NJROTC manager retires

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The director of the Navy's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program was recognized for his 17 years of leadership during a retirement ceremony here Jan. 5 at the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Dr. J. D. Smith was presented with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award by the commander of Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) Rear Adm. Mike Bernacchi. "It's been wonderful being able to assist in the development of the nation's youth through the JROTC program," said Smith who retired after 44 years of federal service. Smith began his federal civil service employment at the flag-command HQ of the Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola in 1973. In 2002, Dr. Smith was selected to become the NJROTC program manager. Navy JROTC was founded in 1964 as a citizenship development program for high school students and in U. S. secondary educational institutions. The program is currently under the direction of NSTC, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., and includes 573 units worldwide. NSTC command oversees 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. (Source: NSTC 01/11/18) Among some of the Mississippi JROTC units are at Gautier High School, Moss Point, Pascagoula, Northeast Lauderdale in Meridian, and Warren Central Senior in Vicksburg. Dr. Smith is also a former Pensacola City Council representative.