Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) from across the country recently flocked to Cockatoo Island for the ANC 2026 Fleet Engagement Camp.
The week-long camp gave 82 cadets the opportunity to engage in and observe a variety of maritime experiences with Navy, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the NSW Police Marine Area Command.
Cadets experienced overnight stays on HMAS Choules, high-speed boat rides with the NSW Water Police, visits from an MH-60R Seahawk and beach Olympics with the HMAS Penguin physical training instructors.
They also toured HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra, the fleet's two Canberra-class ships, dove into the world of the Australian Clearance Diving Team and Mine Warfare Tactical Group 16, and engaged with Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith.
"The Fleet Engagement Camp is all about the cadets working as a team, supporting each other, and enhancing their leadership skills and maritime experiences," ANC National Support Commander Barry Pincombe said.
Commander Pincombe said the most valuable takeaways were not just the experiences, but the friendships and connections the cadets formed with their peers.
"It's a great opportunity for cadets, in particular the ones that live in remote areas, to come to the big city and see Sydney Harbour from the water," Commander Pincombe said.
The week ended with a formal lunch hosting VIP representatives from Sydney's Navy establishments and the NSW Water Police, including Commander Support Forces Commodore Ben Favelle and Director General of the ANC Commodore David Greaves.
The ANC is Navy's premier 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.
