HMS Raleigh is preparing to open its gates to visitors on Wednesday 27 July to allow members of the public to take a look behind the scenes at the training base in Torpoint.
The establishment, the largest Royal Navy training base in the South West, will be open from noon until 5 pm for a free afternoon of family entertainment.
Visitors will be able to take a look at a range of displays and demonstrations designed to show the variety of training carried out at the base; from induction to new recruits to fire-fighting, weapons training, submarine operations and logistics.
Highlights will include a parachute jump by the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute display team, a military working dog display, cooking demonstration, a Field Gun run and performances by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth.
Free bouncy castles and other fairground attractions will be available to entertain younger visitors. Children will also be able to take part in a range of challenges including a ‘Ninja Warrior’ obstacle course and a penalty shoot-out competition organised by the physical training staff.
Captain Rob Bellfield, the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said, “Our open day is intended as a relaxed occasion with a focus on families. It’s a chance for members of the public to see what we do here and find out more about HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy and the Armed Forces in general.
"We are looking forward to welcoming visitors on the day whether they are young people contemplating a military career, veterans looking for a trip down memory lane or families just looking to enjoy an afternoon out.”
Visitors will also be able to get a close look at military hardware and weapons such as Army trucks, off-shore raiding craft used by the Royal Marines and two decommissioned helicopters, now used to support First Aid training.
They will be able to try on survival equipment and get an idea of what it’s like to live in the field, tasting the contents of a 24-hour ration pack.
With careers advisors on hand to give information on the different roles the Armed Forces has to offer, members of the public will be able to try their hand at replacing a temporary filling as a deployed dentist in a field dental unit.
An accommodation block will be open for visitors to see where the Royal Navy recruits live during their training, with staff on hand to answer questions and talk about the standards recruits must meet to pass the course.
Veterans groups will also be available to talk about their experiences, the role they play in mentoring today’s recruits and the support available to serving and ex-serving personnel.
Representatives from Duchy College will be present giving details of their Public Services course and staff from Babcock will provide information about careers in engineering.
Parking at HMS Raleigh on the day is limited and under-14s will not be permitted without an adult. All visitors will be subject to search and dogs can not be admitted, except for guide dogs.
