HMS Excellent Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps

HMS Excellent Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps The official page of the Royal Naval Cadets at HMS Excellent, part of the Volunteer Cadet Corps.

HMS Excellent Royal Naval Cadets are the newest addition to the Volunteer Cadet Corps, a Naval Cadet Force sponsored by the Royal Navy and based at Whale Island in Portsmouth. In fact, the VCC had cadets at HMS Excellent until the 1980s so actually we are merely re-establishing ourselves, using our history as our inspiration to 'stand-up' again. Working alongside our counterparts in the Royal Mari

nes Cadets, we are now recruiting boys and girls from across Portsmouth and South East Hampshire to join this exciting new youth organisation. We also work closely with our sister units of Royal Naval Cadets based at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan. We are open to children aged 9 to 17, who can then serve until their 18th birthday. New recruits will undergo about four months of basic training before 'Passing Out' for duty in front of family and friends, and then being allowed to call themselves Royal Naval Cadets. After that, our cadets can participate in a range of naval and military related training, as well as target shooting, sports, swimming and adventurous pursuits. There is also a one week annual summer camp and many weekend activities. All Royal Naval Cadets get to wear the Royal Navy ceremonial uniform as well Action Working Dress, and by following a personal development plan embedded in our training syllabus can rise through the ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer. Not to be confused with the Sea Cadets, the Royal Naval Cadets of HMS Excellent are recruiting now so if you would like to know more simply drop us a signal (naval speak for a message!) and get in touch.

Challenge Coin ContestThe Volunteer Cadet Corps is hosting a competition open to Cadets and Adult Volunteers across the ...
14/10/2025

Challenge Coin Contest

The Volunteer Cadet Corps is hosting a competition open to Cadets and Adult Volunteers across the organisation to design a challenge coin for to mark the 125th anniversary of our formation on 14 Feb 2026. Now is your time to get creative!

Coin details:
* Coins will be 2" in diameter
* Designs need to be one sided
* Full color
* Design must incorporate the 125th anniversary of VCC’s formation
* File submissions must be in PDF

Email designs to [email protected] by 15 December 2025!

Designs will be voted by the Selecting Committee, comprising of senior members of the Royal Navy, Commander VCC and members of the VCC125 Event Committee. The winning design will produced and awarded to every single cadet and adult volunteer in the organisation.

For questions, contact [email protected].

Happy designing!

🚨 Volunteer Opportunity Alert! 🚨We’re looking for a dedicated and driven individual to take on the role of Executive Off...
08/06/2025

🚨 Volunteer Opportunity Alert! 🚨

We’re looking for a dedicated and driven individual to take on the role of Executive Officer (XO) at HMS Excellent Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps!

As the XO, you’ll support the Commanding Officer, help lead the unit, and make a real impact in the lives of our cadets.

📅 Attend training nights and plan activities
🎖️ Support discipline & standards
🛡️ Prioritise safety & welfare
💼 Play a key role in unit leadership

This is your chance to give back, develop your leadership skills, and be part of a proud Naval tradition. ⚓

🔗 Get involved today – message us or email our Unit Commanding Officer, CPO (VCC) Paul Conway, at [email protected] for more info!

07/05/2025
Exercise First Waves UpdateHurricane “Bob” made landfall last night with widespread destruction across “Longmoor”. HQ VC...
14/03/2025

Exercise First Waves Update

Hurricane “Bob” made landfall last night with widespread destruction across “Longmoor”. HQ VCC has dispatched an advanced party to “sultana” to see if assistance is required. Meeting have now taken place with the Major & Chief of Police, fire are currently burning but being dealt with by locals. HMS VCC are now on standby to provide assistance.

Further updates to follow

Today the Portsmouth joint Field Gun crew had their first days training.The morning period was classroom based, we cover...
09/03/2025

Today the Portsmouth joint Field Gun crew had their first days training.

The morning period was classroom based, we covered Field Gun history, safety on the track, personal fitness and maintenance of the equipment.

The afternoon period was practical training on the equipment.

We were all very impressed with the crews attitude towards safety and commitment. Let’s look forward to a challenging Field Gun season ahead.

This Tuesday our cadets went on a ships tour of the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales.The cadets got to see the ...
12/02/2025

This Tuesday our cadets went on a ships tour of the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales.
The cadets got to see the various compartments onboard the ship including the bridge and hanger. All the cadets had an amazing time onboard.

SirOn behalf of HMS Excellent RNVCC congratulations to you on your MBE
31/12/2024

Sir

On behalf of HMS Excellent RNVCC congratulations to you on your MBE

Former Commander VCC, Lt Col (VCC) Ret’d Chris Spratt has been recognised by His Majesty The King in the New Years Honours List and is awarded an MBE for Services to the Volunteer Cadet Corps.

Chris Spratt MBE’s retirement from his role as Commander VCC in March 2024 marked the end of an incredible 42-year journey filled with dedication and impactful service. His leadership and commitment have shaped the lives of countless young individuals, equipping them with the skills and confidence to of modern life. Chris’s influence has not only fostered personal growth in these young people but has also strengthened the community as a whole.

Chris continues to be an ambassador for volunteering within the Royal Navy Cadet Forces.

Congratulations Chris Spratt MBE!

Address

HMS Excellent, Whale Island
Portsmouth
PO28ER

Opening Hours

Tuesday 6:30pm - 9pm
Friday 6:30pm - 9pm

Telephone

+442392549475

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when HMS Excellent Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to HMS Excellent Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps:

Share