 |
|
AHOY:
Cadets joint the company of HMAS Leeuwin.
|
 |
|
HOP
ONBOARD: Cadets enjoy a short trip on a RHIB during the
boat transfer.
|
By
Kristina Kalnins
Volume 49, No. 8, May 18,
2006
More
than 30 ADF Cadets from the Illawarra region recently participated
in a full day’s sea-ride onboard HMAS Leeuwin.
Arriving at the ship by boat transfers, cadets climbed onboard
to experience what life at sea was really like through various
hands-on activities.
After exploring the hydrographic ship’s engine space, bridge
monitoring system and sailors’ accommodation, cadets tried
their hands at steering the ship, plotting the ship’s position,
observing radar systems and testing the ship’s whistle.
Another highlight of the day included testing the damage control
equipment on the flight deck. Cadets dressed in fire fighting
suits and got the chance to use the ship’s fire hose and
special breathing apparatus.
After a hard day’s work it was off to the galley for lunch
where cadets got a real taste of life in the Navy.
Participating groups included Australian Navy Cadets from Training
Ship Albatross and Australian Air Force Cadets from Number 338
City of Shellharbour Squadron.
CO of a participating Illawarra cadet unit, LCDR John Sperring,
said the sea-riding activities gave cadets an excellent opportunity
to see what life was like in the hydrographic part of the Navy.
“Cadets join cadets to have fun experiences and to do fun
and exciting things that they would not ordinarily see or do,”
LCDR Sperring said.
“It gives them a chance to interact with members of the crew
and also reinforces what they learn during cadet training and
what career options are available for them when they finish school.”
Leeuwin personnel were keen to provide cadets with quality, military-like
experiences to give them an idea of what life is like at sea and
what employment and training opportunities exist for them in the
Navy.
It also provided the ship’s company with an opportunity to
actively engage with regional cadets and their local communities.
