Great Field Day

Highlights of the RN Section Field Day included the multi-million pound warship bridge simulator, used for training all levels of RN officers up to those in command. The flexibility of the system allows the bridge, with its wrap-round view of a virtual seascape, to become the cockpit of a Harrier being launched from the deck of carrier - and then flying upside down over Plymouth Sound.

We also played on the “three million pound X box” tactical trainer, which allows simulated warfare between surface vessels, aircraft and submarines. With all their missiles, guns and torpedoes. Oh, and mines. And sandbanks to run aground on. Unfortunately we sank all our own ships and crashed the system. Twice.

We were also given a tour of a real warship, the type 42 destroyer HMS Nottingham. From the forecastle, we could see HMS Bristol, where we’d stayed overnight.