45 cadets from the Royal Hospital School Royal Navy CCF visited HMS Collingwood as part of their Biennial Inspection, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Marc Godfrey and Warrant Officer1 Karl Weaver.
The cadets undertook a tour of the Close Range Weapons section looking at the mini gun simulators and the Ships Combat System and they had the opportunity to test their leadership and teamwork skills on the low ropes course at the Royal Navy Leadership Academy.
Cadet Petty Officer Emily Hassall, whose father is a Marine Engineer for the new Queen Elizabeth Air Craft Carrier, observed: “It’s been interesting, especially the simulator, I can’t believe how complicated they were. The visit to HMS Bristol was a great opportunity for the CCF. I have been fortunate to have been on board before, but for many others it was their first time. Their faces on arrival, were a picture.”
The visit to the base was part of wider programme which saw the cadets visit HMS Bristol and Longmoor Barracks. Those cadets keen on a career in the RN were joined by Commodore Michael Mansergh CBE Royal Navy as they embarked on Fast Motor Launches in the Solent and Royal Marine Cadets experienced some training on the RN field gun.
Visit Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Darren Belcher RN, a former pupil at the Royal Hospital School, enjoyed being on hand to ensure the activities ran smoothly.
Colonel Marc Godfrey said: “It’s been insightful; one of the best things I’ve witnessed around the establishment is how firmly it supports the powerful RN ethos. Everywhere one looks the core values of integrity, respect and loyalty resonate, whether in the excellent branding, or in the training. It’s important for the cadets to see that the CCF values also reflect those of the modern RN.”
HMS Collingwood is the home of the Maritime Warfare School which contributes to the operational capability of the Fleet by providing first class training to all officers and ratings of the Royal Navy in their professional specialisations which include, Weapon Engineering, Communications, and Warfare. The training they receive is relevant, agile and flexible in order to keep pace with the challenging operational needs. HMS Collingwood is also the Royal Hospital School’s partner establishment supporting the School’s CCF.

Pupils from Royal Hospital School Combined Cadet Force (RHS CCF), Holbrook, experienced a taste of Royal Navy life when they visited HMS Collingwood, Fareham, Hampshire
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