Meet our First Sea Lord’s Cadets for 2025

Every year a cadet from each area is selected as a First Sea Lord’s Cadet. Their role includes representing Sea Cadets and having a chance to see the work of senior Royal Navy officers. Let’s meet them…

LC Aleena, Conwy County Unit, North West Area 

Aleena has qualifications in everything from offshore power to adventure training. She is also highly proficient in skill-at-arms, having taken part in several inter-service shooting competitions. An active member of the Cadet Voice programme, Aleena enjoys representing her fellow cadets. She also serves her community as Mayor’s Cadet for Conwy and received a special award from the Royal British Legion for her Poppy Appeal fundraising. Her ambition is to join the Royal Navy Submarine Service as a mechanical engineer. 

POC Henery, Portsmouth Unit, Southern Area 

Henery’s passion for boating has seen him attain an array of badges, including RYA Sailing with Spinnakers. He has also achieved his Cadet Drill Instructor qualification, while his leadership skills helped Southern Area’s Armed Guard team become national champions in 2023. Embracing his status as a senior cadet, Henery enjoys supporting his fellow cadets, assisting unit volunteers and playing a key role in unit and community ceremonies. He hopes to fulfil his dream of joining the Royal Navy as a warfare officer. 

POC Joshua, Immingham Unit, Eastern Area 

Motivated by a deep love for the water and a desire to challenge himself, Joshua is a qualified SCC Coxswain and has competed in several rowing regattas. Becoming a Powerboat Instructor in 2024, he then relished the opportunity to develop his skills and knowledge on an offshore voyage aboard TS John Jerwood. Proudly leading his unit in drill competitions and community parades, Joshua passed his Drill Instructor Class 2 course in November 2024. His long-term aim is to become a Royal Navy mechanical engineer or an aircraft technician. 

LC Katie, Merton Unit, London Area 

Katie has thrived on the challenge of performing as a bell lyrist with the London Area Band, helping them to win the Lord Mayor’s Band Competition in 2024. Becoming a Cadet Drill Instructor has been another highlight of her cadet career, while her communications skills and professionalism have seen her selected as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Merton. Also achieving SCC Coxswain and BTEC Level 1, Katie’s commitment to hard work and learning makes her a valued mentor to her fellow cadets.

LC Mia, Shirley Unit, South West Area  

Mia is working towards becoming a Kayaking Instructor and passed the BC Foundation Safety & Rescue Training in 2024. From competitions to community fundraising, she is renowned for her infectious enthusiasm and selfless support for others. A distinguished former Solihull Mayor’s Cadet, Mia has achieved qualifications including Intermediate Catering, Advanced First Aid and BTEC Level 1. She is working towards her Silver DofE Award and hopes to study architecture at university.  

CDT CPL Saul, Dundee Unit, Northern Area 

Saul enjoys planning lessons or creating training resources for other cadets. As a qualified Drill Leader Class 2 he particularly loves teaching drill, but also likes to pass on his fieldcraft skills. A keen drummer and his area’s lead drum major, Saul once gave a ceremonial drumming performance for high-ranking officers at Scone Palace. Another major achievement was representing his detachment in the 2024 Gibraltar Cup – where the endurance course convinced him to pursue a career as a Royal Marines Commando. 

Photo: Sea Cadets