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This past Sunday, the cadets of T.S. Queen Elizabeth had an exhilarating opportunity to hone their watercraft skills at Port Edgar Boat Station in Queensferry. The day's focus was on rowing, and the cadets eagerly embraced the challenge, gaining invaluable hands-on experience on the water.

Among the key accomplishments of the day, many cadets earned their qualification as 'Competent Crew,' a significant milestone in their nautical journey. They also practiced essential man-overboard drills, demonstrating their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. Additionally, cadets were given the chance to take the helm as 'Coxswain,' guiding their fellow crew members and learning the importance of leadership and teamwork on the water.

This thrilling day of rowing skills and drills builds on the cadets' regular water-based training, including their weekly kayaking sessions. These experiences have not only expanded their maritime knowledge but have also provided them with memorable and exciting adventures.

The combination of Sunday’s rowing experience and the ongoing kayaking training ensures that the cadets of T.S. Queen Elizabeth continue to develop their proficiency on the water, preparing them for future challenges and building their confidence as young mariners.

This summer, our cadets had the privilege of experiencing kayaking on the picturesque waters of Loch Lomond, thanks to the generous support of Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayak Club. For the past three weeks, the club has provided invaluable kayaking sessions, helping the cadets develop vital skills on the water.

Throughout the sessions, the cadets learned how to control their kayaks with precision and practiced essential techniques, including wet exits—an important skill for safely exiting a kayak in the event of a capsize. These hands-on lessons allowed the cadets to gain confidence and improve their abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Today, the cadets concluded their kayaking training with an exciting day trip, where they had the opportunity to put all the skills they had learned into practice. The outing served as both a fun and rewarding culmination of their training, showcasing how far they’ve come in mastering the craft.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayak Club for making this enriching experience possible. We deeply appreciate their instructors for volunteering their time and sharing their expertise, providing our cadets with an unforgettable summer of learning and adventure on Loch Lomond.

It’s been a bustling couple of weekends for the cadets of T.S. Queen Elizabeth, with plenty of activities keeping them on their toes—and there’s more excitement on the horizon!

Last weekend, our cadets took part in a productive and enriching series of training sessions. They honed their piping skills, adding to their repertoire of naval traditions, while also earning their basic first aid qualification. These sessions not only built practical skills but also helped to develop the cadets' confidence in their ability to handle emergencies.

Bravo Zulu (BZ) to all the cadets who took part and excelled in these sessions. Special thanks go to PO Daly and PO Reynolds for their dedication in running the course and ensuring its success.

Stay tuned to see what’s in store for our cadets in the upcoming weekend, as more exciting opportunities and training lie ahead!

Yesterday evening, T.S. Queen Elizabeth was honoured to welcome Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, accompanied by his wife Jan, to our Unit. Commodore Dunn, head of the Royal Navy's Submarine Service, toured the Unit, engaging with cadets and presenting awards to conclude the evening. His visit marked a proud moment for everyone involved.

We were also delighted to host WO Mark Harris, CPO Dave O'Neill, PO Rab Aitken, and our Area Officer, Commander Gary Farmer. WO Harris delivered a captivating presentation that included an interactive walkthrough of a Vanguard submarine, which left a lasting impression on our cadets. He was particularly impressed by the depth of knowledge displayed by some of them, highlighting the commitment and enthusiasm of our young team.

In addition to the presentation, CPO O'Neill and PO Aitken provided much-needed uniform items, including cap tallies, and generously presented the Unit with a £200 donation. This gesture, along with their continuous support, demonstrates the strong and meaningful relationship we have with the Submarine Qualification (SMQ) staff at HMNB Clyde.

We are incredibly proud to maintain such a valuable liaison with HMNB Clyde, and we cannot thank them enough for their unwavering support and friendship, which have made a significant difference to our Unit. What a fantastic evening, made even better by the efforts of AC Gordon, who assisted with the photography.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening so memorable!

Today, we were delighted to officially welcome PPO Sibbald to our team of adult volunteers following the celebration of his 18th birthday. This marks an exciting new chapter in his Sea Cadet journey, one that began back in 2018.

Over the years, PPO Sibbald has shown remarkable dedication, working his way up to the prestigious rank of Petty Officer Cadet, the highest rank within the corps. His leadership and commitment to the unit have been exemplary, setting a high standard for his fellow cadets. Although his tenure as Senior Cadet will be hard to follow, we are confident that the next generation of cadet leaders has been well-prepared under his guidance.

We are incredibly proud of everything PPO Sibbald has achieved as a cadet, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow in his new role as a volunteer. His journey is an inspiration, and we are excited to see what the future holds!