Commanding Officer – Lt(N) J. Messecar, CD
I believe strongly in the role the Sea Cadet Program has in helping youth find their place as the next generation of Canadian leadership.
My journey with cadets began when I joined Navy League Cadets in 1995. I reached the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. In 1998, I sailed up to Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps ADMIRAL NELLES.
For the next six years I had amazing opportunities to learn new skills, challenge myself to grow as a leader, and to make lifelong friends. I attended two summer training courses, earning my CYA White Sail 3. I was a member of the Ship’s Guard and the Ship’s Band. Rising through the ranks, I was employed as a Divisional Petty Officer and in 2003 appointed the Ship’s Coxswain and was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class.
In 2004, I became a Civilian Instructor, working as the Band Officer. In 2005, I enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves as a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre.
In 2006, I was the Corps Training Officer, a position I held until 2012 when I was appointed the Corps Commanding Officer. I held this position until 2015. In 2017, I had re-assumed command of the Ship.
In addition to my duties at the Corps, I spent six summers at HMCS ONTARIO, working in the Music Department, SCOP Department, and Headquarters. Now, I am a Senior Instructor of the Sea Environmental Training Course with Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central) J35 CIC Training Organization.
The cadet program is one of Canada’s greatest assets and all youth ages 12-18 should consider being a member, it will change your life! You’ll learn amazing things and develop deep and meaningful lifelong friendships.