Jenna Lewandowski, who graduated last week from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook, was one of the 302 men and women who began Swab Summer at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London Monday.
The traditional start of training at the academy begins with Swab Summer, the intensive seven week course designed to transform civilian students into military members ready to accept the challenges that await them in their pursuit of becoming Coast Guard officers.
Swab Lewandowski is one of the 44 per cent of the incoming class who are women, the largest group of females in an incoming class in the history of the academy. In order to achieve this, the former NJROTC cadet at MAST was among the 1800 applicants to sought to attend the Academy where approximately only 300 are accepted each year.
After the swearing in ceremony Rear Adm. Bill Kelly, academy superintendent welcomed the Swabs to their new environment. “We are committed to your success, and we will ensure you live, learn, and grow in the safest and most inclusive environment possible,” Kelly said.
“The Core Values and the Oath we just took are conditions of employment in the U.S. Coast Guard and they are the first step in the 200-week journey that will ultimately lead to your commission,” he added. “That 200-week journey starts today! I challenge you to fully commit to rising above whatever challenges you may face as you begin your training and education.”
During their first day at the Academy, the Swabs cycle through a whirlwind of haircuts, uniform issue, various administrative in-processing and drill practice. At the end of the day the swabs march out to the parade field, take the oath of office, and pose for a group photo, before saying goodbye to their families.
