Flying to New Heights

The start of the program was initiated in late November of 2024, when they were approved for funding to introduce the program. The training process begins with a simple online informational drone course with a test once completed. Once the test is completed, students are then able to compete.   

“This current school year was the first time that a Corpus Christi JROTC unit held a drone competition.” Senior Chief Tirado said. 

Because the want to compete grew, Senior Chief Tirado appointed Junior Hartley Thacker to be the team commander for the team that they now called The Sea Mantas. Thacker was the first student to become licensed through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to officially operate an unmanned aircraft. 

“When we compete it is a four obstacle course with a team of three people, relying on a good amount of teamwork.” Senior Chief Tirado said. 

The Sea Mantas competed in the first unmanned drone competition at Miller High School. The Mantas placed third overall after having only a week of practice, encouraging them to compete more often.  

“We’ve only competed at one competition so far because we’re very new at it,” Senior Chief Tirado said. “By the time the drones had been delivered to the school we’d only have a week before the competition to train.” 

As the program continues steady with more interest from students, the plans to expand are already being constructed. The Mantas continue to strive for excellence as they plan to compete nationally as the program goes on. 

“I’m looking to travel with the drone team,” Senior Chief Tirado said. “Over to the east coast and go to bigger more influential drone competitions.”