By SBLT Paul Johnston

Cadet AB Anthony McLeod takes the helm of MV Vagabond Princess under the watchful eye of TS Sydney’s executive officer SBLT David Portingale.

The cadets from TS Sydney added a new dimension to evolutions in June, leaving their home on Spectacle Island and boarding a commercial cruise boat.

Among the guests on the day were RADM Andrew Robertson, patron of TS Sydney and Police SUPT Catherine Burn from the Burwood Local Command.

Parents and friends of TS Sydney were also on hand to see the inspection of the cadets by the local Naval authority of NSW, CMDR John Shevlin, CO of HMAS Penguin and CMDR Gary Cook Senior Officer NSW and ACT Division.

Once the inspection of the cadets was completed, the ship’s company manned guardrails and departed Darling Harbour, for a quick tour around Spectacle Island.

The afternoon’s routine was managed by the cadets, including catering, stewarding, engineering, deck party and working as helmsman and navigating.

During the afternoon, a fire fighting evolution was carried out involving a simulated fire in the tiller flat. An unscheduled problem saw communications with the bridge break down, leaving the cadets to organise another method to complete the exercise.

Returning to Darling Harbour, CMDR Shevlin told a clear lower deck he was impressed by the innovation shown by the staff and cadets at TS Sydney to achieve such a result that day.

Many thanks go to Mr Pierre Beireuthy, Managing Director of Vagabond Cruises, for the use of his vessel MV Vagabond Princess

Bendigo ball of a time

By Patricia Ibbotson

Bendigo tri-service cadet committee annual ball

On Saturday May 31, eight couples from three Bendigo Cadet Units were presented to MAJGEN Darryl Low Choy (Director General of Cadets) and Mrs Nancy Low Choy as they made their debut into society.

The Ball was held at the Strathfieldsaye Sports Club and was hosted by 410 Squadron Australian Air Force cadets led by PLTOFF Ashley Marr.

The debutante set consisted of three Air Force cadet couples, three Army cadet couples and two Navy cadet couples. The Navy couples were Cadet AB Hayley Ibbotson partnered by Cadet SMN Aaron Pace and Miss Nicole Atkinson partnered by Cadet LS Steen Cartledge. Three tables of Navy cadets, including cadets from TS Henty, TS Voyager and TS Barwon, supported their debutante friends.

A local, ten piece, big band known as “Sizzle and Swing” supplied music for the evening and the Fortuna Pipes and Drums also provided entertainment.

The annual ball is organised by the Bendigo tri-service cadet committee, which consists of representatives of the three cadet units, the Bendigo RSL sub branch, Fortuna Pipes and Drums and more recently the Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth.

Each year the ball is hosted by one of the cadet units and next year it is the turn of TS Bendigo to be the host.

Cadet MIDN take on bigger role

By LEUT Tom Lewis

Cadet Midshipmen graduating from HMAS Creswell will return to their training ships to take on more diversified roles. The cadets are pictured here with CAPT Gavin Reeves and CDRE Russ Crane.

The Australian Navy Cadet movement runs its premier cadet course once a year at the Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS Creswell.

First opened in 1913, the Naval College is home to all initial entry training for Australia’s naval officers.

The ANC Midshipman course sees cadets from all over Australia complete a comprehensive program of leadership and management lessons, both in the classroom, outdoors and on the waters of Jervis Bay.

They have reached the highest rank for a cadet and represent the best young leaders from their region.

A comprehensive program was designed by LCDR Dave Manolas and led by LEUT Kathy Ford. A team of ANC staff volunteers instructed the course while the National Commander of the ANC, CAPT Gavin Reeves was also present to provide a nationwide perspective on the progress made by these young cadets.

The program covers important areas of cadet unit organisation and operation including program planning and delivery, Equity and Diversity training, Occupational Health and Safety, risk management, ceremonial training, ethics and service communications.

On returning to their training ships, the MIDN can expect to take on a unique and more inclusive role in managing and planning cadet activities as well as providing a communications interface between cadets and instructional staff.

School holidays chance to learn Navy trade

Story and photo by LEUT Ron Thorne

Raaf and Army passing out parade and sunset ceremony

Defence’s Bulimba Barracks on the banks of the Brisbane River was a hive of activity last month when it became home for a large number of teenagers.

Army and Airforce cadets joined Australian Naval cadets for the annual ANC area specialist courses program.

Conducted during the Queensland school holidays, the courses attracted more than 200 tri-service cadets.

Over nine days the teenagers learned their chosen specialist category, including marine technology, communications, cookery and music.

The course concluded with a passing out parade and sunset ceremony with the music supplied by the cadet musicians course.

The guard came from the cadet ceremonial weapons safety course..

First Penguin to Armidale

The first Penguin Trophy, an award for conspicuous service by an Australian Navy Cadet unit to its community, has gone to the Training Ship Armidale on the northern tablelands of NSW.

The Local Naval Authority NSW/ACT, CMDR John Shevlin, announced the win.

CMDR Shevlin said TS’ Condamine, Culgoa, Tobruk and Vendetta were all highly competitive and were to be commended for their efforts.

CMDR Shevlin struck the trophy, more formally named the “HMAS Penguin Trophy”, earlier this year. It will be used to foster ANC involvement in community service.

CMDR Shevelin said TS Armidale stood out for the range of activities that were performed across the Armidale district.

“However, her involvement in wider community events such as town festivals and the commitment shown to charities such as Legacy and the Cancer Council, set Armidale apart,” CMDR Shevlin said.

“Congratulations Armidale.”

Vendetta most efficient

The Senior Officer Australian Naval Cadets and Local Naval Authority in NSW and the ACT, have judged the cadet training ship TS Vendetta, based in Coffs Harbour as the “most efficient” unit in NSW and the ACT.

LNA, CMDR John Shevlin, announced the award.

“TS Albatross and TS Armidale provided stiff competition and are highly commended for their efforts,” CMDR Shevlin said.

“I also make mention of the initiative shown by TS Sydney in conducting their inspections afloat on Sydney Harbour. (see seperate story on this page)

“I know families and friends, as well as the official parties, enjoyed this innovative format.”

Speaking on the naval cadet movement generally, CMDR Shevlin said he was heartened by the efforts of many cadet units to increase their numbers and their profile in their local communities.

“I encourage you all to continue these efforts.

“Congratulations T.S. Vendetta.
“I now look forward to visiting the unit on August 30 to witness the presentation of the Peter Ballesty Trophy.
“On behalf of all the other units in NSW and the ACT, I wish you good fortune as you go forward as our representative in competition for the Navy League of Australia National Trophy.
“I am sure you will represent us well,” CMDR Shevlin said.

.