The organisation was founded in the early 1900s and officially recognised under the Naval Defence Act in 1910. Prior to 1973, the organisation was known as the Australian Sea Cadet Corps, and was jointly administered by the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy League of Australia.

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After 1973, the Navy assumed full responsibility for the Corps, which was renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets. The Australian Government review, “Cadets The Future” recommended a final name change to Australian Navy Cadets in 2000.

From 1942 until his death in 1952 HM King George VI was the Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps.

The following is a list of names held by both the Naval League and Defence run / sponsored programs including the original “Church of England – Boys Naval Brigade” from 1901 to 1911:

  • Boys Naval Brigades (Victoria) 1901 to 1911 (Run in conjunction with the “Church of England”)
  • Australian Naval Cadet Corps ANCC 1907 to1950 (Defence)
  • Navy League Sea Cadet Corps NLSCC (1920 to 1950) (Navy League)
  • RANR Cadets 1950–1973 (Defence)
  • Australian Sea Cadet Corps ASCC (1950 to 1972) (Navy League)
  • (1973 - Navy League and Defence cadets merged into one unit, the NRC)
  • Naval Reserve Cadets NRC (1972 - 31 March 2000) (Defence)
  • Australian Navy Cadets ANC (1 April 2000 - Present) (Defence)

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