Rear Admiral Jacquelyn McClelland Visits Salem High School JROTC Students
SALEM (Sept. 15, 2025) – It’s not every day a U.S. Navy admiral visits your high school to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the JROTC program and choosing military service following high school.
On Wednesday, Rear Admiral Jacquelyn “Jackie” McClelland, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command, visited with more than 30 Salem High School JROTC students and prospective JROTC students at the M. Ruth Norton Auditorium.
Admiral McClelland discussed her path to a career in the U.S. Navy, along with the benefits and challenges it has posed. She was peppered with questions by SHS students regarding life in the military, travel and visiting different countries, life on ships and submarines, and many others.
Her visit occurred as part of an Executive Engagement Visit (EEV) to eastern Massachusetts communities coordinated by the Navy’s Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). She and other Navy leaders participate in EEVs to spread awareness about the Navy’s 250th Birthday and to foster a greater understanding of the Navy’s programs and activities with the American public including civilian leaders in the corporate, education and government sectors. This October 13 in Philadelphia, the nation will celebrate the two and a half centuries that the Navy has been safeguarding U.S. national security, supporting our Allies and partners, sustaining America’s prosperity, and protecting U.S. interests around the globe.
Among the Naval officers on hand was Lieutenant Commander Michael Brickley, a member of the SHS Class of 2000, who is currently an executive aide to Admiral McClelland. Officers later met with JROTC students to engage and answer further questions.
Following the Q & A session, two JROTC cadets — Izabella Correa, a senior, and junior Rauny Batista de la Cruz — were honored with leadership excellence certificates for their service to the JROTC. Over the summer, each volunteered to perform tasks such as painting the JROTC office at the high school and empty and organize the storage lockers.
Also on hand were Mayor Dominick Pangallo, superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike, and SHS Principal Glenn Burns.
The Admiral’s visit was coordinated by SHS JROTC educators, Marine Instructor Sergeant Major John W. Sumner, USMC (ret), and Senior Marine Instructor Lieutenant Thomas J. Grace, USMC (ret).
This event is consistent with the District’s Strategic Plan and its core principles: elevating learning, empowering educators, centering belonging and strengthening the District’s foundation.
NAVCO oversees a number of community outreach programs, like the Executive Engagement Visits (EEVs) and Navy Weeks, that are designed to increase awareness, and build and maintain meaningful and positive relationships by engaging with American citizens across business, education, and government sectors.
Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars.
