Division History

Commissioned in 1959 in Pomona, CA, the USS Helena Division began training local youth in various aspect of naval life.  Named after the Light Cruiser USS Helena (CL-50) that sunk in 1943 during a surface battle with Japanese Destroyers off the coast of the Solomon Islands.

Renamed Hepburn Division in 1973, the unit continued to operate in the Pomona Valley honoring the USS Hepburn (FF-1055) until renamed again in 1991. 

Still located in Pomona, CA, Ingraham Division drew its namesake from the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61).  From 1991 until 2006, Ingraham Division achieved some significant milestones.  In 2000, PO1 Michelle Gaul became the first Sea Cadet from the division to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank a cadet can achieve.  The division also saw its fair share of moves during this time frame, at one point shifting from her home in Pomona to a brief stay at the National Guard Armory in Ontario.  Ingraham Division carried out it's charter of developing young men and women with steadfast pride and dedication until she was renamed to the present day Coral Sea Division.

In 2006, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit located in Pacific Southwest Region 11-5 became known as Coral Sea Division.  To this day, Coral Sea Division proudly continues the tradition of developing American youth into capable and confident men and women that began over half a century ago.  Coral Sea Division is proud to offer young men and women the opportunity to experience naval life firsthand and contribute to their development into outstanding members of the community. 

Are you a former member of this division?  If so and you would like to contribute to this website, please contact us at coralseawebmaster@gmail.com.  We would love to hear from you!

FORMER CORAL SEA DIVISION CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS

CPO Michelle Gaul

CPO Jeff Shelton

CPO Lisa Gaul

CPO Jordan Rio

CPO Aaron Castro

CPO Lyle Loc

CPO Nathan Coles

CPO Brandon Choi

CPO Michael Burt

CPO Jovian Peng

CPO Jerden Sullivan

CPO Christan Arzate

CPO Kaiya McMath

CPO Brian Alvarez