William's Navy Lark Underway

Prince William passed through the gates of Britannia Royal Naval College and began his first day in the Royal Navy this week.

He will now spend a short period in the company of a group of cadets learning about the Royal Navy's history and ethos, its current capabilities and its future horizons.

During his short attachment with the Royal Navy, Prince William, as a Lieutenant in the British Army, has taken his equivalent rank of Sub-Lieutenant and is known to all as Sub-Lieutenant Wales.

Commander Paul Halton RN, the Director of Training at BRNC said: "Sub Lieutenant Wales is, of course, already a commissioned officer so we don't need to concern ourselves with the new entry elements of training. Rather we need to focus on ensuring that he has a good appreciation of the roles and capabilities of the Royal Navy as well as the many operations that we are involved in worldwide.

"As with all officers in the UK armed forces, it is important that he has a good appreciation of the joint aspects of our country's defence."

Yesterday, for example, S/Lt Wales was at Sandquay, the epicentre of on-the-water training at Dartmouth, undertaking ship handling drills in the college's twin-screwed training craft along with other junior officers from BRNC.

These craft have similar handling characteristics to a warship and this training will form part of his preparation for embarkation in HMS Iron Duke, the second phase of his naval attachment.

Later training will include time with all the fighting arms of the Naval Service, including the surface fleet where the Prince will go to sea on a frigate and minehunter; the submarine service where he will conduct dived ops; the Fleet Air Arm where he will have a chance to acquaint himself with a variety of RN aircraft; and the Royal Marines where he will learn about their unique skills and the UK's specialist commando force. He will also complete a mandatory sea safety course.

See: William Takes On Royal Navy

(BMcC)