Cadets get taste of life in the Navy

Navy cadets from Geraldton’s TS Morrow training unit are still talking about their recent stay at HMAS Stirling, the Royal Australian Navy’s base on Garden Island.

TS Morrow executive officer Sub Lieutenant Rochelle Desmond said the visit gave the cadets a behind-the-scenes experience that is available to few people.

“Many of the activities we took part in are in secure areas because of the equipment they contain, even going on to Garden Island is highly restricted,” said SubLt Desmond.

The Geraldton cadets were joined by cadets from TS Pilbara in Port Hedland and all agreed that one of the highlights was meeting the Clearance Divers.

“They are the Navy’s specialists in areas such as underwater repairs and demolitions, explosive disposal and counter-terrorism,” said SubLt Desmond.

“This means they have an amazing range of equipment such as the bomb disposal suit and diving equipment.”

Another favourite activity was the submarine simulator, in which the cadets experienced a submarine flooding and an emergency ascent to the surface.

Also on their list was a visit to the ship survival school where cadets learnt how the Navy fights floods and fires on ships, a tour of an Oberon-class submarine, the HMAS Stirling museum, eating in the Junior Sailors Mess and turtle feeding.

Anyone aged between 121/2 and 19 is eligible to join the Australian Navy cadets.

“Joining the fun and adventure is easy,” said SubLt Desmond.

“Visit us at the TS Morrow training unit, near the Yellow Submarine on the foreshore on any Wednesday between 6.30 and 9.30pm.”