IRVING, Texas- The National Sea Scout Support Committee (“NSSSC”) announces the selection of Billy McElligott of Dunedin, Florida as the 2013-2014 National Sea Scout Boatswain. (June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014). He is a member of Ship 956, Carpe Diem of the West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Billy will represent Sea Scouts from across the United States as the youth representative on the NSSSC and reports to the National Commodore and the National Director of Sea Scouts. He will serve as the liaison with the Regional Boatswains’ and other youth leaders.
McElligott is an Able Sea Scout, but is expected to qualify for his Quartermaster Sea Scout Award this year. During his tenure in Sea Scouts, he has served his ship as Ship Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, and Coxswain. He has also served as the Southern Region Boatswain for the past two years. He is a graduate of Sea Scout Advanced Leadership training (SEAL 2012, Miami, Florida) and has earned his Long Cruise Award; Qualified Seaman; Small Boat Handler; Venturing Silver, Gold and Bronze awards; and is a BSA Lifeguard.
Billy is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and a member of the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron and the West Palm Sail and Power Squadron. He has submitted documentation and awaiting the results for qualification for the United States Coast Guard Captains license. He holds an American Red Cross Open Water/Beach Lifeguard certification and is a member of the Dunedin Boat Club. His certifications also include: FAA Private Pilot Certification, PADI’s Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification, National Emergency Medical Technician, and American Red Cross CPR/AED/Oxygen certifications.
He is a freshman at the Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Political Science and Biomedical Sciences. His goal is to attend law school to eventually work foreign policy and diplomacy actions for the United States Coast Guard.
When asked why he wants to serve as the National Boatswain, Billy indicates he would like to focus on program marketing, recruitment, and communication. While serving as the National Boatswain, he would like to establish monthly communications with the Region Boatswains to discuss ideas, events, and recruitment practices. He would also like to focus on using social media in order to publicize the Sea Scouting program as well as to continue sharing our great program. This would help in promotion of an incredibly strong, vibrant Sea Scout presence within the Boy Scouts of America.
Join us in congratulating Billy McElligott in his selection as the 2013-2014 National Sea Scout Boatswain!