Tasmanian navy cadets could be a force to be reckoned with at national competitions if they continue to receive support.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s according to Launceston-based TS Tamar commanding officer and Navy Cadets Lieutenant James Riley.
He confirmed the state did not always field a team in national competitions, but the cadets always represented the state well when they did go.
Lt Riley said receiving funding from the Australian Defence Force enabled the state to compete in 2018.
Tasmanian navy cadets recently returned from the annual National Sailing Regatta and Shooting Competition in Sydney.
“We’ll certainly look to go next year,” he said. “It allows us to see where we stand in the national framework and to see whether our training is at the same level.”
Ten cadets from across the state including two TS Tamar cadets, two St Helens-based TS Argonaut cadets and five TS Derwent cadets from Hobart.
Leading Seaman Anthony Prior, of TS Argonaut, defended his individual shooting title, winning the event for the second time.
As a team Kellatie Flotilla was awarded second place in shooting and third place in the division one and two in the sailing regatta.
TS Tamar leading seaman Chantele Raine said she was proud of the results the flotilla achieved.
“It is so much fun getting together with friends and it was really challenging to set my skills against other cadets from across Australia,” Chantele said.
“This will be something I remember, definitely a highlight to represent my unit and flotilla.”
National Commander of Australian Navy Cadets Captain Kerry Rayner said the annual event was an opportunity for cadets to come together and demonstrate their sailing and firearm skills.
“Sailing and shooting are two activities that navy Cadets can participate in at their unit” said Capt Rayner.
“It makes me very proud to watch all these young people come together to safely and effectively demonstrate the skills they learn throughout the year.”