CO 815 NAS recognizes Sea Cadet affiliation on Malta

A Sea Cadet relationship has been refreshed with a visit to Malta by the Commanding Officer of one of the Navy's busiest Squadrons. 

Cdr Alastair Haigh, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, was invited to inspect the Parade of the Malta GC Sea Cadet Unit in April 2014 handing out awards to a number of volunteers. 

After inspecting the cadets Cdr Haigh was given a tour of the Unit by its Commanding Officer Lt (SCC) Raymond Emmanuelle RNR who introduced the staff and explained the work of the Unit. 

Cdr Haigh said "I was very impressed by the discipline of the cadets and the excellent example they set in demonstrating the core values of the Sea Cadet movement. Their Parade was first class and I very much enjoyed meeting them and their dedicated staff at the Unit. There was a wonderful sense of optimism with a number of volunteers all pulling together to take this Unit forward." 

Cdr Haigh attended the ANZAC Day Ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where he laid a wreath on behalf of his Squadron and the Royal Navy as a whole. Attended by Her Excellency the President of Malta, the Prime Minister and many senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, this event is a key part of Malta's year, since many of those wounded in the Gallipoli Campaign were evacuated to the island for medical treatment, and those who didn't survive their injuries are buried there. 

Cdr Haigh said "It was a great honour to take part in this beautiful and poignant ceremony, and to be able to pay my respects on behalf of the Royal Navy." 

"Visiting Malta again has been a privilege and a pleasure”  said Cdr Haig continuing  “I look forward to strengthening the ties between 815 Squadron and Malta GC Sea Cadet Unit."