Cross completes training

Cadet Corinth Alexander Cross, son of Col. (Retired) and Mrs. Frederick Cross, of Suffolk, recently completed Cadet Basic Training at the U.S. Military Academy.

Cross entered West Point on July 2 and has successfully completed six weeks of CBT. CBT is one of the most challenging events a cadet will encounter over the course of their four years at the academy.

The initial military training program provides cadets with basic skills to instill discipline, pride, cohesion, confidence and a high sense of duty to prepare them for entry into the Corps of Cadets. Areas of summer instruction included first aid, mountaineering, hand grenades, rifle marksmanship and nuclear, biological and chemical training.

Cross began classes Aug. 20. The West Point curriculum offers 37 majors balancing physical sciences and engineering with humanities and social sciences leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Cross graduated from Nansemond River High School in June 2012. He plans to graduate from West Point in 2016 and be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Wilson graduates from boot camp

Pvt. Vincent Trey Wilson, 19, of Suffolk, graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Parris Island on Aug. 24. He successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD Parris Island as one of 52 recruits in Training Platoon 1057. While in basic training, Private Wilson earned a medal for marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle. Following 10 days home on leave, he will report to Camp Lejeune for one month at Military Combat Training, then head to Military Occupation Specialty School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mich. He is the son of Gia L. Sams and Michael K. Wilson, both of Suffolk.

Hammond promoted

Navy Seaman Apprentice John P. Hammond Jr., son of Lisa M. Hammond and John P. Hammond, both of Suffolk, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Hammond received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Hammond is a 2011 graduate of Nansemond River High School.

Ortiz completes electrician’s course

Marine Corps Pfc. Anthony M. Ortiz, son of Cynthia Jones, of Kearny, N.J., and Alistair Ortiz, of Suffolk, recently completed the Basic Electrician’s Course.

During the course with Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., students receive instruction on the repair and maintenance of generators, transformers and power lines. In addition to the mechanical skills involved, studies also include circuitry, electrical theory and related safety procedures.

Ortiz is a 2011 graduate of King’s Fork High School and joined the Marine Corps in September 2011

Baskerville completes training

Navy Seaman Recruit Venesha N. Baskerville, daughter of Virginia A. Outlaw, of Suffolk, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Baskerville completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Baskerville is a 2008 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School of Waterbury, Conn.