Naval physical trainer rewarded as No1

A Chief Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor (CPO PTI) serving at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose has been highly commended for her work in training future Royal Navy PTIs.

CPO PTI Donna Chapman attended a small ceremony at HMS Collingwood where Flag Officer Sea Training Rear Admiral John Clink OBE, presented her with a FOST Commendation.

Donna picks up her commendation after serving at the Royal Navy School of Physical Training (RNSPT) at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, where she was the first ever female ‘Number One Instructor’ in the RNSPT’s 127 year history.

As the Petty Officer in charge at the time she was responsible for putting students through their paces on the gruelling six-month course as they strive to qualify as Leading Physical training instructors.

“I had my heart set on this role ever since I became a Navy PTI in 2008,” said Donna.

“Becoming ‘Number One Instructor’ is often considered the pinnacle role as a Petty Officer within the PT Branch. It’s was hard work but extremely rewarding and well worth it.”

Her days as ‘No1’ were long and arduous.  As well as physical coaching, teaching and instructing there was also meticulous planning and preparation of lessons away from the classroom.

“My main focus was to train and deliver the next generation of high calibre PTI’s with the knowledge and to become effective at any Unit, Ship or Establishment on which they may serve.”

Like all ‘Number One Instructors’, Donna was fortunate enough to be hand-picked to join the RNSPT after displaying superior instructional qualities and the potential for fast track promotion on her PTI Qualifying Course.

“I absolutely loved my dream job. It was demanding physically, mentally and gave me little time outside of work; however to watch a course grow from just sailors and become proficient LPT’s has undoubtedly been the most rewarding time of my career so far.”