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10,000th trainee completes simulated warfare training at Collingwood

10,000th trainee completes simulated warfare training at Collingwood
13 March 2018
10,000 operations crew members, from all the Royal Navy's warships, have now completed simulated warfare training at the Maritime Composite Training System (MCTS) facility at HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

10,000th trainee completes simulated warfare training at CollingwoodThe facility, designed, developed and operated by BAE Systems in partnership with the Royal Navy, replicates 'Ops rooms' found on-board all the Royal Navy's major warships.

The simulated warfare training sees trainees take part in a wide variety of possible at-sea scenarios, using the same software technology as if they were at sea.

The training gives operations room crew members and warfare specialists on board Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers the opportunity to hone their skills from the safety of the shore before joining their ships.

Able Seaman Matthew North recently completed his course at the MCTS facility. Now a qualified Warfare Specialist, Portsmouth-based Matthew, will soon be joining the crew of a Type 23 frigate.

It is second time around for Matthew, who first joined the Royal Navy as a Steward when he left school. After serving on a variety of ships for 11 years, he took two years out before re-joining the Royal Navy on a different career path.

Being in the Royal Navy is a strong career, with continuous opportunities to develop important skills. The simulated warfare training course was challenging and intense but very valuable

Able Seaman (Warfare Specialist) Matthew North

Speaking about his training, Matthew said, "Being in the Royal Navy is a strong career, with continuous opportunities to develop important skills.  The simulated warfare training course was challenging and intense but very valuable.

"I'm now well prepared for my new role on ship and I'm really looking forward to joining the rest of the crew."

Neil Stewart, BAE Systems Maritime Services Head of Training, said, "The training carried out at HMS Collingwood is all about ensuring our sailors are as well-prepared as possible for potential conflict at sea. We're extremely proud of the part we play in that.

"Our highly complex and sophisticated systems replicate the control rooms on up to 30 virtual and real ships anywhere in the world, so operators can get a realistic experience and develop their skills in a wide variety of scenarios with no risk to themselves or their colleagues."

BAE Systems supports the Royal Navy with individual and group training through the Maritime Composite Training System, and operator and maintainer training for the Astute Class of submarines, as well as defining 'whole ship' training solutions for the Royal Navy's future Type 26 frigate.

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