Twenty-eight cadets from 325 Admiral Waller Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Sooke had a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail in a Royal Canadian Navy frigate on April 9, during a training weekend in Victoria.
The Sooke cadets joined more than 200 other sea cadets from around Vancouver Island and the 225 crew members of HMCS Ottawa for a day at sea.
The crew and cadets put the ship through its paces at full speed, up to 30 knots, and heeling over 25-30 degrees during maneuvers.
During the day, cadets spent time with sailors at 13 different activity stations learning the various functions of daily life and the rhythm of a Canadian warship including weapons, firefighting, navigation and command, operations, boarding and rescue.
All cadets were inspected by Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, commander Maritime Forces Pacific during an Admiral’s Ceremonial Divisions parade. The parade included several promotions and recognitions.
HMCS Ottawa completed its Halifax-class modernization upgrade last year and is continuing with sea trials to prepare for future operations and exercises.
The Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets are national programs for youth ages 12 to 18, which aim to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.