Lt. Maggie Helkin was a teenage sea cadet in the spring of 1974 when she last visited Bermuda with her unit.

And just as she has risen through the ranks of Great Britain's Sea Cadet Corps, her local counterpart Lt. Cdr. Anthoni Lightbourne is now the Commander of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps.

The two immediately recognised each other, renewed their friendship, and extended it to a second generation -- their children, Michelle Helkin and Anthoni Lightbourne Jr.

"When we got off the plane it was something!'' Lt. Helkin said. "It was good to see him again. And it is ironic that we are both still involved with the sea cadets.'' Lt. Helkin is here with 17 others on the annual Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps Easter International Exchange, and the group includes 15 sea cadets from the US Navy, Royal Canadian, and the UK.

"I spent my 16th birthday on the Island,'' Lt. Helkin said. "That's the reason I came back this time, so I could bring my 16-year-old daughter.'' Lt. Helkin commands 12 units in Essex County, with 320 cadets and 150 staff including her daughter.

Lt. Cdr. Lightbourne called the Easter Exchange in Bermuda a cultural visit.

The cadets have made courtesy calls on Governor Thorold Masefield and Premier Pamela Gordon.

They have also learned how to make and fly traditional Bermuda kites, had a tour of the Bermuda Biological Station's research vessel Weatherbird and tested their skills at the Bermuda Regiment's firing range.

Along with fond memories of Bermuda a Canadian cadet and a British cadet will take back a regular souvenir -- Bermuda road rash.

"I want to thank the passers-by, St. George's Police, and hospital staff who were all extremely helpful,'' said Lt. Helkin of the Causeway accident.