HMS Spey and HMS Tamar go on an adventure down under 15 September 2023 Storyline: Adventurous Training In June and August 2023 HMS Spey and Tamar’s personnel enjoyed a range of outdoor activities whilst alongside in Cairns, Australia. Deployable Regional Unit (DRU) AT instructors travelled to Australia to deliver the training in the water, hills, beaches and rain forests of far northern Queensland. HMS Spey and Tamar are ‘River Class’ offshore patrol vessels and operate permanently in the indo/pacific region. During a busy period both Spey and Tamar were stood down at separate periods in Cairns to carry out essential maintenance work. This time along side provided a an opportunity where members of the ship’s company, under the guidance of the DRU AT instructors could get off the ship and explore the local area through activities such as trekking, mountain biking, snorkelling and Paddle Boarding. Personnel threw themselves into the various ‘once in a life time’ opportunities including; snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, trekking on Fitzroy Island, Mount Sorrow and Walsh’s Pyramid. Witnessing huge salt water crocodiles in the Daintree National Park as well as mountain biking in the stunning local area of Cairns. For many the highlight was snorkelling on the world famous Great Barrier Reef. AB Robert Stevenson commented: “I greatly enjoyed my AT experience whilst on board HMS TAMAR alongside in Cairns Australia. The highlight had to be snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef! It was the most amazing opportunity and not many people in the Navy have ever got to do it. "The AT instructors made the day extremely enjoyable and stress free. They really looked after us throughout. The whole package was very memorable and I would really recommend the opportunity to do something similar to other members of the RN”. Lt Nathan Davies added: “After casting off the lines we immediately headed towards one of the great wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. We spent the entire day out on the water, snorkelling on 3 different dive spots on the same reef, it was the most amazing bit of swimming that I have ever done. All in all it was certainly one of my best days in the Navy!” 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." The whole package was very memorable and I would really recommend the opportunity to do something similar to other members of the Royal Navy. AB Robert Stevenson
