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Captain’s BZ: Spring 2025

Captain Sea Cadets celebrates some of the achievements of cadets and units around the UK - this issue, the spotlight is on Milton Keynes

Captain Sea Cadets Neil Downing
Captain Sea Cadets Captain Neil Downing RN.
BZ is a naval term that means ‘well done’. It comes from the Bravo and Zulu nautical signal flags being flown together.

I love to celebrate the achievements of the cadets, volunteers and units who are embracing our Future Ready Strategy and inspiring others to do the same. This issue, I’m shining a spotlight on Milton Keynes Unit.

Community fundraising

The pre-Christmas period saw cadets and volunteers brave the cold to engage public support (including from the Mayor of Newport Pagnell, pictured) and raise over £1,100 at several festive events, superbly supported by the Parents & Supporters Association led by Gillian Perris.


A lifetime of service

Mid-December saw the unit come together to celebrate 70 years of dedicated service to the Corps by their former CO and current Stores Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Bob Gearing. Starting as a cadet, Bob became a volunteer in 1961 and is hugely valued by everyone at the unit.   


Fulfilling potential

Inspirational volunteers helped cadets achieve an impressive number of promotions and qualifications in 2024. A special BZ to LC Elliott, who worked harder than ever after overcoming serious illness – passing his Leading Cadet Board, gaining his SCC Coxswain, and completing Offshore Sail Grade 1 on his first TS Royalist voyage.

Photos: Sea Cadets

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LC Hadley (second from right) and LC Felix (far right) at the starting line of a six-day bike ride

Cadets complete Area Officer’s epic bike challenge!

Two cadets joined the Eastern Area Officer for an incredible charity cycle ride from Accrington Unit to MSSC’s National Support Centre

Captain Hannah presenting PO Fairbairn with a Cadet Forces Medal

Captain’s BZ: Summer 2026

As Captain Sea Cadets, some of my first visits of spring provided a great opportunity to meet and celebrate outstanding volunteers who are doing so much for our young people. I began with a return to my childhood region of the North East!

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