Shiplake RN CCF

Recruits

2011-09-27T22:49:00.001+01:00

The section starts the new academic year with one of the strongest groups of senior NCOs we have had for a while. Under Officer Harry Griffiths is the Contingent senior cadet, and also honoured by being selected as Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Oxfordshire.

The Section is led by PO Cox'n Olly Smith, with watch leader POs Chris Kerrigan and Tim Noyce.

The section has started the term running a series of raft-building challenges for the year 10 recruit cadre, who will spend two terms of general training before choosing their sections. Some worked out better than others.

Babbage Society

2011-05-25T21:50:00.003+01:00

The Babbage Society is for "the intellectually curious" - this evening's discussion was led by Mr Simon Balderson, who asked us to consider The Singularity - the point at which machine intelligence overtakes humans. We looked at the way in which the best machines (Deep Blue) can beat the best humans (Gary Kasparov) at chess - but not yet at Go.

Beating Retreat

2011-05-24T21:38:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to the REME staff band who performed the ceremony of beating retreat this evening.

Sailing season

2011-05-24T21:37:00.002+01:00

Great winds on the Thames today. This is why we joined the RN section.

6th form - a break

2011-05-12T12:04:00.000+01:00

Conversation at break veers between 2nd order differential equations, the structure of a zygote, and the influence of hellenistic thought on existentialism.

Or so I'd like to think.

Sailing season

2011-05-10T20:13:00.002+01:00

This is a quiet blog - we enjoy doing CCF things too much. The sailing season started today - when we also received a glowing report from our Bienniel inspection, so we were all smiling.

Field Day

2010-10-12T20:10:00.005+01:00

Overnight for seniors at Bramley Training Area - and a joint service exercise for all including recruits throughout today.

I was busy running Ex HULLABALOO - a convoy of medical aid supplies threatened by local bandits - so didn't see much of the other activities. Debriefing in the coach on the way home showed that everyone seemed to have had a good day.

Sunday afternoon on the river

2010-10-10T17:56:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Charlie and George for showing year 9 what the RN Section is all about

The New Year

2010-10-02T16:22:00.002+01:00

After a quiet summer, the RN section is now under our new Cox'n, James Dobree-Carey.

There are 38 cadets in the section, with a number of others queuing up to transfer from community service and the other sections - they may be able to after Field Day on 12th October.

CCF Field Day is coming up. These notes are from Sqn Ldr Bridgeman, the Contingent Commander.

Year 10 will travel by bus to Bramley training area on Tuesday 12th Oct, returning by 1800hrs the same day. A school packed lunch will be provided on the day. Games kit of outdoor clothing as required and a sturdy pair of boots if he has them. I am in the process of ordering boots for those who have asked for them and they should have arrived by then. I will be ordering these on Wednesday 6 October so all bids need to be in by the end of the day on Tuesday 5 October.

Years 11, 12 or 13 will be leaving at 1600hrs on Monday 11th October and will be returning to school on Tuesday 12 October for 1800hrs. Each will have to ensure that he has everything he needs for a night away from home including any medicines, eyes glasses and contact lenses, a basic washing kit and a sleeping bag if you have one. I have some in stores but if any pupils can supply their own it would make all the difference to numbers as we have a limited stock and we have over 100 cadets sleeping out. They will be sleeping out under shelters or inside large disused hangers if the weather is inclement. Everything else will be provided including a 24hr ration pack and other food for the duration of the event.

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Thanks to HQ CCF (RN) for providing us with two Laser Pico and 2 Topper dinghies

Congratulations ...

2010-01-14T09:40:00.004Z

... to Harry Griffiths for an excellent presentation on the RN Section Mine Counter Measures trip, in Senior Assembly yesterday

Champ,on ice.

2010-01-11T20:51:00.001Z

Sunday afternoon

2010-01-10T16:47:00.001Z

Away games cancelled

2009-11-14T14:35:00.001Z

Expected back 1530

BFBS

2009-11-08T17:29:00.003Z

Good to see my old employer, BFBS radio, on the RN CCF web page

Old friends are now living in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan

MCM Sea Day

2009-11-08T17:28:00.003Z

S Lt Foakes, with three cadets, will be flying up to Scotland for a day about a mine counter-measures vessel, and a visit to the submarine base at Faslane, on the last weekend of term. We llok forward to a report on what whould be fascinating trip.

We will remember them

2009-11-08T17:22:00.003Z

All three sections took part in a short parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Shiplake War Memorial, as we do every year. This year had one of the best trunouts, in terms of numbers and general smartness. Joining us on parade was former CCF member and now S Lt RNR, Tim Lowndes.

Great Field Day

2009-11-02T16:31:00.002Z

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.

Minesweeper on the Clyde

2009-10-14T23:46:00.003+01:00

There is a possibility we may be able to take a party of cadets to sea for an enhanced mine counter measure day on the Clyde in December, and at the same time pay a visit to the Trident submarine base at Faslane. (Thanks to Greenpeace for the photo. We wouldn't get that close.)

More details will appear here in early November.

From Mr to S Lt

2009-10-14T23:41:00.003+01:00

Mr Foakes is now Sub Lieutenant Foakes RNR CCF. Congratulations !

Gold Expedition presentations

2009-10-14T23:37:00.003+01:00

Josh Crawford, with Charlie, Fergus and Brough, explained the aims and experiences of our first ever DofE Gold expedition under sail (see the blog for July) when the successful Year 13 adventurers presented their accounts to year 12. One group for next year are planning a canoe expedition in the sailors' wake (sorry).

Field Day

2009-10-14T23:26:00.002+01:00

Mon 19th and Tuesday 20th October is our Field Day.

We leave at 1815 on Monday, for a night aboard HMS Bristol, and visits the next day to HMS Collingwood and the Type 42 Destroyer HMS Nottingham.

Orders will be repeated here shortly.

Day four for four walkers

2009-10-05T18:28:00.001+01:00

One half of the expedition across Exmoor made good time when I met them 5 km from the end of their last day's route. The other group should be nearing Dunster after crossing the moor in thick mist this morning, which has now lifted.

All passed

2009-10-05T18:24:00.001+01:00

The DofE groups are now refuelling at Burger King, Sedgemoor, after completing their 90 km walk.

Day four

2009-10-05T15:29:00.001+01:00

Monday.One half of the expedition across Exmoor made good time when I met them 5 km from the end of their last day's route. The other group should be nearing Dunster after crossing the moor in thick mist this morning, which has now lifted.

From a tent

2009-10-04T20:40:00.001+01:00

So most Burr residents should be back home this evening,but D of E walkers are in their tents after a mainly dry day. Miss Stanley and I saw everyone arrive safely before we did our bit to support the local hospitality sector. I'm blogging from my tent, by the light of a 12LED lantern which hooks neatly into a loop at the top of the flysheet. We expect to be back late tomorrow, Monday.

New season - sunshine

2009-09-29T22:20:00.005+01:00

We start the term with better numbers than for many years, with 35 yooung men and women in the RN Section. Charlie Boutwood is acting Cox'n, supported by POs Rob Skinner and Josh Crawford. Our new Area Instructor, CPOPT Mark Smith awarded badges to these three senior NCOs at the parade today, which was followed by kayak training for the new year 10 recruits while Chief met year 11 cadets planning Personal Leadership Tasks for a future session.

Promotions

2009-07-23T17:46:00.002+01:00

I'm delighted to record that cadet leading seamen Charlie Boutwood and Josh Crawford were promoted to cadet Petty Officer in the light of their achievements this week.

DofE Gold Award ventures in open sea are very rare - and we are trying to find out how many have in fact been completed in the half century of the Award. It's certainly a first for Shiplake.

Success

2009-07-23T14:14:00.004+01:00

All now ashore, and passed this aspect of the Gold award.

Many thanks to Bob Rhodes for pictures at sea - and biggest thanks of all to Nigel Boutwood for letting his clean, tidy boat be taken over by the expedition and preliminary training. Nigel repaired most of the damage as we went along ...

Photography at sea

2009-07-23T10:51:00.004+01:00

The aim of the expedition includes exploring the history of the Solent area. Brough focusses the long lens on Osborne House.

Working the chart

2009-07-23T10:46:00.003+01:00

Navigation at sea is one of the demanding tasks for the team. The Solent has many shallows and other hazards, as well as a busy shipping lane.Fergus is working out the next course, while Josh is at the stove.

Luxury cuisine

2009-07-23T10:40:00.001+01:00

One advantage of sailing over walking is that you can take a cooker and plenty of food. Josh has emerged as the best chef of the team, producing superb breakfasts while under sail.

Under assessment

2009-07-23T10:30:00.003+01:00

Hampshire DofE manager Bob Rhodes has been monitoring progress from a RIB, and at times from on board. He is the official assessor who will decide if the venture meets the requirements of the Gold Award.

So far Charlie's helming has impressed him.

Newtown Bay

2009-07-23T10:25:00.004+01:00

The planned dinghy landings proved to be too risky in many places, but the expedition managed to pick up a mooring in Newtown Bay, and row ashore to a convenient jetty.

Last day

2009-07-23T08:28:00.003+01:00

The final leg of the expedition takes Cadenza back to Itchenor on the morning tide. With luck all should be complete by the afternoon.

Two good days

2009-07-23T08:22:00.001+01:00

Strong winds and brisk tides gave fast passages - when the team used the two together. Tuesday afternoon saw Cadenza working the strong southerly against the ebb through the Needles channel, successfully picking up a mooring off Yarmouth.

Wednesday brought gusts to F7, and some fun trying to moor off Calshot. Here the boathook decided to go swimming. Then we crossed to Osborne bay to anchor and enjoy the view.
We ended the day in Cowes, showering,replacing the boathook and admiring a gathering of classic boats.
Pictures will appear when comms permit.

Off to Hurst

2009-07-21T10:15:00.001+01:00

Breakfast: bacon sandwiches and hot chocolate. Today 's mission is to visit Burst Castle by dinghy, then anchor off Yarmouth for the night.

Off Beaulieu

2009-07-20T18:10:00.001+01:00

After a brisk sail into southwest force 4 winds, Cadenza is now approaching the Beaulieu river. The plan is to anchor overnight. The menu: sausage and mash with chicken stock gravy.

Strong winds

2009-07-19T18:37:00.001+01:00

The strong winds continue today (Sun) so we decided against making for Bembridge on the IoW. We now plan to start the venture from Itchenor on Monday morning, making for Beaulieu.

Brough at the helm

2009-07-19T14:14:00.001+01:00

Off watch

2009-07-19T14:13:00.003+01:00

Setting off

2009-07-19T14:13:00.001+01:00

Today the team completed their training phase, and met their assessor for the first time. Next meeting will be at sea off Cowes on Monday.

Fuelling

2009-07-17T20:53:00.001+01:00

At Chichester marina

Under way

2009-07-17T10:09:00.001+01:00

After solving a mechanical problem, the expedition practice phase is now under way. Weather is not great, with strong winds forecast, but easing tomorrow.

Lying at Chichester

2009-07-15T22:23:00.001+01:00

The crew are now planning the next three days.

provisoning

2009-07-15T22:21:00.001+01:00

Chichester

2009-07-15T14:35:00.001+01:00

Seagull sounds - crew due soon.

RN Section go gold

2009-07-15T09:57:00.003+01:00

Charlie Boutwood and Josh Crawford, along with Fergus Roberston-McIsaac (Army) and Brough Downey (RAF) are starting final training for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award by mounting a sailing expedition in the Solent area. We hope to monitor their progress for the RN Section blog.

Camps and courses

2009-01-26T21:44:00.002Z

Congratulations to Rob Skinner, first cadet in 2009m to apply for a course.

Cadet 10598895 Cdt. SKINNER, Robert has had their applicaton registered on Course - CCF RN Military Training MT 1(2533) starting 29-Mar-2009 Ref: C213755

Bids for Easter courses close this week, but there are many wonderful opportunties this summer. Go here for the full list.

The New RN Jetty

2009-01-26T21:35:00.003Z

Thanks to funding from HQ CCF RN, a new jetty is being built to provide an accessible mooring for the section's Cheverton Champ launch, and also a place to train crews in the art of coming alongside without breaking things.

The jetty has been designed and is being built by Richard Evans, Senior Groundsman, and Austen Dorey, Boatman, and their colleagues, using fine hardwood.

2009

2009-01-08T20:29:00.003Z

we ended 2008 very busily, moving all our kit out of the old shed into two new ISO shipping containers (to be named Fearless and Intrepid).

This term sees the start of serious navigation training, workup for the Bienniel Inspection on 17th March, and planning for waterborne training once the weather warms up.

Meanwhile we wish CPO Gary Aldridge plenty of snow for the RN Ski Championships.

Back online

2008-11-28T14:11:00.003Z

The RN section is getting back on line, after a busy term so far which has seen numbers rise to 30, a terrific Field Day thanks to our friends at Bearwood College, and the delivery of two ISO shipping containers to be the new secure store for our training kit. The old RN hut is being handed over to the Boat Club as a fitness centre with ergometers and weights.

The section Ensign has reappeared after several years of being stored in a safe place (the Boat Club sculling shed).

CPO Gary Aldridge will be visiting us again in the last week of term, and we plan a session looking at camps and courses for Easter - details are now available at the RNCOM website (link on the sidebar), and a game of indoor deck hockey.

Vital support to 20 Mile Sponsored walk

2008-05-01T21:10:00.005+01:00

The Section provided vital support to the school's 20-mile sponsored walk along the Thames Path today. Fortunately there were no injuries, but a number of tired people enjoyed a few miles rest and were then able to carry on and finish the route. RN cadets gained experience in boat handling in unfamiliar waters, including man overboard drills and working the new automatic lock gates upstream between Shiplake and Whitchurch.

More photos at
http://pics.sinodun.org.uk/main.php?g2_itemId=6737

The key players were the three Senior NCOs, Jack Harvard-Taylor, Will Bates and Freddie Hunting.

Action Stations

2008-02-27T14:05:00.007Z

We also enjoyed visiting HMS Victory, and the nearby RN Museum with the impressive Trafalgar Experience. After lunch we moved on to Action Stations with its simultors, engineering demonstrations (such as propeller cavitation and the hydrogen rocket), firepower games (Cox'n Joe Holmes is fighting off critical comments about his shirt hanging out) and the climbing walls(Harry Coaker is racing Ed Pinker on the moving climb).

RFA Fort Victoria

2008-02-27T09:17:00.004Z

We enjoyed our tour of the eleven-story, 208 metre long, floating supermarket, fuel station and heliport. Here is the rig which can replenish warships at sea with everything they need.

The ammunition and missile magazines, deep inside the ship, are protected by blast panels which would allow the force of any explosion to vent outwards above the waterline.

Field Day: we visit RFA Fort Victoria

2008-02-23T07:17:00.002Z

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria (A387) was built by Harland and Wolff and her sister ship RFA Fort George (A388) was built by Swan Hunter Shipbuilders. The ships entered service in 1994. Fort Victoria is 204m long, has a beam of 30m and displaces 31,565t.
"RFA Fort Victoria and Fort George combine the functions of a fleet support tanker and a stores support ship."
The primary role of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), a flotilla of 21 ships manned by civilians and owned by the Ministry of Defence, is to supply the Royal Navy at sea. The RFA also provides the Royal Navy with sea-borne aviation training facilities in addition to secure logistical support and amphibious operations capability for the Royal Marines and the British Army.
RFA Fort Victoria and Fort George combine the functions of a fleet support tanker and a stores support ship. The ships have the capacity to carry a cargo of up to 6,250m³ of solids stores plus 12,500m³ of liquids.
RFA Fort Victoria was part of the UK Royal Navy Task Group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March and April 2004.
In July 2006, RFA Fort Victoria supported operations in the evacuation of UK nationals from Beirut during the conflict involving Israel and Lebanon, as part of the Royal Navy Operation Highbrow.
REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
The four dual-purpose replenishment rigs fitted amidships enable RFA Fort Victoria to replenish two warships with both fuel and stores simultaneously. Fuel transfer is accomplished by suspending a hose from a tensioned cable, the jackstay, which runs from RFA Fort Victoria to the receiving warship.
The hose is fitted with a quick-coupling probe to mate with the receiving point on the warship. Once the hose has been connected, RFA Fort Victoria is able to pump fuel across to the receiving ship. During a stores transfer the jackstay supports a 'traveller', a travelling hoist to which loads of up to 2t may be coupled.
As well as the main replenishment rigs, RFA Victoria is also fitted with an additional refuelling rig, called a Hudson Reel, at the stern. Stern refuelling is not as efficient as beam replenishment, but it is safer in severe weather conditions.
HELICOPTERS
RFA Fort Victoria is also fitted with a two-spot flight deck, a hangar and maintenance facilities for five Sea King or Merlin helicopters. This gives the ship an enhanced capability to re-supply warships in a task group by a technique called vertical replenishment (VERTREP) which involves using helicopters to ferry supplies from ship to ship.
"Four dual-purpose replenishment rigs are fitted."
VERTREP may be used to speed up the process of replenishing a ship on one of the RAS rigs, or to re-store another vessel that does not need to take fuel onboard. The flight decks are capable of providing an emergency landing facility for the Harrier VTOL aircraft.
WEAPONS
The Fort Victoria Class ships are armed with four MSI Defence Systems DS30B gun mounting with Oerlikon KCB 30mm guns. These are 75-calibre, have a muzzle velocity of over 1,000m/s and rate of fire of 600 rounds/min. The ships are also fitted with two Raytheon Phalanx Mk 15 20mm Close-In-Weapon Systems (CIWS).
COUNTERMEASURES
The ship is equipped with four NATO Sea Gnat decoy launchers or BAE Systems Shield decoy launchers to provide protection against anti-ship missiles. Each system contains a multiple tube launcher capable of dispensing chaff or infrared decoys. The ship is also equipped with a Graseby towed torpedo decoy.
The ship is equipped with a Mentor electronic support measures system developed by BAE Systems. Mentor intercepts and identifies hostile radar emissions.
SENSORS
"The ship is equipped with four NATO Sea Gnat decoy launchers."
The ship's radar suite comprises a Kelvin Hughes 1007 navigation radar and a Kelvin Hughes Nucleus aircraft control radar both operating in I-band. The ship is also capable of being fitted with the BAE Systems Type 996 3D air search radar operating in E and F band, although this system is not operational at present.
PROPULSION
The ship is powered by two Crossley-Pielstick diesel engines, type 16 PC2.6 V 400, rated at 23,600hp, which give the ship a maximum speed of 22kt.

2008-01-17T14:43:00.000Z

Training schedule for Spring 2008: Draft

22 Jan
Yr 11 - Weapon Training
Yr 10 Navigation; Naval warfare (LS Hunting)

29 Jan
Yr 11 - Weapon Training
Yr 10 - Navigation assessment

Field nav practical (PO Harvard-Taylor)

5 Feb
Yr 11: Weapon Training
Yr 10 : Comms exercise (LS Hunting)
Radios provided by Lt Arnold (Army Section)

12 Feb
HALF TERM

19 Feb
Prepare for Field Day/ Boat Maint

25/26 Feb
FIELD DAY

4 Mar
Boat Maint/Launching

11 March
Water based training

Access through College network

2007-11-19T09:35:00.001Z

Many thanks to Mr Bridges and Mr Cotton for making this blog accessible for updating from the College network

Camps and Courses

2007-11-02T11:26:00.000Z

Highlights for 2008 include Offshore Sailing, Sea Kayaking and Trekking in Greenland; diving in the Red Sea and the ever-popular Powerboating courses.

I will have details when we parade on Tuesday - CAML.

Contingent sees Firepower

2007-10-28T19:52:00.000Z

Firepower

Date: Thursday October 18th, 2007

Senior Cadets (including PO Joe Holmes, in a covert role attached to the Army section for the day) enjoyed an impressive day out at Warminster when they were invited to the Third Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment's Firepower demonstration. The visitors had a superb view of the day's dramatic proceedings, stood on a viewing grandstand behind the range. Proceedings began with an infantry attack using SA80-A2 rifles and the various other infantry weapons, ranging from machine guns to rocket launchers. Then came the armour with Warrior and Scimitar tracked vehicles and the Challenger main battle tanks. They showed supreme accuracy as they hit their targets varying from distances of 400 metres to 1000 metres using both the main cannon and other smaller calibre weapons. Various artillery pieces were used, such as the AS90, a self propelled 120mm gun to complement the tanks and to give a complete demonstration of the armament available to the British army of today and of the support, such as Royal Engineer mine clearance, to the actual soldiers on the ground.

Finally a Harrier and Tornado arrived to show how air-support is co-ordinated with infantry and tanks. Decibel levels soared when the Challenger tanks arrived and the cadets had to wear double ear-muff protection.

A great and valuable day out ended with tea and cakes in the Officers' Mess and an informal chat about possible careers in the forces. Many thanks to all involved from all three services.

Training in November and December

2007-10-28T19:29:00.000Z

Plans for training for the rest of this term include:

Stock take of all uniform and arrangements to replace worn out shirts etc.

Remembrance Day parade (Sun 11th) - volunteers needed to help Sub Lt Lowndes sell poppies in Binfield Heath.

Air rifle shooting (LS Pinker and LS Hunting). We have issued a challenge to the other two sections for a taregt competition.
Boat safety and chart work (LS Bates)
Compass work (acting LS Gong)
First Aid (LS Davies)
Communications (LS Hunting)
Knots, the role of the RN (PO Harvard-Taylor)
Tides, the role of the RN (PO Holmes)

Next term will include the AB and LS assessments, and Field Day (Mon 3rd and Tue 4th March) which we hope will include some serious naval challenges as well as an overnight survival exercise. Bid now for Santa to bring you woolly hats for Christmas.

Field Day Pictures

2007-10-22T11:50:00.000+01:00

Photos from HMS Collingwood (copyright)

Field Day

2007-10-22T11:46:00.001+01:00

RN Section Field Day 24 to 25^th September 2007

The section traveled down to HMS Excellent in Portsmouth on Monday night and boarded HMS Bristol for an overnight stay. HMS Bristol is permanently berthed at Whale Island, the Ship remains in commission, has an RN Commanding Officer and is administered as a Department of HMS Excellent. A Type 82 Destroyer of 7000 tons, and the seventh ship to bear the name, Bristol was commissioned in 1973; she was finally withdrawn from service in 1991 and configured for her current role in 1993. Currently one third of her compartments are used for accommodation, providing 460 berths for the fourteen thousand Sea Cadets and CCF cadets who pass through her every year. The section undertook a test on safe weapon handling before making up their bunks and retiring for an early start next day.

On Tuesday morning we headed to our parent establishment HMS Collingwood. HMS Collingwood is the lead establishment of the Maritime Warfare School (MWS) and the largest naval training organisation in Western Europe. At any one time the MWS is training about 10% of the Service and has an annual throughput of over 30,000 Officers and Ratings, both regular and reserve. The Command Training Group - previously the Royal Navy School of Leadership and Management had organised a full day’s programme for us, beginning with communication and team building exercises. One of these involved launching an egg from a second storey window, the cadets were given two balloons, two pieces of string and A4 paper to ensure it had a safe landing!! This was followed by an hour on the DCCT – Dismounted Close Combat Trainer, an indoor small arms training simulator. Laser sighted, gas powered SA80 rifles were used in a number of scenarios to test the cadet’s weapon handling skills and marksmanship. Despite at times excessive numbers of rounds being fired, several cadets proved themselves good shots and there were a number of confirmed kills! We then moved to look at ships weapon systems, including a 4.5 inch gun and the Phalanx. Fitted in all frigates and destroyers the 4.5 inch MK 8 gun is the Royal Navy's standard medium calibre general purpose gun. The primary purpose of the gun is Naval Gunfire Support, the provision of artillery bombardment against shore targets. In this role the gun is capable of firing a 21kg shell at 25 rounds per minute in excess of 22,000m and can provide artillery support equivalent to three shore based batteries. The Mk 8 can also be used effectively against surface targets at sea as well as a limited anti-air capability. The cadets saw the working parts of the gun in very close proximity as a training round was loaded and fired. Phalanx provides a "last-chance" defence by automatically detecting, tracking, and engaging anti-air warfare threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The Phalanx is fitted in Type 42 Destroyers, LPD (Landing Platform Dock), LPH (Landing Platform Helicopter), and AOR (Auxiliary Oilier Replenishment). This 20mm automatic Gatling gun CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) has a range of approximately 1 mile and can fire at the rate of 3,000 rpm.

Just before lunch we moved to the Bridge Simulators, highly realistic computer generated graphics are used to train all RN personnel. These simulators allow seafarers of all standards to experience and refine every aspect of navigation and ship handling - from basic watch keeping to the use of the latest electronic navigation aids and advanced ship handling practice. Giving the ability to practice routine and emergency responses in a safe but realistic environment, just as well as several or our cadets managed to steer a destroyer into a fuel replenishment ship! After lunch the cadets changed into sports gear and received a full safety briefing before running HMS Collingwood’s Obstacle course. High ‘A’ frames, water filled pits, cramped concrete tunnels, cargo nets and a 10 foot wall were just some of the challenges faced by three teams in a closely fought competition.

All in all a very successful, busy and interesting Field Day, our thanks go to Lt Kirwan our PELO and his team at HMS Excellent for providing us with such a fantastic training opportunity.

Lieutenant Commander GS Lawson Shiplake College CCF

Half Term

2007-10-20T09:53:00.000+01:00

The RN section of the Shiplake College CCF is on holiday for half term. Watch this space for details of what we achieved in Sept and Oct, and our plans for the rest of this term.