CLYDE Naval Base rolled out the red carpet for a group of youngsters who are interested in the Royal Navy.

The Scottish establishment welcomed around 100 Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cadets and 35 of their officers from more than 20 schools around the country, including Jersey, the South Coast and the Midlands, for a two-day taster of what life in the Senior Service could be like.

One day was spent on the water, with Sandown-class minehunter HMS Penzance being one of five craft to take the group out onto the Clyde – SERCO’s fleet tender Oronsay was another vessel pressed into service on the day.

While on board Penzance the cadets watched demonstrations of fire-fighting, weapons firing and search and rescue techniques, the latter lid on by a visiting Sea King from HMS Gannet, while Penzance’s sister ship HMS Bangor also played her part.

The second day brought a series of presentations and lectures from a diverse list of units, including Royal Marines from Fleet Protection Group RM and ordnance disposal experts from the Northern Diving Group.

Cadets tried their hand at taking the helm of a number of (virtual) vessels in the Pathfinder bridge simulator and the submarine simulator.

The youngsters, aged between 14 and 18, and their officers stayed at Garelochhead training camp, a mile or so up the road from Faslane.

“This was a chance for the cadets and their officers to meet regular serving personnel and work with the Royal Navy at sea,” said CPOTI Derik Nordon, who organised the visit.

“They all went away with a much greater interest and awareness of the role of the Royal Navy.”

Cadet Tom Smith, aged 15, from Cheltenham said: “My favourite part of the visit was riding on the RIBs and looking at all the Royal Navy equipment.”

Another Cheltenham cadet, 14-year-old Tom Lowde, said: “I enjoyed looking at the weapons and loved the submarine simulator.”

Lt (CCF) Christine Harrison, who teaches physics at Cheltenham College, said: “It has been a fantastic experience for the cadets.
“We have had a brilliant two days.
“There have been plenty of activities, and it is good to see what the Royal Navy does.”

Caption: Sailors on HMS Bangor, as seen from HMS Penzance, during demonstrations for CCF cadets at Clyde Naval Base

Images by LA(Phot) Macleod

Cadet onboard HMS Penzance	Navy Diver tells cadets about his work	Cadet on the Pathfinder Bridge Simulator
Firefighting demonstration onboard HMS Penzance	Cadets help defend the ship	Sea King from HMS Gannet demonstrates