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CadetWorld CWwiki From CadetWorld CWwiki
HMCS QUADRA
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This page was last modified on 28 July 2010, at 10:20.
This page has been accessed 1,449 times.
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HMCS Quadra Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre is a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre located in Comox, British Columbia. CSTC HMCS Quadra is situated on Department of National Defence property in Comox Harbour on an area called "Goose Spit" and trains over 1,000 sea cadets from every region and province of Canada. Both the North Vancouver Island Sail Centre, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Port Augusta operate out of HMCS QUADRA during the winter months. HMCS QUADRA's official motto is taken from the journal of its namesake "We pressed on, taking fresh trouble for granted". The unofficial motto of HMCS QUADRA is often said to be "In QUADRA your very best is our minimum acceptable standard"
HistoryA former Royal Navy outpost, Goose Spit was used by the RN as a haven for their ships serving on the west coast of North America as early as the mid-1800s. RN warships routinely called at Goose Spit for maintenance and hull cleaning, some leaving behind ballast stone markers as a record of their stay. Some of these markers are still located on the spit with the stone left by HMS Egeria now located in front of the CSTC HMCS Quadra mess hall. CGS Quadra awaiting the arrival of the governor general and suite for an official cruise to Skagway, August 4 to September 6, 1900.The Royal Canadian Navy took over the use of Goose Spit as a training area after the Royal Navy departed Canada in 1906. The RCN developed the area into a firing range. During World War II, the facilities at Goose Spit were known as "Naden III" and were used for training "combined operations" personnel for overseas duty. Royal Canadian Sea Cadets were also trained at Goose Spit during this time under the supervision of RCN personnel. Goose Spit was chosen as the permanent location for a Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) in 1952 and was commissioned as HMCS Quadra in 1956. CSTC HMCS Quadra is named after the Spanish explorer Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Following the closure of the Esquimalt Sea Cadet Camp in 1975, all Royal Canadian Sea Cadet training in the Pacific region was consolidated at CSTC HMCS Quadra. Goose Spit and HMCS Quadra were used as the location for Cougar Salvo 07 HMCS QUADRA was bestowed with the Freedom of the Town of Comox in 1998 and was awarded Freedom of the City of Courtenay in 2008. The ship paraded all hands down the streets "with drums beating, flags flying, and bayonets fixed". The ceremony was followed by the performance Ceremony of the Flags in Bebin park.  Ship's BadgeThe Ship’s Badge is taken from the family badge of Captain Juan Francisco de Bodegay Quadra, the Spanish explorer who charted the west coast of British Columbia in the same period Captain George Vancouver surveyed for the British. The main device is a gray castle placed against a background of alternating red and gold diagonal stripes. The unofficial motto is a quote taken from Captain Quadra's log in 1775 aboard his schooner "Sonora" while exploring the coast - "I pressed on taking fresh trouble for granted." The ship's colours are red and gold.[1]
CoursesCSTC HMCS Quadra currently offers training in 4 main trades and 3 speciality trades. The summer of 2010 will be the second summer of the roll out of the Cadet Program Update (CPU) training with the introduction of the new Basic Level courses. Cadets who participated in the new General Training course in 2009 will continue with the CPU training, whereas those cadet who took the "old" Two Week General Training course will continue in the Trade Group courses.
FlotillaHMCS QUADRA maintains a flotilla, which generally consisting of 3 vessels. Until recently the Flotilla would consists of two Yard Auxiliary General(YAGs) vessels, and Sail Training Vessel (STV) Maple Leaf. However, the two YAGs have been replaced by the Orca class patrol vessels. ORCA 55 was the first PCT to arrive at HMCS QUADRA. The last YAG (YAG 308) slipped QUADRA in 2008, to a naval field gun salute. Community InvolvementHMCS QUADRA is heavily involved in the surrounding community. It participates in the Comox Day Parade and Performs Ceremony of the Flags for "Nautical Days". The ship also supports the local YANA charity each year, by raising funds through its two messes. Competition and AwardsSamsons CupThe Samson's Cup is an annual sports competition between the Officers and Staff Cadets of HMCS QUADRA. It is organized by the PERI department and overseen by both the PERI Chief and Officer, to ensure fairness. The events usually include soccer, volleyball, a timed confidence course. Cock and Jock of the Walk CompetitionsDivisions of Cadets compete against each other in sports and fitness based activities to earn points for the jock of the walk award, while cleanliness, hygiene, proper drill and deportment will earn the best divisions cock of the walk. Top Staff Cadet (Lord Strathcona Trust Fund)All 200 Staff Cadets compete against each other to be recognized as the ships top Petty Officer. The staff cadets are assessed on their performance in all aspects of their job. After being recommended by the Divisional Officer, all candidates and must sit an assessment board led by the Executive Officer and Coxswain. Klingle Awards (ANAVETS)The top cadet in each course is awarded the ANAVETS (Army Navy and Airforce Veterans) medal and the Klingle award. Their names are recorded on the Klingle Plaques which are displayed in the Ships Office. Senior StaffHMCS QUADRA's senior staff Includes the Commanding Officer (Cdr), Executive, Training, Sea Trades Training, Land Trades Training, Sea Operations and Services Officers (LCdr). The Senior rates aboard are led by a Regular Force CPO1 who acts as the Staff Cadet Advisor and is currently titled the QUADRA Chief Warrant Officer, and 3 CPO1s led by the Cadet Coxswain (CPO1). The title of for the Cadet CPO1 of "QUADRA Chief" was replaced in 2008 with "Coxswain".
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This page was last modified on 28 July 2010, at 10:20.
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