For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2021

Five M.A.S.T cadets to participate as
color guards for submarine christening

SANDY HOOK, NJ – The Monmouth Count Board of County Commissioners would like to congratulate the five cadets from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T) that have been chosen to participate in the christening of The USS New Jersey (SSW-796) as members of the color guard at the Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA on Saturday, Nov. 13.

“We are so proud of the five cadets from M.A.S.T who will present the Nation’s colors during the christening of the USS New Jersey, a new Virginia Class attack submarine currently under construction,” said Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This is a testament to the dedicated cadets that are attending M.A.S.T and this is an incredible opportunity for them to honor our Country.”

The cadets chosen to present the Nation’s colors for the submarine’s christening are Dylan Agnese (Lincroft), Jack Arhanic (Fair Haven) Tessa Campolattaro (Rumson), Sam Puleio (Tinton Falls), and Brandon Weiss (Oceanport).

The USS New Jersey, which is sponsored by Dr. Susan DiMarco of Montclair, wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, is a nuclear-powered Virginia Class attack submarine in service for the United States Navy. The Navy announced the name of the submarine in May 2015 and is the third U.S. Naval vessel to receive this name.

“M.A.S.T is a wonderful co-ed four-year high school that is a part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Vocational School District. “Cadets that attend M.A.S.T are enrolled in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC), where they learn civics, physical fitness, naval skills, physical science and leadership techniques. We are incredibly proud of the cadets chosen for this honor.”

For more information, call the Monmouth County Vocational School District at 732-431-7942 or go to www.visitmonmouth.com

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