On 3rd June cadets and staff from 211 (Newbury) Squadron descended on Portsmouth to experience the Spinnaker tower and a trip to the Royal Marines Museum.

The trip, organised by Civilian Instructor Stephen Robinson, saw the cadets take to the lofty heights of the recently opened Spinnaker tower – described by one cadet as “Like flying with your feet on the ground”. Much fun was had in the 170m tower – a big draw being the 2” thick glass floor upon which Sgt James Dunwell - who was enjoying his 18th birthday – decided to do a little jig!

The second halve of the trip saw the Cadet’s visit the Royal Marines Museum. Here they saw the tremendous history, sacrifices and triumphs of the Royal Marines.

The cadets had a thoroughly enjoyable day out, with the Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Simon Cragg commenting, “As a military based organisation, it’s important for us to learn about the other branches of the Armed Forces – as well as giving cadets the opportunity to experience things they might not have the opportunity to visit – such as the Spinnaker Tower”

The trip comes on the back of similar ventures organised to Duxford Air Museum in 2004, and the Imperial War Museum and the Science Museum in 2005.