I always wanted to do something different with my life; make a difference while learning new skills and working with people in a challenging role. But like many young adults, I went to university to study a degree thinking I would get a good job. I enjoyed my time studying then working in genetics, but I always thought I could do more and push myself.
After many years in academia, I applied to the Royal Navy as a medic wanting to be involved in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts at the time. But the Armed Forces Careers Office convinced me to apply as a Officer. So I undertook my first Admiralty Interview Board, and failed miserably. Not to be put off, I joined as a engineering technician in the Weapon Engineering (WE) specialisation in the Surface Fleet hoping to make Officer one day.
And I spent fives years learning new engineering skills, making great friends, travelling the world on three Type 23 frigates while building my confidence and leadership skills. I attempted the AIB again and this time passed with flying colours.
The next period in my career was a long slog of training – an Electronic Engineering degree at the University of Portsmouth, followed by Initial Naval Training at Britannia Royal Naval College then to HMS COLLINGWOOD for Systems Engineering Management Course learning about radar, sonar and ICT systems. I decided at this point to volunteer for the Submarine Service and was then off to HMS RALEIGH (where I Passed Out as a Rating many years before) for initial submarine training before undertaking Nuclear General Course at HMS SULTAN.
After what seems like years, I finally joined HMS VENGEANCE – one of four Vanguard Class submarines which provide the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) – as Assistant Weapon Engineer Officer (AWEO). During this period I learned how to become an effective Submariner on board and earned my coveted Dolphins.
After another period of specialist engineering training at HMS RALEIGH, I returned to HMS VENGEANCE as Tactical Weapon Engineer Officer (TWEO) specialising in combat and communication systems while also being the submarine signature and explosives expert on board.
I proudly led a Department of around 30 people from all different backgrounds and specialisms. My core role involved managing busy maintenance periods and supporting defect rectification both alongside and at sea to deliver Operation Capability – working equipment and well trained people – to Command. The WE Department also performed all weapon evolutions including movements of pyrotechnics and torpedoes; demonstrated our ability to fight at sea in training simulators, and act safely and effectively in damage control and firefighting scenarios.
But the training did not stop there: alongside my other roles I qualified firstly as Officer of the Day to act as the Captain’s representative and lead the submarine day-to-day, then as Ship Control Officer of the Watch to drive the submarine at sea and manage all onboard systems working with other Control Room watchkeepers to keep the submarine safe.
After a gruelling, challenging but immensely rewarding three years, I left the submarine to join the Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organisation to train the next generation of sea going Officers. I now have the opportunity to coach and mentor people and push them beyond their limits making them better submariners and engineers.
Being an Officer and Submariner is a unique career requiring a significant amount of dedication, sacrifice and learning. But I have the best job in the world and it’s open to anyone willing to put in the hard. Hope to see you in the Fleet!
