Poole | Posted on February 24th, 2026 | return to news

Sea Cadets visit town’s adopted warship

Poole Sea Cadets had the chance to visit HMS Cattistock when she was berthed in Poole on Saturday 21 February.

“What a morning,” exclaimed a Poole Sea Cadet who had just disembarked from the town’s adopted warship, the Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel HMS Cattistock, while she was berthed in Poole.

The ship’s welcoming crew gave 30 Poole Sea Cadets and six volunteers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour on Saturday 21 February.

The cadets, aged between 10 and 18, experienced a true taste of life at sea, taking part in several hands-on activities.

Through firefighting drills, they began to understand the concept of damage control. They explored the dive chamber and were introduced to the latest underwater technology. The intricacies of the bridge were explained to them, and they were encouraged to take the controls. Finally, they examined some of the ship’s weaponry, which keeps HMS Cattistock constantly mission-ready.

A spokesman for Poole Sea Cadets said: “A massive thank you to the crew for being such fantastic hosts and giving our cadets a look at what ‘a day at the office’ really looks like in the Royal Navy.”