Latest News

After our Commanding Officer, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) R Keyte and Detachment Commander, Sergeant (SCC) C Unwin attended an amazing South West Area Sea Cadets conference we are delighted to announce that Birmingham Vernons Royal Marines Detachment (RMCD) has been nominated from the whole of South West Area for the SMRO Trophy.

This is recognition of the transformation of the Detachment over the past 12 months.

A huge thank you to the volunteers at Birmingham Vernon, the previous Detachment Commander Sergeant (SCC) J Millward for leading the detachment through location changes and COVID-19, and to our current Detachment Commander for her hard work and drive to give our cadets the opportunity to achieve and have the Royal Marines experience.

On after receiving the award our Commanding Officer said "As the Detachment nearly closed, this recognition is fantastic, and goes to show that the hard work put in by our volunteers is providing results. We are striving to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for our Royal Marines Cadets and offer both Sea Cadets and Royal Marines the full cadet experience. Starting the year with two cadets, and with nine new cadets onboard with two more joining, Birmingham Vernons RMCD is back and ready to push further in 2024"

BZ, thank you and goodbye to our former Commanding Officer Lieutenant (SCC) O Chambers MBE RNR.

LT Chambers MBE RNR was presented with a custom made decanter engraved with the ships crest and the dates of his command, a gift from all the volunteers and Unit Management Team here. He was also presented with a frame with photographs of his time at Vernon, including the various rates and ranks he had held during his 29 years at Birmingham Vernon.

Our VIP inspected the ship's company and spoke to the cadets about the opportunities and experiences Sea Cadets can provide, helping launch young people for life.

To top off the evening, he was carried out of the ship by senior rates whilst applauded by the ships company.

Commanding Officer, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) R Keyte commented : "Sir has been involved in Birmingham Vernon for almost my entire life time, and has set this ship on a positive and secure trajectory. Guiding the unit and its staff members during Covid-19 and starting the process of us securing our new building at the Midlands Boat Station. He will be missed, but is always welcome here at Birmingham Vernon"

We look forward to seeing Sir around the District as he takes up his role within Mercia District Sea Cadets

ACOY RMC summer camp! 

It's been a fun filled week with field craft lessons followed by section attacks, breaking contact, room clearances, and so much more. Put into practice with 3 nights in the field sleeping out under the stars. 

Cadets took part in a final assault on Friday evening, firing blank rounds and practicing everything they had covered in the week. 

What a successful week for Alpha company, Birmingham Vernon Royal Marines Cadets and the Sea Cadets that accompanied them! You can be sure to look forward to many stories of the adventures and unforgettable experiences the cadets have been a part of. 

We look forward to the next RMC camp and hope to see more Cadets from both the Sea Cadet Division and Royal Marines Detachment taking part.

Congratulations to Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) Poole who has attended and completed his Basic Leadership course (BLC) at HMS Excellent. 

This weekend course was the final stage in his pathway to gain promotion to Petty Officer (SCC). 

Congratulations on your promotion and thank you for all your hard work.

Cadets from Birmingham Vernon (Training Ship Vernon) and Birmingham Stirling sea cadets have taken part in a weekend of fun activities and camping at Blackwell Adventure!

The first unit camp for many years saw our cadets take part in a variety of team building exercises, laser tag and camp fires. Cooking their own meals on camping equipment, the cadets were fully immersed in the camping experience - not a mobile phone in sight!

A huge success which will return next year. Thank you to our adult volunteers for making this unforgettable experience happen for our cadets.