To celebrate the conclusion of an outstanding cadet year, NLCC Achilles embarked on a year-end day trip, treating cadets to a deep dive into Canada’s military history with visits to HMCS Haida and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

All Hands on Deck at HMCS Haida

The day began in Hamilton’s harbor aboard the legendary Tribal-class destroyer, HMCS Haida. Always a crowd favorite, the ship offered the cadets a fully immersive look into naval history. Divided into four organized groups, the cadets explored the vessel from stem to stern under the guidance of the dedicated Achilles staff.

The tour offered an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of sailors, taking cadets through:

• The Bridge and Communication Rooms: Where tactical decisions and vital messages once kept the ship safe.
• The Deck Guns: Showcasing the historic firepower of the "Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy."
• The Engine Room: An in-depth, crowd-pleasing look at the mechanics of the ship, where cadets learned exactly how the massive, old-school steam engines used to operate.

Following a quick lunch and a well-deserved stop at the ship’s gift shop, the crew boarded the bus and headed "up the mountain" for the second half of their adventure.

Taking Flight at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The afternoon took the excitement to the skies. Upon arriving at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the cadets were warmly welcomed by knowledgeable volunteers who divided the corps into two groups for a tailored experience.

Each group walked away with their own unique, lifelong memories:

• Group One got a hands-on, interactive experience, climbing inside and sitting in the cockpits of various historic aircraft.
• Group Two received a front-row seat to living history, watching in awe as one of the museum's vintage warplanes fired up its engines, took off, and completed a spectacular flyover.

A Spectacular Finish From the depths of a historic engine room to the rumble of vintage aircraft engines overhead, the day was a resounding success. It provided the perfect blend of education, camaraderie, and excitement—a fitting reward for the hard work and dedication shown by the cadets of NLCC Achilles all year long.

Bravo Zulu to all the cadets and staff on a fantastic year!