Many students are familiar with the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program, whether they see students in uniforms or the Color Guard at football games; however, many are unaware of the person leading it: Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Brett Baker.
Since 2021, Commander Baker has worked to strengthen the NJROTC unit, guiding students both during and after their time in high school. He gives students valuable insight into how and what he does, as well as other opportunities in the military.
“To lead the NJROTC program, instruct the Naval Science curriculum within VBCPS academic requirements, and meet responsibilities of the larger and more comprehensive NJROTC program into which this course is integrated,” said Commander Baker. “Our goal is to develop cadets morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of character.”
Commander Baker worked as a surface warfare officer for 30 years before retiring from the military.
“There were so many [stories]. Perhaps when I had the night watch on the USS NIMITZ in 1995,” said Commander Baker. “We were directed by the president to make best speed to the Strait of Taiwan as a show of force against China aggression. I was entrusted with the safety and proper disposition of the greatest carrier at the time, and carriers are America’s greatest and most expensive national military assets, with an embarked airwing exceeding more than $20 billion. Add the responsibility of more than 6,000 lives of embarked personnel, and that is more responsibility than most people will have in a lifetime, set in the hands of a 25-year-old.”
Although his time in the Navy was full of amazing experiences, he also prizes his time here at Salem. He spends his time running various NJROTC-oriented extracurricular activities for the cadets and preparing them for life after graduation, whether that is spent in the military or elsewhere.
“I LOVE seeing young students become young cadets and grow and develop into flourishing and successful young adults graduating,” said Commander Baker.
Commander Baker has been a role model to many in the unit, including several of his cadets in staff.
“He is very inspiring because he has taught me to be the way I am. He has taught me how to be responsible, have strong leadership, and hold myself and others accountable,” said junior Executive Officer Isabella Schulze.
Commander Baker plans on staying for longer and continues to help and inspire many other cadets.
