Sixteen-year-old David Cornes of Napa embarked on an extraordinary adventure last month when he traveled to Russia to participate in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ International Exchange Program from July 22 to Aug. 2. The trip was a highlight of Cornes’ many activities with the corps, an organization he joined at age 13.

Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the focus of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps includes training youths “... in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues,” according to the establishment’s Web site. Cornes said the organization is similar to junior ROTC, but is not associated with any school, adding that his unit includes participants in Richmond, Napa and Vallejo.

After flying into St. Petersburg, Russia, in late July, Cornes joined three Australians, five Swedes, nine people from England and more than 100 Russians on the “Lord Novgorod the Great,” the ship where he ate, slept and stayed for the majority of his trip.

Cornes’ mother, Bonnie Baird, said her son — a Vintage High School student and a Petty Officer 1st Class in his unit — was one of a handful of American teens chosen to participate in the exchange program this year. There are approximately 12,000 Sea Cadets in the country, she said.

While Cornes shared quarters on the ship with just one other person — an American cadet named Hampton Vaughan — he said other rooms housed four people. Cornes said the small living quarters were comfortable and he could lift his bed up to make space for belongings.

One of Cornes’ favorite stops was Novgorod — one of Russia’s oldest cities — where he visited some of the area’s many cathedrals and met the deputy mayor. Other activities he enjoyed included walking around St. Petersburg and interacting with the locals. “I was buying lunch from a vendor there. ... It was definitely an experience not being able to communicate,” he said, adding that many Russians in the area who were under age 30 spoke English.

To add to the educational aspect of the program, Cornes said, the Young Sailors’ Club — Russia’s version of the Sea Cadets — hosted “cultural nights” featuring traditional Russian dance, music and traditional dress.

While in Russia, Cornes and other Sea Cadets participated in competitions including sailing, rowing, ship damage control, knot-tying, rope climbing, swimming, fire-starting and shooting with air rifles.

Another event involved a medical procedure competition, seamanship contests, rope climbing and swimming from one ship to another, marksmanship and more.

None of these activities is new to Cornes; he has completed EMT training and submarine school. He is also qualified to perform CPR, sail small boats and can swim according to the Navy’s certification standards.

Cornes said he plans to embark on another international exchange next year. He also hopes to attend a summer seminar at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., during the summer of 2008.

Cornes recommends the Naval Sea Cadet Corps for teens, whether or not they are interested in a career in the military.

“You get a lifelong experience you’ll never forget. ... And the whole trip was amazing and fun,” he said. The program positively impacts youth, provides intense and hands-on training, and looks good on a college resume, he said.

Bonnie Baird, Cornes’ mother, is proud of the experience and knowledge her son gained through the international exchange program. “I think he had a marvelous time. ... There was a Russian cadet he bonded with. It was fun to hear (about) the interactions he had and I knew he was having a great cultural experience,” she said.

Cornes’ father, Tim Baird, said his son’s involvement in the exchange program is just a part of his greater experience with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. “He hasn’t missed a beat and has passed all of his tests. He’s the highest ranking officer in his unit,” he said.

Cornes, a member of the Vintage High School wrestling team, said he will apply for admittance to the Naval Academy in April of 2008.

To learn more about the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, visit www.seacadets.org.