Elderly man in a naval uniform and cap with an emblem, posing for a portrait.
Gold naval aviator insignia featuring an anchor, wings, and a central shield.
A gold star medal with a red, white, and blue striped ribbon.

CDR John T. Dempster, JR. USN

1960 - Plankowner of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Our Founder's Story

JOHN T. DEMPSTER, JR.

The John T. Dempster, Jr. Division honors the legacy of a great man

CDR Dempster joined the navy as an enlisted sailor in 1937, and became an officer just prior to WWII. This “mustang” served in the submarine force for many years and earned several battle stars and the Bronze Star.

Previous to his retirement from the Navy in 1964, CDR Dempster had begun a unit of Sea Cadets at the Trenton Reserve Center in 1956, four years before the Sea Cadet organization became a nationally recognized chartered organization. The unit was originally named the USS Tinosa Division. The unit was renamed the Trenton Division, not for its location but for the USS Trenton. The Dempster unit is one of the oldest units in the country. In fact, the John T. Dempster, Jr. Division (formally the Tinosa and Division and the Trenton Division) is a Plankowner of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

A few months prior to his death in November 2006, the officers of the Trenton Division were given permission by the National Sea Cadet Headquarters to change the unit name to the John T. Dempster, Jr. Division. They wanted to honor the man who had given so much of his life and energy to the unit and to the Sea Cadet Corps. CDR Dempster taught his officers and cadets HONOR, INTEGRITY, and COMMITMENT, which are the core values of the Navy and every member of the John T. Dempster, Jr. Division. Our staff is experienced and committed to honor the legacy of CDR Dempster.

It is our hope and desire that our cadets will continue this legacy with us. Currently, eighty-two percent of the graduates of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps enter military service and are protecting us somewhere around the world right now.

Trenton, New Jersey Sea Cadets

A man in a suit and a naval officer pin patches on a smiling sailor in uniform, marking a ceremony or achievement.
A man sits at a desk while a convertible with "Naval Reserve Trenton, N.J." banner passes by. Two sailors carry an American flag beside the car on a stage with a curtain backdrop.
A group of cadets in uniform stands in front of a bus labeled "United States Navy League SFA Cadet." Trees and greenery are in the background.

Division's Warrant - 01SEP60

Framed Naval Sea Cadet Corps warrant for Division, USS Tinosa. Features official seal, signatures, and details about the organization.

United States Navy Sea Cadet Corps - Plankowner USS Trenton (LPD-14) - Former Namesake

Image of the USS Trenton (LPD-14) with an inscription dated June 24, 1993, thanking the Trenton Chapter of the US Navy League, signed by Captain L.C. Brown.

The Dempster Division was once known as the Trenton Division

Dempster Division History in Pictures

Two uniformed naval officers stand on a ship deck, one leaning on a bollard.
Five sailors in uniform stand on a ship's deck, with three men in white sailor uniforms and two women in uniform skirts. A mast is in the background, and a badge is visible in the top corner.
A group of sailors in uniform on a ship deck, with one person pointing towards something. A ship structure and equipment are visible in the background.
A group of sailors in uniform standing in formation next to large bags on a pier, with a ship in the background.
Sailors in uniform board a military aircraft using a ladder, with a propeller visible in the foreground.
U.S. Navy personnel in uniform board a military aircraft via an external staircase.
A group of women in uniform poses on an airplane stairway.
A group of sailors in white uniforms march in formation on a street during a parade. Trees and a banner are in the background.
Two uniformed men stand on a boat near a dock, interacting with a child holding a life preserver. The harbor and buildings are visible in the background. A round logo is in the bottom right corner.
Person in uniform working on mechanical equipment, surrounded by gravel. Logo in the top left corner.
A group of people in uniform inside a ship, observing and operating controls, with a round window in the background.
Black and white photo of five uniformed individuals on a boat, observing a man demonstrating equipment. A logo is in the upper left corner.
Two uniformed naval personnel near an aircraft, one carrying a large duffel bag.
Four uniformed naval cadets stand in line on a tarmac, with a propeller plane labeled "Canada" in the background.
Group of military personnel in uniform pose in front of a Canadian aircraft on a runway marked with "NAS WILLOW GROVE.

1968-69 Annual Report

The late 1960s were very challenging years for our Sea Cadet Division. The attached Annual Report documents the difficulties faced by CDR Dempster in keeping the unit alive.

We are all benefactors of his efforts to ensure that our Division is active, and successful, and making a difference in the lives of our Sea Cadets.

Bravo Zulu, CDR Dempster

Annual Report