Cadets Visit HMS Ark Royal
Cadets Visit HMS Ark Royal
Air Cadets from Wideopen Squadron had the opportunity to tour HMS Ark Royal this weekend, one of three ‘Invincible’ class light aircraft carriers, on the occasion of her final visit to Tyneside before being decommissioned in 2011. ‘The Ark’, as this historic warship is known, is being retired from active service three years early as part of the spending cuts under the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
The cadets queued alongside the general public in extremely wet conditions before the ship was opened to visitors. Upon boarding the ship, the group toured the hanger area where numerous interactive displays were set out which included a Harrier jump-jet and sea survival equipment. The cadets took the opportunity to speak to some of the ships company and find out what it is like to live and work on an aircraft carrier.
After touring the hanger deck, the cadets moved up to the flight deck to look at the Sea King helicopters and the Harrier Mk.9 jump-jets which were part of 1 Squadron Royal Air Force and 800 Squadron Fleet Air Arm. Cadet Corporal Jessica Marran took the chance to speak to two of the Harrier pilots and she said “After speaking to the pilots, I think that flying from an aircraft carrier in a Harrier must be brilliant fun and really exciting!”
After viewing the flight deck area, the cadets went below to tour the Merlin helicopter and speak to the aircrew. After that, the cadets were given the rare opportunity to go up to the Commodores Bridge, the main ships bridge and Air Operations bridge above the flight deck – areas of the ship that the general public were not allowed into!
Cadet Jonathon Brians said “It was really interesting to speak to the officers serving on the ship and I really enjoyed visiting the ships bridge. I am so pleased that I joined the Air Cadets as I wouldn’t get these experiences anywhere else!”
The visit was organised by local cadet forces adult volunteer, Warrant Officer Steve Climpson. Warrant Officer Climpson commented that “I am really pleased that we managed to tour HMS Ark Royal before she retires next year. The cadets had a fantastic time and the ships company were very friendly”.
Wideopen Air Cadets Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant James Elliott, said “My thanks go out to all of the sailors and airmen of HMS Ark Royal who made our visit such a great experience for the cadets and to Warrant Officer Climpson for organising the event. ‘The Ark’ has a long history with the people of North Tyneside as this is where she was built and it was fantastic to see this historic naval ship before she retires next year. We like to give our cadets maximum opportunity to experience all three of the Armed Services and this is another example of the Forces supporting us in that goal.”
Wideopen Air Cadets is open to all young people aged 13-17 years. We are located behind Woodlands Hall in Wideopen where we have a fantastic, brand new HQ facility and we parade every Monday and Thursday, 7-9.30pm. The Squadron can be contacted on 0191 236 6583 or on 861@aircadets.org. Lots more information about the Air Cadets can be found on our website at www.861atc.org. Why not come down on a parade night and see if you have what it takes to be an Air Cadet!
