International defense students tour Royal Navy ships

Royal Navy warships in Plymouth hosted some 270 international students from the UK’s military leadership college for an insight into the professionalism of the senior service.

A two-day dynamic demonstration of the Royal Navy’s capability was staged off the South West coast by warships HMS Dragon (Portsmouth destroyer), HMS Sutherland (Plymouth frigate), HMS Mersey (River Class patrol) and HMS Hurworth (mine hunter) and helicopters.

The ships enacted a combat operation including maritime power in the skies on the sea and underwater.

The event also showed off the Navy’s multi-roles in the docks with 1 Assault Group Royal Marines taking students aboard their landing crafts on the river and HMS Bulwark.

The Royal Navy’s Southern Diving Group rehearsed their diving and ordnance disposal expertise.

Students toured submarine HMS Triumph for an insight into this unique sphere of operations. Other skills on show were the hydrological and meteorological section with underwater unmanned survey craft.

Commander Paul Ottewell, of the Defence College, Shrivenham, said: “This has been a highly successful two days for future senior commanders both in the UK and international military from 50 countries.”

Countries represented included China, US, Australia, Malaysia, Kuwait, South Korea and Albania.