Canadian Air Cadetes Visit Naval Station Newport

Royal Canadian air cadets departed Naval Station Newport, March 14, following a three-day visit that included orientations at the Surface Warfare Officers School and a visit at the Naval War College.

The cadets and their adult chaperones were from the 172d Clarington Squadron, Bowmanville, Ontario; and were travelling to the New England region over their spring vacation.

The squadron, an aviation based training organization, for Canadian youth age 12-19 years, is sponsored and operated by the Air Cadet League and Canada’s Department of National Defense.

“This trip gives our Cadets an opportunity to see things they haven’t seen before,” said retired Maj. Don Duthie, a former squadron commanding officer who accompanied the group. “For some it’s their first trip to the United States,’ he said.

“This trip is the highlight of the year for the cadets and is turning out to be an experience of a lifetime,” said Capt. Brent McKee, squadron executive officer.

Cadets visited the state-of-the-art Full Mission Bridge simulator at the Surface Warfare Officers School where SWOS students learn advanced ship-handing techniques and bridge resource management. The cadets were given the opportunity to operate the weapons, radar, and ship’s control console.

“It’s a very clever way to train,” said cadet Warrant Officer Two Hanna May Ritchie, 18, squadron drill commander and cadet training officer.

“This was real cool and allowed us to see all types of training contingencies,” she said.

The cadets visited the Mahan Hall Reading Room at the Naval War College where they met with Royal Canadian navy Lt. Cmdr. Sylvain Belair, a student at the Naval Command College for international military officers. Belair spoke to the cadets about his naval career and experiences as a frigate executive officer.

“This training is about the value of building relationships and respecting other naval professionals,” Belair said.

Upon graduation in June, Belair will serve as the military assistant to the Canadian Minister of National Defense.

“Lt. Cmdr. Belair’s comments were good for me to hear,” said cadet Cpl. William Worth, 15, of Bowmanville, Ontario. Worth said he is planning on a military career.

The squadron also toured facilities at the 143d Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard, Quonset Point, R.I., where they were met by U.S. Air Force Col. Arthur Floru, wing commanding officer.

Floru spoke about the wing’s mission and international relationship with the Royal Canadian air force (RCAF). Wing instructors provided training to RCAF pilots on the C-130J aircraft.

Naval Station Newport is the Center for Training Excellence for officer training and education.

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Naval Today Staff , March 16, 2012; Image: navy