Page 8 - Cadet Review 2_24

Joint Service News
A FALKLAND ISLANDS EXPERIENCE
By David Fuller, Editor
This article came about for a variety of reasons, due to taking up an appointment as the Chief Surveyor with the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority and travelling to the islands in early February 2024. In addition to the real job and more of that later, there were four other aims to the three-week visit, which were to visit the battlefield sites of the Falklands War of 1982, lay a wreath at the most suitable location on behalf of the East Riding of Yorkshire Lieutenancy, take full advantage of spectacular wildlife of the islands and escort an elusive Air Cadet Squadron mascot around to see the sights.
The reason for taking up the appointment was that for over 20 years I had already overseen the survey and inspection activities of all the Falkland Islands flag fishing vessels and when the position was advertised, I decided to apply for it and take retirement from my full-time appointment with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This, I can say,
The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority team
were most welcoming
came just at the right time and I was able to balance taking retirement on 31 Jan 24 and flying to the Falkland Islands on 7 Feb 24, so I did manage a few days technically in retirement!
The flight was courtesy of the RAF and is the air bridge between the UK and the Falkland Islands and departed from RAF Brize Norton. On arrival at Mount Pleasant after some 16 hours flying and a couple
of hours on Ascencion Island I was delighted to be met and driven to Stanley to commence my almost three-week visit. The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority team were most welcoming and led by Commander (Retired) Chris Moorey OBE RN, who
I quickly found out was a fount of knowledge on
both flora and fauna, together with battlefield sites. Fortunately for me, the team, other than the Ops Room Watchkeepers did not work on weekends thus any and every opportunity I was offered was quickly accepted gratefully, especially with not having my
8 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2024