Ex-Longbenton Air Cadet, Andrew Corbett, has set sail with the Royal Navy as he embarks on a career as a helicopter observer.
The 22-year old has successfully passed-out as a Midshipman having completed his Initial Naval Training at Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth.
During training, the ex-George Stephenson High School student underwent many challenges that tested his mental and physical resolve.
“During the first 15 weeks we developed our fitness and learnt leadership, fieldcraft and navigational skills, which were all put in to practice during a four-day assessed exercise on Dartmoor,” explained Andrew.
“We also learnt basic seamanship and boat handling, as well as visited Normandy, in France.
“My favourite part of training was Initial Sea Time, when we travelled from Cyprus to Singapore on HMS Albion.
“We learnt what every department on board does and how; the galley, the bridge and the sewage treatment area, for example. We had a task book to complete and at the end of the six weeks at sea we undertook both a written and an oral exam.
“On top of all of this, we had a couple of runs ashore and we also spent a day in Singapore before flying home to prepare for our passing-out parade,” said the new naval officer.
Andrew’s training continues as he now looks to learn more and hone his skills to realise his ambition to become an observer and form a key part of a flight crew. As an observer, Andrew will navigate on helicopters, operate communications systems and control the weaponry.
Andrew spent four years as an air cadet at Longbenton Squadron and a year as an adult volunteer before setting sail to take-off with the Royal Navy.
Longbenton Squadron is currently open to new members in Year 8 and above. If you’re up for a challenge then visit the squadron at www.2344.org.uk.
This article was written on behalf of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron by Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson RAFAC. Please feel free to email 2344@aircadets.org if you require any further information.
Photographs taken by Civilian Instructor Georgina Cassidy of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron. All photographs © Crown Copyright/MOD. Other photographs are available on request. 2344@aircadets.org