CYPRUS CAMP
Most people go to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus to relax and unwind forgetting about their busy lifestyles at home. Flight Sergeant Rupert Sage (18) other ideas! Rupert joined fellow Air Cadets from Central and East Region for ten days hosted by the Royal Air Force at RAF Akrotiri in southern Cyprus which had three aims, to learn about why the British military are in Cyprus, to make new friends and most importantly TO HAVE FUN!
During the week, interest visits included a visit to the UN buffer zone or ‘Green Line’ that divides Northern and Southern Cyprus. First established in 1964, the buffer zone stretches for over 180KM through the island and divides the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Whilst on RAF Akrotiri, cadets were able to visit the various RAF and USAF units stationed there including 84 Squadron and their Griffin search and rescue helicopters and the RAF Regiment who took them shooting on the stations range and the DCCT range. Cadets also visited RAF Episkopi and the Troodos Army barracks high up in the Troodos mountains.
Flight Sergeant Rupert Sage (centre) with fellow Cadets alongside a Griffin search and rescue helicopter
The cadets took part in a variety of fun activities such as climbing, abseiling, swimming, raft building and go karting. Cadets also had an opportunity to hone their teamwork skills during a series of leadership activities. Despite the busy schedule, the cadets managed to find sometime to relax, making the most of local beaches and water parks and visiting the towns of Ayia Napa and Paphos, where cadets got to take a glass bottom boat ride.
VOLCANO EXTENDS EXPEDITION
Seven cadets and three staff members from the Squadron have had an unexpected extension to their Exercise Tropics Eagle Expedition in Borneo, due to the flight disruptions caused by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland.
The cadets from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing, Devon and Somerset and Middlesex Wing were due to fly home on Sunday 18th March but have only been able to fly as far as Singapore so far. Expedition organisers have been in close communication with the Defence Attaché at the British Head Quarters in Singapore and accommodation has been found with US Navy at Sembawan. Contact has also been made with the Singapore National Cadet Corps, and there is accommodation available for use if necessary.
The earliest available flight is Wednesday 21st March for their return journey, but this will depend on the ongoing situation which is being reviewed hourly.
Given the situation, morale is high amongst the group and they are all using this unexpected opportunity to see the sights of Singapore and enjoy the food and culture.
For the full report click here
GIBRALTAR ADVENTURE
During the Easter holidays, Cadet Corporal Luke Webb from joined 33 other cadets from Central and East Region for an Overseas camp hosted by RAF Gibraltar.
The programme was very different to UK camps, with treks all over `The Rock, as well as trips to all of the usual tourist destinations, including a ride on the cable car and naturally meeting the occupants of the Rock – The Barbary Apes, who were almost constant companions. The camp also went on private tours to O'Hara's battery and the Military caves, as well caving in tunnels under the main structure of the Rock. Recreational time was spent shopping and bowling.
Corporal Webb above Gibraltar harbour
The highlight of the week was participating in the parade as part of No. 2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The parade’s Inspecting Officer, Air Commodore Ian Stewart (Commandant Air Cadets) congratulated the quality of the cadet’s drill and said “that he hoped that in 25 years' time, they would be able to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a similar parade”. He referred to air cadets being “The best cadets in the world”. After the parade, the mayor of Gibraltar, Mrs. Olga Zammit took the salute as the cadets marched up Main Street, accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
Luke becomes the seventh Cadet from the Squadron to visit Gibraltar in the past twelve months!
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