Local sea cadets get new commanding officer

Familiar face takes over sea cadets

There’s a new man at the helm of the Medicine Hat Sea Cadets.

Sub-Lt. Clint Lawrence was sworn in as the new commanding officer of the local sea cadet group Saturday morning at the Patterson Armoury — taking over for Lt. Kelly Rasmussen after three years on the job.

“I’m feeling great — I’m really excited,” said Lawrence. “I know I mentioned it earlier, but I started out here in Medicine Hat 27 years ago.

“I went through the program, became an officer and then moved away from the city — it’s surreal to come back all these years later and to take over that same unit.”

Lawrence says he will have a lot of responsibilities as the new commanding officer.

“There’s lots of administration work, lots of training and making sure everyone is safe when we’re out doing things,” he said. “I’ll be working with other cadet units in other places to help deliver our program here locally.”

Rasmussen says he is happy to see Lawrence take over as the new commanding officer.

“I feel great, and it’s good to see someone new come in,” he said. “Today isn’t about me stepping down, it’s about someone else stepping up and taking the past successes we’ve had and moving forward with them.

“Clint is very dedicated and a very professional guy. I know he’s enthusiastic to take this over and get going with it — he is the right guy for this.”

Recruitment will be a big focus, says Lawrence.

“We’re always looking for more people,” he said. “It’s important that we’re in the community and getting more people involved with the group.

“We’re hoping to start the year out with a fun trip to Waterton with some sea cadets from other cities in southern Alberta.”

Rasmussen lives in Brooks and says he will be staying on with the Medicine Hat sea cadets for one final training year before shifting his focus on to the sea cadet group in Brooks.

The local sea cadets meet every Tuesday at from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. and say that anyone is welcome to come try out the program.

More information on the cadets can be found on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/145-RcsccMedicine-Hat204078916335584/

NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER Outgoing commanding officer Kelly Rasmussen takes a selfie with the Medicine Hat Sea Cadets Saturday before handing over the reigns to Clint Lawrence.

Incoming commanding officer for the Medicine Hat Sea Cadets Clint Lawrence talks to his new unit for the first time in his new position.

NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER Commanding officer Sub-Lt. Clint Lawrence, Lt.-Commander Robert Newton and outgoing commanding officer Lt. Kelly Rasmussen make the leadership switch official Saturday at the Patterson Armoury.