11 October 2024
Cadets from across the country were treated to an adventure-filled week at HMAS Cerberus for the Australian Navy Cadets national annual continuous training camp.
From overnight stays on Australian Defence Vessel Sycamore and mud runs through the Cerberus mangroves, to special visits from an MH-60R Seahawk and tours of Navy’s world-class facilities, cadets experienced rare opportunities.
The annual event hosted 144 Navy, eight Army and eight Air Force cadets.
They immersed themselves in meaningful and challenging Navy and maritime-related activities in a safe and fun environment.
National Support Commander Commander Barry Pincombe said the activity was designed to bring cadets together at a main Navy establishment for unique activities.
“When cadets go into facilities like the survival at sea training, which is the best of its kind in the world, and the School of Ship Safety and Survivability, they get to experience training that no one else gets to experience other than sailors under training here,” Commander Pincombe said.
But exclusive experiences were not all the cadets left with.
Commander Pincombe said making new friends and meeting like-minded people is, for many, the best part of these national activities.
“They leave these camps having engaged with cadets from really remote areas,” he said.
“A cadet from Sydney will meet cadets from Thursday Island, Darwin, Esperance and Broome and everyone is in exactly the same situation no matter where they’re from.”
The week concluded on the historic Cerberus parade ground with cadets parading in their divisions before the Reviewing Officer, Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith.
“It’s all about developing really good citizens, whatever career they choose to pursue,” Commander Pincombe said.
“They learn skills like leadership, respect and time management, which just makes them great people.”
Australian Navy Cadets offers unique opportunities to young people aged 13 to 18 years. To find out more, go to www.navycadets.gov.au.
