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<\/a><\/a>Every morning\u2019s stroll includes a peak into the classroom, watching as the new recruits move through basic training. First lesson: water =safety. Mandatory swimming lessons for all sailors! Initially,members of the new crew were skeptical, needing some strongly worded encouragement from a drill instructor to take the plunge.<\/p>\n In no time at all, though, they had their sea-legs and formed a flotilla.<\/p>\n Next, the unit practiced how to parade. The slow, unhurried pace set by the adults was clearly intended to convey respectability and prestige, and they pulled it off with stately ease. The trainees were another story entirely. Try as they might to imitate their elders, casual dignity is mighty difficult to achieve when your growing body hasn\u2019t quite caught up to your oversized feet\u2014ask any 12 year old boy wearing size 11 sneakers. The slightest break in concentration and the whole company piled up like dominos.<\/p>\n There was so much to learn! How to keep their uniforms squared away\u2026<\/p>\n Calisthenics to strengthen those important pectoral muscles\u2026<\/p>\n Choosing the right mess hall\u2026<\/p>\n Not to mention growing by leaps and bounds. Before long, it was time to strap on the black aviator helmet and take off!<\/p>\n Their first flights were brief and aquatic; buoyant new pilots seem to find over-water touch-and-go\u2019s less intimidating. What\u2019s the worse that can happen? You ditch, you get wet. A bruised ego heals a lot faster than broken bones.<\/p>\n Next, the flight instructors lead youngsters on low, circular cruises around the park, honking encouragement all along the way. Landing on turf requires more skill and daring..<\/p>\n As well as greater maneuverability to avoid trees, lamp posts, power lines, and buildings. Practice makes perfect but there can be some embarrassing mistakes along the way.One missed turn can result in an unintended landing.<\/p>\n Still, they\u2019ve definitely got the right stuff: determination, focuse, and drive. Whether they chooseto become full-time Mid westerners or set off next year for northern climes to search for adventure and a mate, wild blue yonder here they come!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n