Navy cadets from across the country attended the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) annual national camp during school holidays last month. 

The week-long event took place at HMAS Creswell and HMAS Albatross in southern NSW, with more than 160 cadets and 36 cadet staff from across Australia engaging in maritime activities. 

Also in attendance were Navy cadets from the United States and New Zealand, participating in the International Sea Cadet Exchange.

At Creswell, cadets were challenged with an over-water obstacle course, survival-at-sea training and drone flying, as well as activities at the School of Survivability and Ship Safety. 

Albatross displayed all things aviation, with cadets touring the Fleet Air Arm Museum, ADF Parachuting School, Albatross’ fire station, and seeing an MH-60R in the helicopter hangar. 

The week ended with a parade on the quarterdeck at Creswell, attended by Commanding Officer Creswell Captain Joanne Haynes and Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Matthew Royals.

Director General ANC Commodore David Greaves was the reviewing officer. 

“The Australian Navy Cadets national camp gives cadets from our training ships around Australia the opportunity to come together at a Navy establishment and get an insight into Navy while having activities that challenge them,” Commodore Greaves said.

“It also provides an opportunity for the cadets to make new friends of their fellow cadets from places outside their normal friend groups.”

The ANC is Navy’s premier youth development program, providing young Australians of all backgrounds with a safe, supportive and rewarding experience. 

It fosters confidence, resilience, respect and leadership, shaping capable and motivated individuals with a maritime outlook whose values and humanity enrich their communities.

Find out more about ANC or become a volunteer at www.navycadets.gov.au