Commander of NSW Australian Amy Cadets Brigade, Colonel Warwick Young, said cadets from 238 Army Cadet Unit (ACU) Shoalhaven moved into the navy site on Wednesday (March 17).

"The move by 238 ACU into the navy's facilities will mean a shot in the arm for recruiting for army cadets in the Nowra area," COL Young said.

"Defence has granted approval for the army cadets to use HMAS Albatross for their weekly parades and training.

"238 ACU was raised in July 2020, and has been meeting in the Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch, conducting drill in the car park.

"The navy base will give better security for the cadets and allow them to conduct their training in more appropriate facilities."

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Commanding Officer of 238 ACU, Major Charles Vella, said the unit has a recruiting area from south of Kiama to north of Uladulla and as far west as Kangaroo Valley.

"The unit relocating to HMAS Albatross is a more central location for the youth of Nowra," MAJ Vella said.

"The Albatross base provides an excellent and modern training facility with ample outdoor areas suitable for both drill and field activities.

"The new location, combined with a new recruiting program, will hopefully grow the unit and, in turn, provide more opportunity for cadets."

MAJ Vellla said those opportunities will allow members to learn new skills, provide the opportunity for self-improvement, develop self-reliance, self-discipline and the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills through the various cadet courses and activities.

HMAS Albatross is the largest operational Royal Australian Navy establishment and the navy's only air station.

The base's primary task is to support the five naval squadrons, which provide air support to the fleet.

Albatross is also home to the ADF Parachute School and the Fleet Air Arm Museum, formerly known as, and now incorporating the Australia's Museum of Flight.

The Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation, with the character and values of the Australian Army, founded on strong community partnership, fostering, and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Army.

There are around 16,000 army cadets in 220 units spread across all states and territories of Australia.