On Thursday, February 12, a combined thirty-nine Submarine Qualifying (SMQ) students from across Astute and Vanguard Class courses successfully passed out in the Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre (RNSTC) at HM Naval Base Clyde. They were congratulated and awarded their certificates by Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and Commander Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins CBE.
For the first time this year, the RNSTC played host to a double SMQ class Pass Out. Fifteen students were from an Astute Class and twenty-four were from a Vanguard Class. This milestone marks their successful completion of their ten week “dry phase”, other wise known as classroom-based, training.
Taking some time to engage with the students, Commodore Haskins asked them why they chose to be a submariner, listening before sharing his personal experiences. He went on to detail the job of a submariner and how they do what others won’t. He then highlighted to the next generation the historic importance of them joining the submarine service this year. 125 years have passed since the launch of Holland 1 in 1901, and as such, this year marks 125 years of the Submarine Service.
Commodore Haskins said, “It is an enormous privilege to welcome thirty-nine SMQs to the Submarine Flotilla. Submariners are a remarkable cadre, facing the challenges of life underwater to carry out an essential duty for their country. Royal Navy submarines are outstanding and crewed by brilliant people. I am delighted to welcome these SMQs to their ranks”.
Best student was awarded to Engineering Technician, Weapon Engineering Submariner – Strategic Weapons System (ET WESM(SWS)) Wilkes for his hardworking ethic and strong leadership character. As is tradition in the Navy, he was awarded a dolphin flask.
After the pass out, seasoned submariner Warrant Officer 2 McVey was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Third Clasp. After joining the Navy in 1980, his stellar 45-year career has seen him complete over 30 Continuous At Sea Deterrent patrols and be awarded a Gold Bomber pin from HRH Prince William.
The RNSTC is part of a long-term project to transform HMNB Clyde into a Single Integrated Operating Base for the RN Submarine Service. This project seeks to consolidate all submarine operations into a single location at HMNB Clyde establishing it as the Submarine Centre of Excellence.
RNSTC will ensure that Submariners will have the highest-quality training to enable them to fight and win both now and in the future. The new centre, or “Dolphin Building” will not only train personnel for service on the current Vanguard vessels but will also provide training for the future Dreadnought Class of deterrent submarines.
