Twelve cadets from 263 Beacon Hill Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps had a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail in a Royal Canadian Navy frigate during a recent training weekend.
The Langford-based cadets joined more than 200 cadets from around Vancouver Island, plus the 225 crew members on HMCS Ottawa for a day at sea. The crew and cadets put the ship through its paces at full speed, up to 30 knots at some points, heeling over 25 to 30 degrees during manoeuvres.
During the day, cadets spent time with sailors at 13 different activity stations, learning the various functions of daily life and the rhythm of a Canadian warship gaining experience with weaponry, fire-fighting, navigation and command, operations, boarding and rescue.
HMCS Ottawa recently completed its Halifax-class modernization and life extension upgrade last year and is continuing with sea trials to prepare for future operations and exercises.
– Capt. Cheryl Major, DND Reg. Cadet Support Unit