Adventurous Training Instructors deploy to deliver Exercise Duqm Dash

Deployable Regional Unit (DRU) AT instructors travelled to Duqm, Oman to deliver a range of outdoor activities to the crew of the Royal Navy’s Forward Deployed T23 (FDT23) HMS Lancaster in the searing summer heat and wild surrounds of Eastern Oman.

The Royal Navy’s FDT23 perminantly operates in the seas of the middle east and wider Indian Ocean, keeping shipping lanes safe and countering maritime narcotic trafficling in the area.

During a busy operation period HMS Lancaster was stood down from patrolling to conduct an essential maintenance period in Duqm. This time along side provided a welcome phase where members of the ship’s company, under the guidance of the DRU instructors could get off the ship and explore the wild beaches, hills and wadi’s of this isolated area of the Omani coastline.   
 
Multiple personnel threw themselves into wild camping and beach sports on a remote beace called Ras Madraka. Explored hidden and unknown wadi’s (small valley/riverbeds) around Duqm along with hill walking and mountain biking over deserted and arid terrain during a 10 day period. Additionally, access to local hotel facilities was also organised for many and funded thanks to the Royal Navy Sports Lottery.

For many the highlight was wild beach camping where participants stated “the night spent away from the ship where we observed green sea turtles on the beach was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity”!

Lancaster’s Padre, Rev Sam Burke said, “I know how much the whole of Ship’s Company appreciated the programme. Without exception, every participant returned abuzz from their various AT experiences. This was just the tonic needed after a long and busy deployment”. 

Other planned activities such as stand up paddleboarding and snorkling were restricted due to the strongwinds and rough seas generated by the ‘Khareef’, the south eastern monsoon season which runs between June and Sept each year. Despite this the package provided by the DRU was enjoyed by all and a complete success providing adventure and operation respite in eaqual measure.

LPT Rob Rowston (HMS Lancaster PT) mentioned, “The package delivered by the DRU was vital for the Ships Company to decompress after time on operations” and ETME Mclachlan enthused, “It’s pretty cool to say I’ve cycled through a desert, and got paid!"
 
DRU WO WO2 Stan Bloomer RM explains, "Instructors from the DRU can deliver AT in the UK and overseas and will design a bespoke package to suit the needs of a ship or unit. Enjoyable, physically and mentally challenging training activities aid in personal development, leadership, and team building."