On March 21, 49 Australian Navy Cadets and nine Australian Navy Cadet staff entered Sydney Harbour on board HMAS Canberra as part of the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review.

The Fleet Review, which also commemorated 125 years of Australia’s naval service, represented the largest assembly of foreign warships in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade, with 31 ships from 19 countries assembled.

The cadets’ experience began in Sydney Harbour, where some cadets embarked the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock and made the journey down to Jervis Bay to collect more cadets and staff.

After an exciting transfer on a landing craft, the cadets commenced the three-day passage up the New South Wales coastline to Sydney Harbour for the fleet entry.

The inaugural National Cadet Warrant Officer Tilly Handley said the experience was a personal highlight of her time in the Australian Navy Cadets, and she was proud to have been a part of such a historic moment.

“It’s just been amazing getting to make more Navy friends and it was great to see the cadets enjoying the experience, while displaying the service values,” she said.

'I think our future is in good hands with young people like this who are part of the cadets and go on to do pretty amazing things.'

While en route to Sydney Harbour, cadets engaged in hands-on tours with the Australian Amphibious Force and Weapons Electrical Engineering Cell; participated in the sunset ceremony; observed the fleet of 30 international ships; and even had the honour of weighing anchor and washing it down when departing Jervis Bay.

Cadets were fortunate enough to experience this rare opportunity alongside Head of Australian Defence Force Cadets Major General Michelle Campbell and Director General Australian Navy Cadets Commodore David Greaves.

Lieutenant Lee Clark was also on board Canberra with the cadets and said she was committed to being a part of the development of Australia’s youth.

“I’m always impressed by these young teenagers. I think our future is in good hands with young people like this who are part of the cadets and go on to do pretty amazing things,” she said.

Cadets were part of the official fleet entry into Sydney Harbour, standing in formation known as Procedure Alpha, on the flight deck alongside the rest of the ship's company – a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Australian Navy Cadets offer unique opportunities to young people aged 13 to 18 years. To find out more, visit www.navycadets.gov.au.