Cadets take the helm at Cerberus

Navy cadets from across the country enjoyed an action-packed week at HMAS Cerberus for the annual Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) National Camp.

From joy rides on rigid-hulled inflatable boats to mud runs through the Cerberus mangroves and jumping in on the action of survival at sea training, more than 160 cadets were immersed in maritime activities.

National Support Commander CMDR Barry Pincombe said it was a fantastic opportunity for cadets to make new friends and spend a week enjoying unique experiences while engaging with Navy personnel.

“Together they participate in challenging activities that require them to make decisions and to think and work as a team,” CMDR Pincombe said.

Cadets also took part in firefighting and damage-control activities at the School of Survivability and Ship Safety and experienced hands-on tours of the engineering, catering and signals schools.

This year’s camp was the final national activity for Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Charlie van der Heiden, who said the highlight was getting to spend a week with friends he had made during his time as a cadet.

“What I have learned being a cadet is unwavering resilience and no matter how big the issue is or the setback, you can always bounce back,” CWO van der Heiden said.

The week forged new friendships, built confidence and skills, and inspired the next generation of maritime leaders.

The ANC is Navy’s premier maritime youth development program, providing young Australians of all backgrounds with safe, supportive and rewarding maritime experiences.

It fosters confidence, resilience, respect and leadership, shaping capable and motivated individuals with a maritime outlook whose values and humanity enrich their communities.

Find out more about the ANC or become a volunteer on the ANC website.