Sea Cadet Chloe Joyce-Richardson, aged 16, of Huddersfield has been appointed the role of First Sea Lord Cadet for Eastern Area Sea Cadets 2024. Chloe has been honoured with the role in acknowledgement of her hard work and dedication to duty with Huddersfield Sea Cadets. She has been a member of the cadets for nearly six years and holds the rank of Leading Cadet.
Six of the best
Only six of the best cadets in the country are awarded the title of First Sea Lord’s Cadet each year. Chloe’s new duties will include meeting with the head of the Royal Navy First Sea Lord and the Navy Board, which consists of other high-ranking Royal Navy Officers including the Royal Navy’s senior management board and acting as an ambassador for the sea cadets in her region.
Chloe, who is currently studying for her A levels at Greenhead College, said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be appointed. I feel that I don’t particularly stand out but really want everyone to get something out of being a Sea Cadet.”
Unique opportunity
The First Sea Lord’s Cadets are regarded as some of the very best cadets from their respective organisations and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Corps. It’s a unique opportunity to have their voices heard and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Throughout the year, the First Sea Lord’s Cadets attend a number of high-profile events, representing the Corps at official ceremonies, functions, formal parades and ship visits.
Skills and experience
As a senior cadet, Chloe utilises her skills and experience to assist with training and also raising important cadet issues and topics to senior volunteers. She serves as the cadet representative at the unit’s annual general meetings to ensure cadets’ opinions are being heard. Chloe is also passionate about taking part in Huddersfield’s Remembrance Parade and is a standard bearer and wreath layer at the nearby town of Elland’s Remembrance Parade on behalf of the sea cadets.
She also organises fundraisers for Huddersfield sea cadets such as supermarket bag packs, a unit awards night and Christmas party as well as other parent-aimed events.
Outside of cadets
Outside of cadets, Chloe continues to give back to the community by raising money for worthwhile causes. Chloe has taken part in the Race For Life for Cancer Research every year since she was eight-years-old, and raised over £120 in 2023. She also completed the Kirkwood Midnight Memory Walk and raised £170 for a local care home and respite centre.
Pictured is Chloe receiving her certificate from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Ben Key KCB ADC RN, at the investiture on HMS Victory in Portsmouth.