Chief Petty Officer Second Class Parker Boczkowski, of the 99 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Assiniboine here in Moose Jaw, has been chosen to go on a tall ship deployment in the United Kingdom this April, an opportunity that he is excited to have been offered.
The ship is the TS Royalist, a cadet training ship that takes sea cadets on six-day trips to teach them about offshore sailing, seamanship, and teamwork. Boczkowski was selected from cadets across the Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba regions, and he is looking forward to the experience in this his Grade 12 year and his seventh year with the cadets. He is most looking forward to seeing friends, spending time on the ship, and experiencing the UK.
Trips like these have been abundant opportunities for the 99 Assiniboine Sea Cadets this year, as Cadet Jaimee Hodgson spent 11 days on the HMCS Oriole on Lake Eerie in the summer, another member is currently on a tall ship deployment on the west coast, and Cadet Jaxson Nancarrow recently returned from Halifax for a familiarization course, where he toured several different types of military bases.
This year's group of sea cadets on parade.“[It’s not like] going to these recruitment things, and then just seeing what they want to show you. It's what they actually do [that] you get to see,” said Nancarrow.
Acting Sub Lieutenant Bruce Boczkowski is encouraging of these cadets and the opportunities presented to them.
“It’s a great opportunity for the corps itself, to have these cadets go on these deployments. They're very lucky to be able to go on them,” said Lt. Boczkowski.
The cadets program is open to anyone from ages 12-19, and more information about joining can be found through the 99 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Assiniboine Facebook page, or by dropping in on a meeting at the Armoury.
