A spectacular display of strength, courage and agility marked the end of a gruelling course which trains Royal Navy instructors in keeping sailors fit to fight.
Fifteen physical trainers marked their passing out in style at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth – the Navy’s School of Physical Training - in front of more than 200 guests.
The graduates have qualified as leading physical training instructors and will now be dispersed among RN shore establishments to coach sailors in health and fitness.
The dazzling 70-minute display included many of the traditional skills taught on the six-month course including club swinging, rope climbing, gymnastics, dancing the hornpipe and performing at height on a window ladder.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Willetts, Temeraire’s training officer, said: “It was pleasing that so many guests were able to see the display which represents such an important day in the career of Navy physical trainers. It is a small, select specialisation within the Royal Navy but it is rich in quality and its standards are of the highest order.
He added, “We firmly believe that the fifteen qualifiers have demonstrated all the necessary attributes that are needed to join this unique branch.”
The course content includes circuit and weight training, strength and conditioning, fitness testing, sports science and diet and nutrition. Students also cover basic coaching in a variety of sports including football, hockey, volleyball and boxing plus topics such as event management, sports administration and income generation.
Among the students was Leading Physical Trainer Matthew Jones, aged 31. He said: “The last six months have been very demanding, both physically and mentally, but I can’t wait to start in my new role. My success and achievements are a credit to the support I’ve had from my family.”
The other students passing out were Ben Priddey, 31, Elise Broughton, 27, Etham Yates, 25, Andrew Lowes, 26, Carl Stubbs, 27, Catherine Forrest, 25, Susan Badger, 27, Megan Meyer, 26, James Johnson, 29, Michael Payne, 28, Dean Roach, 28, Hayley Saunders, 31, Rachel Luckham, 24, and Aaron Snowdon, 25.
