircraft, and feature a tower at least 3 inches above the flight deck on the starboard side. Each carrier had to carry at least two aircraft, and cadets could use any materials for construction.

After careful evaluation, Cadet Madison K. was announced as the winner for her exceptional design. Her model will be displayed prominently, and she will receive an award for her achievement.

Cadet Madison K. stands beside her award-winning model aircraft carrier at the Naples Middle High School NJROTC STEM event.

The Naples Middle High School NJROTC, established in 1994, is a cadet-run program aimed at creating better citizens through Naval Science education and military-style discipline. The unit operates like a Navy command, with roles such as Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and various administrative and operational positions. For the 2024-25 school year, the unit includes 78 cadets, representing 18.36% of the student body, and includes students from 8th to 12th grade.

The unit has achieved several notable milestones, including being the first NJROTC unit in Europe, the largest Navy JROTC unit in Europe, and the first JROTC unit in Europe to include 8th graders. It has been recognized as a Distinguished Unit with Honors three times, placing it in the top 5% of all units worldwide, and as a Distinguished Unit ten times, placing it in the top 10%. The unit has earned Unit Achievement status eight times, placing it in the top 20% of all units worldwide. It is also the largest single entity in the school.

Cadets in the NJROTC program benefit from several advantages, including nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy, advancement to E3 upon completion of boot camp in the U.S. Navy (E2 in other branches), advanced consideration for NROTC scholarships, and discipline and leadership training.

The program is led by two experienced instructors. Lieutenant Commander Christopher Storey, USN (Ret.), a seasoned veteran with a background in Cryptologic Operations, has taught NJROTC since his retirement in 2015. Senior Chief Vincent Gilfoy, USN (Ret.), with a distinguished career in naval recruiting and public affairs, has been educating the next generation of naval leaders at Naples NJROTC since 2008.

The Naples Middle High School NJROTC continues to excel in developing future leaders through rigorous training and innovative projects like the STEM aircraft carrier challenge, a testament to the dedication of its cadets and instructors.