Training establishments welcome delegates from the Republic of Korea

HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood recently welcomed the visit of representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces as part of a wider visit to the UK in order to understand the Royal Navy’s education and training systems.

Captain Peter Towell OBE, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan welcomed Rear Admiral Jeong Sang Youn, the Republic of Korea’s Commander, Naval Education and Training Command and a group of senior delegates into the Establishment.

Accompanied by Capt Towell and Commodore Andy Cree, Assistant Chief of Staff Training, the group enjoyed briefs on the Royal Navy’s wider training programme, tours of the Defence College of Technical Training’s Royal Naval Air Engineering & Survival Equipment School (RNAESS) and the Defence School of Marine Engineering (DSMarE).

The tours offered the delegates the opportunity to understand how the hands on training being delivered within airframe maintenance, diesel engines and skill of hand training is equipping the Royal Navy for future requirements.

The following morning, the delegation was welcomed into HMS Collingwood where Commanding Officer Captain Andy Jordan ADC RN accompanied the group to the Weapon Engineering Training Unit (WETU).

Here the delegation saw the 4.5” Gun demonstrated by Petty Officer Alan Bates who explained the value of allowing trainees hands-on access to weaponry, an experience unavailable through computer simulations.

The group then moved to the Royal Naval Leadership Academy (RNLA) where they watched trainees tackle the High Ropes, an exercise that tests not only their skill and bravery but also their ability to work as a team.

The ropes are designed so that no individual can climb them alone – to reach the next stage of the exercise trainees must work together.

The delegates then witnessed a classroom session where further aspects of leadership development were being taught.

Speaking of the visit, Lieutenant Commander Richard Bicknell said, “This was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to Rear Admiral Jeong Sang Youn how we, at the RNLA, deliver world class training to ensure that Royal Navy has leaders with the capability and spirit to fight and win in any situation.”