A GROUP of Shoalhaven teenagers impressed on the weekend as they braved howling winds to parade in front of the head of Australia’s naval cadets, Captain John Gill.
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The 50 cadets from Training Ship Shoalhaven, based at HMAS Albatross, paraded on Saturday morning as they were judged in part of a national competition for the chance to parade in front of Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs.
The TS Shoalhaven unit was inspected earlier in the year and judged best in its flotilla – one of three in NSW.
The unit’s high point score resulted in it being selected to represent NSW in the national judging, which brought Captain Gill to HMAS Albatross on Saturday.
In front of a large crowd of parents and friends, including seven cadets and staff from a new unit in Jindabyne, the 50 cadets went through a series of parade exercises as strong winds blew hats off heads and made flags nearly impossible to hold in position.
“The kids did a fantastic job in the conditions,” said the unit’s commanding officer, Lieutenant John Huisman.
“Hats were blowing everywhere, even the captain’s hat blew off, but he was impressed by the fact the kids did so well in the conditions.”
After the parade Captain Gill spent several hours at the unit, watching the cadets go through classes and activities, interviewing some, speaking to parents and meeting with the unit’s staff.
“It was a good day,” Lieutenant Huisman said.
With the cadets performing so well in front of hundreds of onlookers, including dignitaries such as Gilmore MP Joanna Gash and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock, Lieutenant Huisman said the unit had a strong chance of being named the best in Australia.
That would result in another parade, this time in front of Vice Admiral Griggs, on November 3 – two weeks before the cadet unit celebrates its 20th anniversary.
TS Shoalhaven was founded in 1992 as a volunteer youth organisation aimed at training young people to become worthy citizens, and has inspired many young people to seek successful careers in the Australian Defence Force and other occupations.
To celebrate the milestone, TS Shoalhaven is hosting a dinner at Worrigee House on November 17, and is inviting former cadets and staff members, along with current cadets and their parents.
Several of the original cadets have already expressed their interest in attending the three-course dinner and disco at Worrigee House.
For information contact Lieutenant Huisman on 0418 422 870 or on email jhuisman@optusnet.com.au.
