Thu started off a bit more formal. We had to be dressed in our full International Air Cadet Exchange uniform which means shirt, tie, and jacket. In this weather, that is not very comfortable and the locals tell us that it is actually cooler than normal! So into the bus we go and we are off to the Headquarters of the Air Force to meet the Chief of the Air Staff. A very personable man who was happy to receive the cadets. He told us how he came from a poor family and joined the Air Force as a young man. He also mentioned that he is still an active pilot. This is very different than a lot of other Air Forces. In conversation with some of the UK contingent, the very senior ranks of the Royal Air Force (and the Canadian Air Force) very rarely fly in any other capacity than as a passenger.
After meeting the Chief of the Air Staff we went to the air base for a little tour. We chatted with a couple pilots about what role they play in the Air Force and then we toured some of the aircraft. We saw one fighter (the A-8). We also saw a couple of helicopters, an American Bell 412, a French Alouette 3 and one other helicopter that I cannot recall the name of.
Following the tour we proceeded to the British High Commission to meet with the High Commissioner. As it turns out, the High Commissioner himself was unavailable so the Deputy High Commissioner greeted us and told us about the role of the BHC.
After the BHC, we were permitted to use the pool at the BHC Club which is normally reserved for BHC staff and their families. It was very nice and some cadets even enjoyed a hot shower for the first time since arriving in Ghana! I elected not to because I would find it that much harder to go back to cold showers, lol.
After the pool, we went back to the campus for supper and then social time for the cadets in the evening.
Free time and beach for Fri!
Sent from my wireless handheld device / Transmis de mon appareil portable
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