HMS Lancaster takes their adventure to the next level with Exercise Hot Oil

HMS LANCASTER, also known as ‘The Queens Frigate’, is on a three-year security mission in the Gulf as part of Operation Kipion. Her crew, along with United Kingdom Naval Service Facility personnel (UKNSF) were able to take part in a Royal Navy Adventurous Training Team (RNATT) sponsored package from 10-21 Jan in Bahrain. The package was at the request of the HMS LANCASTER Commanding Officer, Cdr Paul Irving RN who was able to plan the AT into a Scheduled Maintenance Period (SMP).

Activities delivered by the RNATT included: mountain biking (MTB), stand up paddleboarding (SUP), artificial wall climbing, road cycle touring (RCT) and sailing.  A few lucky sailors were able to undertake an indoor sky dive due to a period of poor weather and this was courtesy of the RN Sports Lottery. ET Molly O’Neill said, “the sky diving experience was breezy but a once in a lifetime experience”.

The SUP experience offered individuals the chance to learn about ‘operating as equals’ and will enable those trained (groups of 3) to return to the same delivery location without RNATT oversight. This model of delivery was also replicated with the RCT with personnel now qualified to safely lead this activity with the support of road bikes provided by UKNSF.

UKNSF has an excellent provision of AT equipment with brand new road bikes, SUPs and a fleet of well-maintained mountain bikes. An excellent and very high artificial climbing wall (15m) enabled personnel to be exposed to ‘operating at height’ utilising an autobelay system consistent with what Naval Climbing Walls use in the UK.

The rugged and harsh desert terrain in Bahrain made the MTBing consequential in the event of a fall so a carefully considered 6-mile route was established which included some moderate technical terrain. PO Stewart Fletcher from HMS LANC and the ME Dept said “Whilst on operations AT opportunities offer a welcomed distraction from maintenance and daily workload. During our regeneration AT has improved morale, maintained fighting spirit and most importantly has retained some of my personnel in the Naval Service” (NS).

Sailing was delivered by RNATT SME Mr Graham Williams who charted a Keel boat and was able to expose participants to moving under sail on the water and with the prevailing north westerly wind took full advantage of the conditions. LH Matthew Brown of the Forward Support Unit (FSU) said “the experience was an exhilarating introduction to the keel boat discipline and one which I would love to do more”.

Royal Navy personnel are reminded that AT is a CAT A PFS requirement and ranks are entitled where operationally possible to 5 days per annum. If you have not planned AT for 2023, then start thinking about the opportunities available and speak to your Command to make it happen!

RNATT can deliver AT in the UK and overseas and will design a bespoke package to suit the needs of a ship or establishment. A combination of both physically and mentally challenging training activities aid in personal development including; fitness, leadership and team building.