Officer Instructors
Instructor – ASLt D. Robinson
I started my experience with Sea Cadets at RCSCC Repulse in Sarnia, ON. I was a member of the Drill with Arms team that competed provincially in the early 80’s. I went to summer camp at CTS Tillicum for summer training, as well as Camp Ipperwash.
I joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1987 as a Marine Engineer Mechanic and did my basic Training at CFB Cornwallis, in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. I was then sent for trades training at CFB Stadacona
I then joined the Atlantic Fleet on HMCS Ottawa, a steam driven destroyer, in a class affectionately known as the “Cadillacs”, She was commissioned in 1955. After more on the job training I was sent back to the Naval Engineering Division for the next step of my trade progression. In 1990 I was chosen to be part of the Commissioning Crew in HMCS Halifax, the first of twelve Canadian Patrol Frigates that still sail today. During the time the Hailfax was being built, I had the honour of serving aboard the small patrol boats of the Reserve Training Unit. Once again, I was posted ashore to the Naval Engineering school for an eighteen-month QL5 course. Once I completed this training, I was mustered into the Marine Engineer Technician Trade. This allowed me to train and complete written and oral boards to become A Cert 2E. This taught me how to operate the ships main propulsion system at sea. I then attended Basic Submarine Training for the Oberon class boats. This is the same one that now sits as a museum in Port Burwell.
My last operation deployment was in 1998, when I was attached to the RCMP and 4th Air Defence Regiment out of CFB Gagetown for the Swissair Flight 111 Recovery.
I released from the RCN in 1999 to the Supplemental Reserve. In 2009 I then transferred to the Primary Reserve at HMCS Star. Once again, I am part of the Supplemental Reserve and am in the process of transferring to the CIC.
I am now the Divisional Officer for Halifax Division at RCSCC Nelles. I am looking forward to working with the Staff and Cadets in Nelles, and sharing my experiences with them.
Instructor – CI D. Jackson
I started my cadet experience in Navy League Cadets with Admiral Landymore where I reached the rank of Petty Officer 1st class and the position of Regulating Petty Officer.
I then moved up to Sea Cadets with Admiral Nelles. I spent my first couple years as a member of the guard before moving through various positions including divisional petty officer, guard commander, and chief gunner’s mate. I finished up as a chief petty officer 1st class in the position of Coxswain. During my summers with the sea cadets I traveled around for the courses I took. A summer of general training at HMCS Ontario in Kingston followed by two summers of Boatswain training at HMCS Acadia in Clementsport, Nova Scotia. I finished off my summers of training at HMCS Quadra in Comox British Columbia for the eight week Marine Engineering course where I received my second class stoker’s ticket for the OR a class RCN vessels. My next summer I was lucky enough to attend an international exchange to South Korea. I finished up my summers with cadets back at HMCS Ontario as a staff cadet in the administration department. My favourite memories of my time with cadets are my trips to British Columbia heading through the Straits onboard the Orca class ships. Seeing wildlife like dolphins, seals, and whales and performing the various drills to give us a truly authentic experience. The best times however are the times spent together at our home base here in Brantford making friendships that have lasted the 6 years we’ve been out of the program. As an adult staff member I have been volunteering as a Civilian Instructor since 2013 with plans to eventually get into uniform as a CIC officer. I currently hold the position of guard divisional officer and instructor. I look forward to mentoring the future generation of cadets and ensuring they have the same great experience with the program I did.
Instructor – Slt J. Bresnahan
I joined Admiral Nelles in 1996 and rose to the rank of CPO1 and Cox’n of the corps. During my time I captained many of the corps teams including Sports, Sheers, Range, Seamanship and Band. As Cox’n, Admiral Nelles was awarded the top corps in South Western Ontario.
Upon retirement and a few years off, I came back to the corps as a Civilian Instructor coaching various teams and instructing classes.
In 2009 I joined the Canadian Forces as a CIC Officer. During this time, I have held multiple appointments at Admiral Nelles such as new entry training officer, senior instructor, and corps training officer. For two summers I ran the Physical Education and Recreation department at HMCS Ontario in Kingston, running the lifeguarding and all sports.
I can safely say my life would not be the same without the cadet program. It has shaped me into the person I am today through structure, leadership training and friends that I still have today