Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland and destroyer HMS Newcastle have jointly hosted the annual sea day for the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS).

The RCDS course is attended by high-ranking military and civilian officials from the UK and overseas armed forces, including a number from the Commonwealth, as well as senior representatives of the defence industry.

The event is staged in order to give student officers an appreciation of the Royal Navy and how modern warfare is conducted at sea.

During the sea day, Cumberland and Newcastle took part in the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) ‘Thursday War’, conducting an air defence and anti-submarine exercise as well as a light jackstay transfer.

Members of the ship’s company also demonstrated damage control and firefighting, first aid and command and control procedures.

Cumberland’s Commanding Officer, Capt Mike Mansergh, said of the visit: “It was a great honour for HMS Cumberland to host the Royal College of Defence Studies Sea Day.

“The importance of demonstrating to the course the maritime contribution to modern joint warfare techniques cannot be over-emphasised.

“We very much enjoyed having members of the RCDS on board and hope they left with a positive impression of both ships and the Royal Navy and, or course, our men and women.”