William E. Taylor Division, (USNSCC)
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About Us

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Who We Are
About William E. Taylor Division

At William E. Taylor Division, our mission is to build leaders of character through the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) program in Kennett Square, PA, and surrounding communities across Delaware, Southeast Pennsylvania, South New Jersey, and Eastern Maryland.

We provide youth ages 10–18 with hands-on leadership training, military skills education, STEM opportunities, and physical readiness in a structured, supportive environment. Guided by dedicated adult volunteers and veterans, our cadets develop self-reliance, discipline, and a strong commitment to community service.

Whether preparing cadets for college, military service, or civilian careers, our goal is to empower young Americans with the core values of honor, respect, commitment, and service.
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Our History & Legacy

The William E. Taylor Division was formed in 1978 in Marshallton, Delaware at the Navy Operations Support Center on Kirkwood Highway and was present at both of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps 25th and 50th Anniversary Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
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Our division is named in memory of William Earl Taylor, Watertender Second Class, born in 1924 in Wilmington, Delaware.
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William E. Taylor, WT2c

In the United States Navy, Watertender (abbreviated WT) was a petty officer rating which existed from 1884 to 1948. Watertenders held a paygrade equivalent to today’s petty officer first class. A chief watertender (CWT) paygrade was established in 1903. In 1921, the lower paygrade was split into watertender first class (WT1 or WT1c) and watertender second class (WT2 or WT2c). Another lower paygrade, watertender third class (WT3 or WT3c), was established in 1943. The watertender and boilermaker ratings were merged into a new “boilerman” rating in 1948, which merged into “machinist’s mate” in 1996.

William E. Taylor enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 27 May 1941 when he was 17 years old.  During his time in service he served aboard the USS J. Franklin Bell, APA16 and the USS Hoel, DD533. He perished aboard the USS Hoel along with 253 of his shipmates on 25 October 1944 in the Battle off Samar during World War II.
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USS Hoel DD-533

USS Hoel DD-533 heading out to sea with the Golden Gate Bridge at its bow. This picture was taken October 25, 1943. One year later on the same day, the USS Hoel was lost  during the Battle of Samar on October 25, 1944.
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USS Hoel DD-533

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The News Journal · 27 May 1941

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The Morning News · 28 May 1941

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The Morning News · 30 Dec 1944

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The News Journal · 30 Dec 1944

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The News Journal · 4 Jan 1945

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The News Journal · 4 Jan 1945

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The News Journal · 20 Jan 2009

The Story of the Men of the USS Hoel

Paul Miranda, the last survivor of the USS HOEL DD533 passed away on Dec 11th 2017, 3 days shy of his 92nd birthday. God speed sailors, the crew of the USS HOEL is all present and accounted for.

Frequently Asked Questions
 


Who is eligible to join the Sea Cadets?
Youth ages 10 through 18 who are enrolled in school, maintain good academic standing, and are interested in leadership, military skills, and character development.

What are the costs to join William E. Taylor Division?
Cadets pay a initial $200 unit start-up fee, a $250 refundable uniform deposit (uniforms are issued by the unit), and a $125 annual membership fee. Afterward, cadets only pay the $125 annual renewal fee.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we keep these fees as low as possible and use community donations to help cover activities, travel, gas, and cadet meals during some unit trips.

Are cadets required to join the military after high school?
No. While Sea Cadets gain valuable skills that help if they choose a military career, there is no military obligation. Our goal is to build strong character and leadership for college, civilian careers, or military service.

How often and where does the unit meet?
We typically drill one weekend per month, with additional activities or events scheduled on other weekends or weekdays depending on the month. Cadets and families receive access to our complete unit schedule and event calendar upon joining.

How can adults get involved or volunteer?
We welcome adult volunteers, especially parents of cadets, as well as community members and veterans. If you are interested in volunteering as an instructor, officer, or staff member, please speak directly with the CO or XO. Additionally, ongoing donations are always accepted and encouraged—your support allows us to offer more exciting activities at various locations and create unforgettable experiences that our cadets truly enjoy!
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