Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, has taken the helm of a new training facility at HMS Raleigh during his final visit to the establishment before his retirement next month.
Admiral Stanhope took the controls of the Heavy Replenishment at Sea demonstrator which will be used to simulate the transfer of stores from ship to ship at sea.
The new facility has been built by Rolls Royce Engineering PLC and is currently undergoing trials to prove equipment for the next generation of warships, prior to being handed over to the Royal Navy as a training resource next year.
During his time at the training base in Cornwall the Royal Navy’s most senior officer was able to meet some of the most junior sailors.
He was the VIP inspecting officer for what would be the last passing-out-parade of his Naval career.
The parade was held to celebrate the success of 52 recruits who had become the latest to complete the 10-week initial naval training course.
Admiral Stanhope’s visit to HMS Raleigh also included time at the Defence Maritime Logistics School where he was presented with a cake to mark his retirement.
Having joined the Royal Navy in 1970, Admiral Stanhope was appointed First Sea Lord in 2009.
Upon his retirement in April he will be replaced by Admiral Sir George Zambellas, who until recently held the post of Fleet Commander and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 20, 2013; Image: Royal Navy