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I have recently returned from the International Exchange to Newport, Rhode Island, USA. The exchange was almost two weeks long and it was an amazing experience for myself and the nine other UK cadets that attended. We stayed at a Naval Base with cadets from 7 other countries including Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United States of America, Hong Kong and South Africa. Meeting cadets from around the world was one of the best parts of this exchange; learning all about their lifestyles, and the similarities and differences between the cadet organisations were extremely interesting and an eye-opening experience.

This exchange was many of our first trips to America and for one of the UK cadets, it was her first time on a plane. Having known that we were attending this trip for six months beforehand we were all extremely excited and were counting down the days before our plane took off!

We visited many cities throughout our time in the US ranging from the harbour town of Newport, the historic site of Boston and the Big Apple, New York City. These visits were definitely highlights of the exchange. The trip touring Boston was particularly memorable as all the cadets took part in a scavenger hunt finding different sites along the Freedom Trail. Our two day trip to New York, occurring over Independence Day, was so much fun as we all felt like we were walking through a movie set due to the sites that we saw.

Our two weeks in America was jam-packed and we didn’t stop. Along with visiting the tourist sites that the East Coast has to offer, we visited the US coastguard academy, kayaked down a beautiful river and even received a tour of an active nuclear submarine.

The International Exchange Programme has now been running for 20 years and to celebrate this anniversary everyone attend a beautiful BBQ on base one evening. We played games and toasted marshmallows as the sun set over the bridge in Newport.

To end our amazing trip, every cadet and staff member attend the Farewell Dinner at the Newport Officers Club where a fantastic spread of food was provided for us as well as music to dance to.

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience in America and did not want it to end! I want to say thank you to all the staff in America and the United Kingdom for making possible and I hope I will be back in the US soon!

Cpl Chloe - United Kingdom

Sea Cadets from across the UK recently participated in an exciting week of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics based activities at the HMS Sultan Sea Cadets Engineering Summer Camp.

24 Cadets aged between 14 and 18 were given hands-on experience of Air and Marine Engineering within the Defence College of Technical Training’s Defence School of Marine Engineering and the Royal Naval Air Engineering & Survival Equipment School in support of the ‘2018 Year of Engineering’ cross-government campaign to encourage young people into engineering.

As well as promoting Engineering, the week also offered the Cadets an opportunity to develop an understanding of leadership within the Royal Naval Leadership Academy at HMS Collingwood, and make trips to QinetiQ, the Royal Navy’s research agency, and go onboard HMS Dragon and HMS Westminster.

The Cadets were accommodated throughout the week within the HMS Sultan Royal Naval Cadets Unit. With the Cadets having to ensure that Fort Grange Keep was kept fit for a rounds inspection throughout.

On the Friday morning, before heading home the Cadets ensured that their boots were sparkling as they attended a special passing out parade. Certificates were presented to each Cadet by Commodore Paul Marshall CBE Royal Navy, the Type 26 Programme Director. In addition, Cadet Titania Whitham from Hull-based unit TS Iron Duke was presented with a special prize as the group's top performer.

Titania Whitham said: “I travelled a long way to take part in the week and I’m really glad that I have. The guys in the workshops have been excellent, they’ve welcomed us in even with lots of Navy training going on around us and we’ve done it. There’s a lot more to it than I expected.”

Our #ScapPlastic challenge is officially underway! We are challenging you, your friends and family to reduce plastic this summer for 13 days. 

Plastic pollution is a growing problem, particularly in the water. Not only do we love the water, but we heavily rely on it! That's why it is so important for us to look after it. 

Join us and turn the tide on plastic at www.sea-cadets.org/scrap-plastic 

Together we can make a change 

Cdt 1st Tom and his Mum Melanie took part recently in a sponsored abseil down Pembroke Castle. The event is organized each year by The Overhang in Tenby, which is an indoor climbing wall, but they organize two of these climbs annually for charities to raise funds, whilst the entry fees go to their own nominated charity. Tom and his Mum decided to take part to raise much-needed funds for Kayaking Equipment, raising £250 Melanie did the abseil as per the photographs and Tom collected the sponsorship with his brother and sister. The unit is grateful to them for all their hard work and efforts. "it truly is a selfless thing which they have done, and the unit is extremely grateful for their support. We are also very grateful to the Spar Store in Newport who match funded this sponsorship to the tune of £200 and the Commanding Officer"  Sub Lt Chris Peake who is a volunteer at the unit

Staff, Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets from across the country competed in this year’s Royal Navy Junior Leaders Field Gun competition at HMS Collingwood, Fareham on Friday 6 July

The teams were made up of young people who have either recently joined the armed forces, just begun apprenticeships with the University Technical Colleges, are attending local community colleges, or are part of the Military Cadet Forces.

With no previous field gun experience, teams competed to build and transport a field gun along specialised marked tracks, measuring 85 metres. Teams only stopped to complete specific actions and all with the aim to run home penalty free with the fastest time.

The Junior Leaders Challenge is the only competition open specifically for new recruits and youths, offering them a chance to work as a team and challenge themselves in a unique setting. 

Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Victoria Marson RNR, who was leading the team, said: “Our cadets and volunteers trained hard during the week leading up to the competition, it was great seeing them coming together as a team.