One of the highlights of a Welsh Naval Reservist’s time onboard HMS Severn has been when the Ship visited Cardiff Bay, for a weeklong stop over as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
During the visit the Batch 1 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) took part in several events at Britannia Quay near the Senedd for the Jubilee Celebrations, including a visit by the first Minister of Wales and a chance for the public to look over the Ship.
Able Rating Olivia ‘Liv’ Quinn from Penarth, who as a Royal Naval Reserve in based at HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay, was excited to come to Cardiff Bay for the visit.
“It was pretty special sailing past Penarth coming in Cardiff Bay, as well as manoeuvring through the Locks near HMS Cambria, it was exciting and great to see all the people who turned out for us,” said Liv.
Liv has been with HMS Severn since September 2021, and as a reservist is part of the Seaman specialisation team on board. She has served with the Ship on its patrolling duties around the UK and has enjoyed all the experiences and knowledge she has gained.
“It’s been really good, the whole ship’s company are such a tight group there’s only five of us in my team, it’s really like a family. When I started on HMS Severn, I was well prepared from what I’d been taught at HMS Cambria and the training with the Reserves. It was exactly what I expected, and the whole experience has not let me down.
“I’ve seen some wonderful things around the UK. Going up the Clyde into Glasgow with the Royal Navy’s Specialist Navigator Course, was truly amazing under all the bridges. Then sailing around the Western Isles of Scotland, in really tricky waters, very close to the land and through some narrow passages, it was such a sight. Not many people get to sail so close to the islands. The weather was pretty rough coming back from Glasgow and the seas were choppy.
When Liv joined HMS Cambria and the Royal Naval Reserves, she was looking out for opportunities like this. She thought there would be time on board a ship for maybe a couple of weeks or even a month, but never believed she would get a chance to serve for nearly a year and see what the Royal Navy is all about.
“It’s all worked out pretty well. I’m hoping to become a power boat instructor, so all the experiences onboard HMS Severn should put me in good stead. I’d love to come back with another Ship in a few years’ time, on an OPV, but for now I’ll be happy just sharing my experiences with others in the Unit.
“I’d definitely recommend this, it give you more than just a taste of life at sea with the Royal Navy, it gives you a good insight to a great life in the Navy.”
