HMS Richmond supports PWO Training

HMS Richmond, has been playing host to students and staff from the Maritime Warfare School has they embark on the final part of their Training to become qualified Principal Warfare Officers and Leading Aircraft Controllers.

The training, which was conducted in the South Coast Exercise Areas, saw the Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate come under simulated attack from land, sea and air as part of a tough package of exercises designed to put the students to the test.

This culminated with a chance for the PWO students to fire the ships 4.5” Gun at a simulated target. For many this represented the first opportunity for them to conduct a live firing at sea.

PWO Student Lieutenant Craig Guest said, “Students are very appreciative for the efforts of all the ship’s team in helping them through their final assessed phase of PWO course.

“The reality of live operations, such as C2 and equipment availability is difficult to replicate in simulation, and provided a steep learning curve when executed at sea, in the SCXAs, in RCMD.

Next up for Richmond is a six week maintenance period in her home port before embarking on a busy training programme over the summer months which will see the ship embark Warfare Training Squadron, Engineer Training Squadron and ISA Officer Cadets from BRNC.