LEXINGTON, Va. July 3, 2025 — Four Virginia Military Institute cadets recently completed the U.S. Naval Academy’s (USNA) Command and Seamanship Training Squadron (CSTS), culminating with a 10-day offshore sailing training cruise to Oyster Bay, New York, aboard one of three Navy 44 training sailboats: the Fearless, the Invincible, and the Warrior. CSTS is a month-long program that includes classroom instruction on safety and navigation, and hands-on learning on the Navy 44.

Upon embarking on the sailing trip, the cadets were fully integrated into crews that included experienced skippers and executive officers, USNA midshipmen, and West Point cadets, for a total of 10 people on each vessel.

Cmdr. Chip Barber, assistant commandant at VMI, was instrumental in offering the program to VMI cadets. Barber served in the Navy for 24 years, including two tours at the USNA, where he was director of sailing. He developed and ran the CSTS for many years.

“This is the fourth summer our cadets have been involved in the program. They are carefully screened and are selected based on their grades and temperament. CSTS is the best Naval ROTC learning experience in the field. It is a life-changing event. These are not just a bunch of teenagers having fun, it is a meaningful leadership experience,” he said.

Miikka Kritzer ’28, a mechanical engineering major from St. Petersburg, Florida, who plans on commissioning into the Navy, stated that the close quarters aboard the Invincible often got cramped.

“There were not enough bunks for everyone to sleep at the same time, so we ‘hot-bunked.’ While five people were on watch duty up on deck, the other five were catching as many ‘zees’ as they could.” In describing his favorite picture-perfect moment of the trip, Kritzer shared, “When we arrived in New York City, I had just woken up, climbed up on deck, and saw the city for the first time. It was breathtaking.”

Sophia Heinlein ’28, a civil engineering major from Fredericksburg, Virginia, agreed.

“Sailing the Warrior to New York City was both a once in a lifetime adventure and a test in discipline and leadership. We worked together in tight spaces, and at times rough and stressful conditions. Still, the stressful moments made it all the more rewarding when we arrived in New York, and sailed past Lady Liberty backed by a beautiful sunset. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in CSTS.”

Adam Brinkley ’27, an English major from Midlothian, Virginia, wanted to learn to sail since he was 14 years old.

“CSTS made that dream become a reality. The trip allowed me to grow as a leader by learning the importance of trusting your team and relying on them in times of need. My favorite part of the trip was toward the end when we anchored in the Sassafras River, and I spent one last day with my crewmates aboard the Warrior. In four short weeks our crew of 10 went from complete strangers to an unstoppable team. Because of the motivation and dedication of each member, we won a mini sailing race against the Fearless and the Invincible,” he said.

VMI alumnus, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul Brier ’81, served as a sailing instructor and skipper of the Fearless.

“This world-class opportunity for VMI cadets was made possible through the longstanding leadership of Chip Barber, who is considered an offshore sailing superstar. I wish it had been available when I was a cadet. I’m very proud of how the cadets conducted themselves, and rose to the challenges of the intense work that is involved in sailing. They forged friendships with people they may not have otherwise met, and developed leadership skills that will last a lifetime.”

Additional information on CSTS may be found here.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE