Rhuairidh McClement with his Dad, Commander Duncan McClement, Chief of Staff, Fleet Operational Sea Training (Submarines).
By Kim Hardie
“It was better than the Ninjago ride at Legoland!” That is how six-year-old Rhuairidh McClement described the new state-of-the-art submarine training facility at HM Naval Base Clyde.
Loved-ones were invited into the Base on Saturday, February 19, when a new Royal Navy training facility held its first Families Day, and one little girl is given a guided tour.
The Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survival (SMERAS) Facility opened its doors to the families of staff members allowing them to see first-hand where their loved-ones work and the training they deliver to Submariners on a daily basis.
The building was officially opened in June last year by the Commodore-in-Chief of the Submarine Service, HRH Prince William, however due to restrictions at the time it was not possible for families to attend this event.
Around 44 visitors attended, including 22 children and they all enjoyed an action-packed day with a full demonstration of what the facility can provide.
The staff demonstrate what the simulator can do.
One of the highlights was watching the staff show how the state-of-the-art realistic simulator can mimic a variety of weather conditions and sea states.
Normally it would be students, however on Saturday, the staff had to jump in at the deep end and be put through their paces in the water, demonstrating to the group how to abandon a submarine and escape to life rafts. All of this while wind, rain and even thunder and lightning raged around them.
SMERAS training was relocated from SETT Fort Blockhouse to a new purpose-built facility in HMNB Clyde in November 2020. It brought a brand new, world leading dynamic SMERAS training solution, which needed to be designed, formatted and delivered at the height of the Covid pandemic.
The Families Day was organised by the SMERAS training staff to showcase the new facility and was enjoyed by adults and children alike. Warrant Officer 1, Patrick Sheekey, Head of Training at SMERAS, who coordinated the event, said: “It is not an understatement to say that the team’s effort and commitment since moving from Gosport have completely modernised and reinvigorated the approach taken to Submarine Escape Rescue and Abandonment and is looked at enviously by other Submarine operating nations.”
He added: “Although the building was officially opened by Commodore-in-Chief Submarines last year, due to the restrictions, it was impossible to invite the most important part of the team, namely our families and loved-ones, to the event. As such, with the kind permission of the Naval Base Commander, we are taking this first available opportunity to show them what we do.”
Family members watch as loved ones demonstrate what the facility has to offer.