Cadets Visit USS Ronald Regan and Zoo by Samantha Carlson - City News Group, Inc.

View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄	SEPTEMBER					►

S	M	T	W	T	F	S

30	31	01	02	03	04	05
06	07	08	09	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	01	02	03

Cadets Visit USS Ronald Regan and Zoo

2a3d06b1cf72b8f546ba4a314073ce33

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The USS Ronald Regan Aircraft Carrier.

bb7e2c01f58510c63016d25b089a581c

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The United States flag waving in the sea breeze off the coast of California.

075d0e59ebf1b19c0dc975a1dcb8fc50

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Some flamingos enjoying the sunny weather at the San Diego Zoo where they live all year round.

69cf1987f5c2e69a2b5d9fc19989e49f

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Cadet Rojas and Cadet Gonzales are enjoying themselves, and learning something new at the same time.

3e13c07bf9a585936bf745357ba671e2

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The USS Ronald Regan, This ship, her air wing, and her crew make up the most effective and versatile fighting vessel in the world. (http://www.reagan.navy.mil/)

6d39b4a61d3d0b0d88aeb59cad58f6e0

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Superior results by excelling at the basics, the USS Ronald Regan are committed to truth and fairness. They have the integrity to stick to standards, even if it takes longer. Each Sailor is valued and understands his/her role to support the team. Sailors are empowered to speak up to make the command better.

5295cdad8d3a6bc8a46edd0ffdd3b44a

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The crew members are expected to work as a team – gain strength from diversity, value everyone’s contribution to the team. Look out for themselves and shipmates both at sea and ashore. (http://www.reagan.navy.mil/index.html)

c4959e094cea7663b479e968716b2784

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

One of the guiding principals is to build technical competence - Know your job first and foremost before any collateral or other duties. (http://www.reagan.navy.mil/index.html)

06088cdfc60c31b7ec2fb3ba9387c782

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Two elephants hanging out at the zoo and inviting the public to come and see them.

28691cbd3af8d64b30d6d5268f70b592

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

This monkey is curious about the people on the other side of the fence as they are watching him.

658a5400a36aa6d41cd980cce6b537b9

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Cadet Cacerds bending down to check out a feature of the USS Rondald Regan.

1049c0cb401b69ef99eeac3d292f06e6

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Gerardo Vargas seated down, and ready to steer the ship into the ocean blue. He was surprised to learn that the people who steer the ship are between 17 or 18 years old.

3e29fe868c71e4d3db0763cde461f8b1

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

One of the tour guides giving some history and background about the USS Ronald Regan to the Cadets.

6c525c5ddcc36c223029e6b38c4d6ee7

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The Cadets and the tour guide on the USS Ronald Regan.

ba86d5759d66168f33948602a1b41cbd

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

Matthew Hernadez takes a picture as the tour guides gives the cadets more information. There is so much to learn.

be50edb3c6ac71bb357bc56092e39b00

Photo Courtesy of: Gerardo Vargas

The crew members represent our namesake, whose integrity, optimism, and indomitable spirit brought an end to the cold war and brought a brightened vision of the future. They will remain faithful to his proud legacy while embracing the challenges of the future.(http://www.reagan.navy.mil/index.html)

By Samantha Carlson, Community Writer
April 23, 2014 at 01:35pm. Views: 76

Lieutenant Commander Gerardo Vargas is a 17-year-old senior at Colton High School and is part of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He has been a member of NJROTC for four years. When he graduates from high school in 2014, he will be attending the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona to pursue his goal of becoming a helicopter pilot. He said he wanted to join because, “I wanted to do something different, I wanted to prove to them I can do it after people told me I couldn’t.” According to the Colton Joint Unified School District webpage, NJROTC is a program conducted at Bloomington and Colton High schools, by instructors who are retired Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel. The curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as maritime heritage, the significance of sea power, and naval topics such as the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, navigation and meteorology. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, visits to naval activities, marksmanship training, and other military training. To celebrate a year of hard work, NJROTC Cadets went on a field trip to see the USS Ronald Regan Aircraft Carrier and to visit the San Diego Zoo. The field trip took place on Tuesday April 15th, and 40 cadets traveled to San Diego to tour the ship. During the two hour tour, they saw the three hangars for aircraft, the bridge where the controls are at, and sampled food at the cafeteria, where Vargas said, “the food was good.” The students learned the person who steers the ship is usually 17 or 18 and Vargas was impressed. Some of the benefits that students get from the NJROTC program include: Approximately 60% of the NJROTC cadets graduating seniors continue to higher education. Students learn the elements and need for national security and personal obligations as Americans. The program enhances the image of the military in the eyes of the community by providing a chance for success to the nation's youth. NJROTC cadets have traditionally been better behaved, had higher attendance rates, serve as role models for the avoidance of substance abuse, have higher self-esteem, develop positive life skills, graduate at a higher rate, and are an excellent source of community service. Vargas said, “It’s a really good program and you don’t necessarily have to join the military, it will help students attend college, and the instructors are a [valuable resource] and are there for them, we’re not just any unit, we’re a family.”

Related Articles

Atrial Fibrillation is on the Rise: Dignity Health Experts Highlight the Warning Signs and Importance of Expert Clinical Care

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

September 8, 2026 at 08:44am. Views: 131

Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, is becoming increasingly common. Health experts encourage people to recognize potential warning signs and seek medical evaluation to help reduce the risk of serious complications.

Barney Barnett to Share Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove

Photo Courtesy of: Highgrove News

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 705

Barnett has served as the publisher of the Highgrove Happenings newspaper since 1994.Barnett will hold a free event, titled “Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove,” will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Norton Younglove Community Center, 459 Center Street in Highgrove.

Inland Empire Called on to Play Part in Hunger Action Month

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 997

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the communities FARSB serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 13.8% in Riverside County to a high of 15.6% in San Bernardino County.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Annaleya Flores

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 953

GTHS Senior and student-athlete Annaleya Flores is making her mark on the field and in the classroom while helping lead the Lady Titans during their inaugural GTHS Girls Flag Football season.

Assemblymember Ramos Launches County's Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Photo Courtesy of: Office of Assemblymember James Ramos

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 1031

California Assemblymember James Ramos is the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, the official launch of the 2026 Christmas fundraising campaign. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Event Center in Highland, California.

From Dishwasher to Restaurateur: Mike Miller Brings 52 Years of Experience to Timber Ridge

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

August 28, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 1722

Mike Miller & Lori Miller, Restaurateurs of Timber Ridge Steakhouse, the newsest restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino located in the familiar spot previously occupied by Claim Jumper, and for those of us "older folks", Bobby McGees. You can find Mike & Lori at 1905 Commercenter E San Bernardino CA, 92408

It's Time to Get SOARING!

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1300

Fall 2026 Soaring Activity Guide is hitting the mail this week, and it’s chock-full of all the exciting things the City has planned throughout the Fall.

Stay Cool This Summer at a MoVal Cool Center

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1002

When temperatures climb to 97 degrees and above, heat-sensitive residents may seek refuge at the City of Moreno Valley's designated cool centers.

Moreno Valley Receives CMTA Investment Policy Certification

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1055

he City of Moreno Valley has received the California Municipal Treasurers Association’s Investment Policy Certification, recognizing the City’s commitment to responsible and transparent management of public funds.

FARSB Makes the Advocacy High Honor Roll for 4th Year in a Row

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1253

Targeted Crime Suppression – Operation Consequences: 5 arrests, 10 firearms seized

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1335

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county.

Ayala Park Celebrates New Improvements

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1109

Bloomington residents gathered at Ayala Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new improvements designed to enhance accessibility, safety and comfort for children and families.

--> -->