The cadets visited the Comox Air Force Museum, which features displays on the history of past air force campaigns, including various uniforms, aircraft parts, weapons and other artifacts. Cadets visited the Fire Hall at CFB Comox, which is equipped for structural and aircraft fires. The unit took turns trying on the fire suits, using the Jaws of Life, spraying the grass with fire hoses and going for short fire truck rides on the apron. Cadets visited 442 squadron, which supports land and marine Search and Rescue efforts in our region. Cadets were able to see the insides of the CC-115 Buffalo and CH-149 Cormorant aircraft, and take a close look at the medical and parachuting equipment used by SAR Techs in their missions. The cadets were given a tour of Hangar 15, the headquarters and maintenance facility for the Air Cadet Gliding Program in the Pacific region, by Captain Rob Allison, the Deputy Regional Air Operations Officer. Participants had a chance to view the Cessna 182 tow aircraft, and the Schweitzer 2-33 glider, in various stages of repair and refurbishment. This Spring Break, 525 and 103 traveled together to 19 Wing Comox on Vancouver Island for a three day tour of BC's Air Force base. Cadets had the opportunity to view the aircraft, repair shops and other facilities at the Wing's units, including 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron, the base Fire Hall and Control Tower, the Regional Cadet Air Operations hangar, the Comox Air Force Museum and the Explosives Disposal unit. The group resided nearby at HMCS Quadra, and settled into a packed routine learning to make their beds with hospital corners to summer training standards, and participating in morning physical activity. Yesterday, 525 hosted the attestation ceremony for one of our own adult staff, Madeline Williams. Captain Matt Dykeman, J3 Zone Training Officer, was the attesting officer for Officer Cadet Williams's solemn affirmation, enrolling her as a Canadian Forces member. Captain Mok also had the pleasure of presenting the promotion of cadet Oberti to the rank of Flight Corporal.
Yesterday, 525's range team gathered with 103's range team to complete their targets for the zone range competition. Each cadet shot two relays in the prone position. The completed targets will be mailed for marking by RCSU, and the top teams and cadets in the province will be invited to the provincial competition, held in April at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre. At this month's CO's parade, individual cadets were recognized for their recent accomplishments, including successful completion of the 103 NCO course last month. Some cadets also received promotions to the ranks of Leading Air Cadet, Flight Corporal and Sergeant, and the successful cadets at the last music qualification testing day were presented with the badges they earned. Cadets from the North Shore will be participating in an amazing race style event through out the downtown core. Cadets will meet at the above location and a bicycle will be provided. Cadets will be broken into teams and will compete in a "race" style event to various locations. Once there they will be tested and have to solve small puzzles to get the next location details in the race. 8 cadets participated at the annual 609 Basketball Tournament, held this past Sunday at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey. The team had a lot of fun.
|
Author525 Pathfinder Squadron, West Vancouver BC Archives
February 2024
Categories |