Royal Naval Reserves from HMS Flying Fox and Bristol’s University Royal Navy Unit HMS Dasher have recently conducted combined sea training in the Bristol Channel.
Lieutenant Ian Woodward RNR, a commissioned officer in Bristol’s Royal Naval Reserve Unit, HMS Flying Fox, has spent some time on board HMS Dasher alongside Bristol students who are part of the University Royal Navy Unit (URNU).
Ian is an experienced Naval Officer in addition to working in his day job as the Chambers Manager at Albion Chambers, responsible for the day to day operations of a Common Law set of Chambers with 59 Barristers in Bristol City Centre. His role in the RNR is to work alongside the URNU and local Cadets to help them understand more about the RNR.
Ian said: “It was good to promote the good relationship the UNRU have with the RNR in Bristol, and we are very keen to continue our local link that we share with each other and the city.”
He added: “It was a good opportunity for me to brush up on my Officer of the watch and ship handling skills as I was handed the controls for the vast amount of the time.”
The URNU often trains alongside the Royal Navy Regulars and Reserves and allows students the opportunity gain valuable experience in Maritime life and also hone their leadership, management and team working skills as they prepare for working life.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 19, 2013; Image: Royal Navy