Six of Blue Coat’s Royal Navy Cadets, one Army Cadet and three other pupils with a keen interest in engineering were fortunate enough to be invited to visit HMS SULTAN (Defence School of Marine Engineering and the Royal Naval Air  Engineering and Survival School) and HMS COLLINGWOOD (the headquarters of the Maritime Warfare School), on 17th May.  It was a wonderful opportunity for the boys to witness the working environment of two major RN training establishments, to meet and chat with young naval officers fresh from university and to learn about the role of engineering in the Royal Navy.  The invitation was courtesy of Lieutenant Marc Griffiths RNZN, who is stationed at HMS SULTAN and is doing a splendid job as our liaison officer.

The morning at HMS SULTAN included the opportunity to view the Rolls Royce MT30 gas-turbine engines which have been fitted in the biggest and most powerful warship ever constructed for the Royal Navy, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, and the chance to examine the interiors of the Merlin and Sea King helicopters.

The afternoon was spent at HMS COLLINGWOOD, learning about naval armaments, specifically the 4.5” mk 8 naval gun, followed by the chance to try out the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun.

Lt Cdr C Bate RN Rtd