Flight Lieutenant Kerrie Noble’s journey to Sweden in 2024 was far more than a busy schedule of cultural visits, historical landmarks, and aviation adventures—it was a transformative experience marked by profound personal insights and professional growth.
Highlights of the trip included crossing the Arctic Circle, tasting reindeer meat, spending a night in a Cold War bunker reminiscent of a James Bond film, and enjoying unforgettable moments on a C130 Hercules and a Black Hawk. Beyond these remarkable experiences, the journey offered invaluable lessons and memories, as reflected in this personal account of the trip’s most impactful and memorable moments.
A personal reflection on a trip of a lifetime
Participating in the IACE program has been an invaluable experience for me, both personally and professionally. It provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with cadet programs from other countries, gaining insights to enhance the UK cadet program. As a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, this exchange gave me fresh perspectives and a renewed enthusiasm for supporting the organisation, especially after a challenging period leading my squadron through grief following the loss of a cadet.
Professionally, as a Manufacturing Engineer in the UK Defense Industry, this experience deepened my understanding of international defense collaboration. Interacting with a NATO partner added valuable context to my work supporting mission delivery for the UK and its allies, broadening my perspective on global defense.
On a personal level, these two weeks were transformative. Spending time with like-minded individuals, forming friendships, and being positively challenged offered life lessons I’ll carry forward. Sweden’s balanced program of activities combined learning and camaraderie in a way that no other trip could replicate.
Day 0: The journey begins
To give anyone a true reflection of the trip, the diary starts the day before we even got to Sweden.
The trip started with a five-hour train journey to London, and what seemed like a minor inconvenience—a stubborn suitcase—soon became a challenge. Dragging the bag felt like pulling a stone through mud, but I persevered. A quick stop at a St Pancras luggage store solved the problem, and in under 20 minutes, I had a new bag packed and ready to go.
Arriving at RAF Northolt in pouring rain, I navigated the base with a mix of apprehension and excitement. The day ended with dinner, meeting the cadets for the first time, and briefings. Barry the Air Bear, a mascot who would soon become part of the IACE Sweden family, made his debut ready for adventures ahead. Lights out came early with a 5 a.m. wake-up call looming.
Day 1: Departure and first impressions
A pre-dawn start got us to Heathrow in time to assist cadets with flight check-ins before grabbing a quick breakfast. After a short delay, we boarded our Scandinavian Airlines flight, where the crew shared their enthusiasm for our mission. A former IACE cadet, now a pilot, even invited us into the cockpit for photos with Barry.
Landing in Sweden wasn’t as smooth as hoped; it took 90 minutes to clear passport control, delaying our dinner plans. Fortunately, our hosts ensured the dining hall stayed open late. After settling in Uppsala, we connected with our German colleagues and began team-building activities. A quick supper of Swedish bread, ham, and cheese ended the day on a high note, though sleep was brief as we prepared for our journey to Luleå.
Day 2: The Arctic adventure begins
The day started with a traditional Swedish game of Kubb—think lawn bowls, but with stick-throwing. It was a fun way to bond with the group before we packed (again!) for our flight north.
Our mode of transport? A Swedish Air Force C130 Hercules. The excitement of boarding this aircraft overshadowed any travel fatigue. During the flight, cadets explored the plane, snapped photos, and even experienced flying with the ramp down, providing breathtaking views over Luleå. Barry, of course, braved the ramp for a daring photo op.
For the trip we were joined by Johan Tornqvist, Secretary General of the Swedish Air Force Voluntary. Johan was joining us to travel to Lulea where the Swedish Cadets were completing their 2 week Summer Course. Something the international cadets would be joining the following day.
Landing in Luleå, we quickly settled into new accommodations and collected uniforms for the next day’s activities. A tour of the F21 Wing introduced us to the Grippen aircraft, showcasing Sweden’s impressive aviation technology. After dinner, we gathered to watch England’s Euro 2024 semi-final win alongside our German peers—a surreal moment of shared celebration. The day ended at 11:30pm, under the midnight sun of Northern Sweden.

Day 3: A Dreich (gloomy) day in the forest
The day started under a gloomy, rain-filled sky that would make any Scot feel at home. Thankfully, a hearty breakfast set the tone as international cadets prepared to join their Swedish peers in a competitive team event marking the end of the Summer Course 2024.
Equipped with waterproofs, the cadets braved a day of orienteering through the forest. Along the way, they tackled various team challenges—lighting fires, estimating distances, memory puzzles, and leadership exercises. The damp conditions and swarms of mosquitoes tested their resolve, but their spirits remained high. Lunch was particularly memorable, served near a mosquito breeding ground—a unique Swedish experience!
While the cadets navigated the rain-soaked forest, my German counterpart and I spent the day exchanging cultural insights with our hosts. It was a productive time to compare and discuss cadet programs, deepening our mutual understanding.
In the evening, everyone cleaned up for a formal dinner with the FVRF, marking the conclusion of the Swedish Summer Course. The highlight? The announcement of the competition winners—though the UK Junior Leader wasn’t among them, the camaraderie was undeniable. As the night ended, cadets prepared their kit for the next day’s early departure while we packed for the next leg of our journey.
Day 4: Crossing the Arctic Circle
Today’s mission was clear: reach the Arctic Circle and become the most northern IACE team in the world! The journey involved a two-hour drive to Jokkmokk, but the experience was well worth the effort.
Upon arrival, we marked the occasion with photos, adding a UK IACE sticker to the iconic Arctic Circle sign, leaving our mark for future travelers. Barry the Air Bear even learned to somersault for his own selfie—a true international mascot.
Next, we visited Rodberget Fortress in Boden, a vast fort carved into the surrounding bedrock. Josefine, one of our hosts, regaled us with stories about her time in Boden, but Barry seemed unimpressed by the imposing structure.
Lunch was a treat—a visit to Max, Sweden’s local answer to McDonald’s, much to the delight of the cadets. The drive back featured ABBA tunes, Barry dancing along as we soaked in the Swedish countryside.
Back in Luleå, we thanked our hosts at F21 Norbotten Wing before catching our flight to Stockholm. At the airport, I finally experienced my first Swedish fika—coffee, cake, and conversation—a perfect way to relax after a packed day.
Day 5: Exploring Uppsala
A slower start to the day gave everyone a chance to recharge. Breakfast at 9am was followed by a trip to Uppsala, the local city.
We began with a visit to Uppsala Domkyrka, the resting place of King Eric IX and the site of historical Swedish coronations. The cathedral's grandeur left everyone in awe. Next was the Uppsala University Museum of Science and History, which showcased Sweden’s Nobel Prize legacy. Though I was promised some gruesome anatomy displays, it fell short of my Edinburgh Dungeon standards.
Lunch on the go led us to Skokloster Slott, Sweden’s largest privately built castle. The castle’s rich history, massive armory, and unique unfinished ballroom offered a glimpse into Baroque splendor. The highlight for some was Vertumnus, a famous painting studied by one of the cadets.
The evening brought some downtime, with swimming and relaxation rounding out a culturally enriching day. Tomorrow promised even more adventures.

Day 6: A sweet journey
The day began with several hours on the road as we made our way from Uppsala to Linköping. To break up the drive, our hosts surprised the cadets with a visit to Sweden's second-largest candy store. The joy on their faces was priceless—they were truly like kids in a candy store. Stocking up on everything from traditional sweets to oversized sugar blocks, the cadets were set for days of snacking.
Next, we visited the second-largest IKEA in the world, a behemoth spanning six floors. Navigating the labyrinth-like layout became an adventure of its own, with cadets trying to see how many wardrobes they could fit into one area. A few managed to sneak in a serving of Swedish meatballs, adding to the experience.
Lunch was a simple picnic along the E4 highway before we continued the drive to Linköping. Upon arrival at the base, there was just enough time to unpack before heading into town for UV mini-golf. What started as a fun activity quickly became a Germany vs. UK showdown. The UK claimed victory, lifting spirits before settling down to watch the Euro 2024 final.
Despite initial excitement, the heartbreak of defeat lingered as the group left the viewing area. Still, in good humor, we played “Football’s Coming Home” on the drive back to base, laughing at the irony of it all.
Day 7: Exploring Linköping
An early start led us to a tour of the helicopter wing at Linköping, featuring the AW109 and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Our host, the Company Commander of the AW109 team, gave us a private and detailed tour. Media teams were also present, documenting the visit for IACE’s promotional purposes—a great way to share the program’s value with a wider audience.
Lunch was a highlight—a delicious Thai buffet in town, enjoyed by all. Afterward, we met the R3 team responsible for maintaining the airfield. Their presentation offered insights into the technical work that keeps the base operational. The cadets’ friendly competition with the Canadian team over Instagram followers added extra energy, especially when Barry the Air Bear made his grand appearance in some amusing videos.
The afternoon was spent at the Flygvapenmuseum, where we explored the story of a DC-3 aircraft shot down in 1952. The museum’s inventive exhibits brought the story to life. However, the day ended with logistical challenges as we prepared for the move to Gothenburg. While the cadets enjoyed shopping and free time, I chose to rest, knowing another long day awaited us.
Day 8: Flying high in a Black Hawk
By now, surprises had become a theme of the trip, but this one was truly unforgettable. Our hosts managed to arrange a flight in a Black Hawk helicopter—a last-minute addition confirmed just the previous afternoon. The excitement among the group was palpable as we took to the skies, an experience that will undoubtedly remain etched in our memories.
A journey of adventure and connection
The IACE Sweden trip was far more than a packed itinerary of unique experiences—it was a celebration of international camaraderie, cultural exchange, and personal growth. From navigating mosquito-laden forests to flying in Black Hawk helicopters, the cadets (and Barry!) embraced every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm.
For me, the most rewarding aspect was witnessing the cadets form bonds across borders and grow in confidence as they tackled unfamiliar situations. Whether they were sharing laughs over IKEA meatballs, cheering during football matches, or marveling at Swedish history and engineering, the cadets demonstrated the true spirit of IACE.
This trip has left us with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of what it means to connect across cultures. Sweden offered a perfect backdrop for this adventure—a mix of natural beauty, modern innovation, and rich history.