[3] He spent his early years with 820 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose.

[4] In 2005, Cass was promoted to warrant officer 2 and appointed senior maintenance rating of 700M Naval Air Squadron.

[3] From 2009 to 2011, he was attached to AgustaWestland as the "structural integrity engineering authority responsible for the safety and airworthiness of all Merlin’s across the MOD and around the world".

[6] During this time, he was also President of the station's warrant officers' and senior rates' mess.

[7] In July 2013, Cass was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal,[8] receiving it from Vice Admiral David Steel in a ceremony in September.