A submarine rescue facility opened its doors to the families of staff members last weekend – and one six year-old said it was better than the Ninjago ride at Legoland!
Six year-old Rhuairidh McClement was one of dozens of people visiting the new facility at Faslane last weekend
The Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survival facility opened its doors for its first Families Day. allowing them to see first-hand where their loved-ones work and the training they deliver to submariners.
The building was officially opened last June by Prince William, but due to restrictions at the time it was not possible for families to attend.
One of the highlights last weekend was watching the staff show how the simulator can mimic a variety of weather conditions and sea states.
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.
Warrant Officer Patrick Sheekey, the head of training, 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.
“Although the building was officially opened 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.”
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