News round-up: Spring 2025
A round-up of stories to bring you up to date on goings on around the Corps, from amphibious missions to a virtual Cadet Conference
Taking to the skies
The sky’s the limit for our Cadet Naval Aviation Course team, which had a highly successful 2024 at RNAS Yeovilton, in Somerset. The programme began with basic flight principles in the Bronze Wings ground school course. The top performers were invited back for the Silver Wings course, where they gained experience in aircraft handling and procedures. The cadets with the highest grades then went forward to the Gold-level course.
The six remaining cadets included three sea cadets (above, from left): POC Andrea, 17, of Medway Victory Unit; Cdt Sgt Harriet, 17, of Burton Unit; and LC Chloe, 16, of Llanelli Unit. They showcased their new skills during flights in a Grob 115 aircraft, supported by the dedicated team of pilots from 727 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), including their CO Lt Cdr Jason Flintham RN.
“It has always been a goal of mine to fly,” said POC Andrea, “I developed my ability to stay calm and collected under pressure. I also improved my multi-tasking skills by having to consider navigation, communication, the condition of the aircraft – all while soaring through the air!”
A historic voyage
‘Green’ and ‘blue’ cadets came together for a special TS Jack Petchey voyage to commemorate the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines on 28 October, starting with a special birthday cake baked and decorated by the ship’s company! The rest of the week saw cadets take part in ‘Exercise Coastal Guardian’ through a series of amphibious missions. One scenario involved providing assistance to the 17 Port & Maritime Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps – rendezvousing with the Army units at sea and providing an escort to the beach assault area, with cadets boarding a Mexeflote motorised pontoon!
Between all the action, the cadets enjoyed a full offshore experience – getting stuck in with helming the ship, handling the lines, keeping lookout and helping the engineer. Most importantly, the week featured excellent teamwork, highlighting the value of our ‘one ship, two colours’ philosophy.
A safer Sea Cadets
Sea Cadets is committed to providing safe activities for our cadets and ensuring that we provide appropriate guidance and training for all our volunteers and employees.
Having reviewed and updated our safety training, we have launched a Safety Pocket Guide, or ‘red card’, in both pocket-sized and electronic formats.
The card sets out the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ when preparing for an activity; details how to do risk assessments; includes an activity planner checklist; and provides a template for running effective briefings. It also outlines what to do in the unfortunate event of an incident.
The card has been issued to all volunteers and employees, who are required to keep it with them during all Sea Cadets activities.
Shaping your Sea Cadets
Cadets from across the UK came together online for the virtual Cadet Conference, led by the Cadet Voice Team 2024–25. The team did a fantastic job presenting and guiding the event, which included an introduction, two workshops focused on their digital experience and progression within Sea Cadets, and a Q&A with Martin Coles CBE, the outgoing CEO.
Martin shared insights, answered cadets’ questions and reflected on his top three moments as CEO, along with his advice for the future.
The conference also featured a Q&A with the Senior Management Team and a recap of the Cadet Voice Team’s achievements. Overall, it was a well-rounded and engaging event. We now look forward to welcoming the Cadet Voice Team 2025–26!
Giving young people a platform
Last year’s party conference season saw senior cadets join CEO Martin Coles CBE to advocate on behalf of Sea Cadets and our young people. Following the change of government, it was an important chance to convince leading politicians of the need to increase support for youth development and non-formal education like Sea Cadets.
Martin also argued for 35 hours of statutory volunteering leave for every UK worker, which would give more young people access to opportunities from charities like ours. Meanwhile, the cadets made an eloquent case for lowering the voting age to several influential decision-makers – showing just why we should give young people more of a say in the matters that affect them.
Our young people really shone during the panel discussions, in venues packed with MPs and charity sector partners. At both events, cadets won praise for presenting their priorities on issues that are important to all young people – such as access to apprenticeships and abolishing age bands for the minimum wage. “Loads of great ideas from the panel!” agreed Jim Dickson MP (pictured below).
Photos: Sea Cadets
