Daring Date for Sea Scouts
30.03.2009
A lucky group of young people from Solihull have just returned from an action packed weekend aboard HMS Daring; the latest addition to the Royal Navy's fleet and the first of six Type 45 Destroyers currently being built. The ship is now the most advanced, and the most powerful in the world. Knowle Sea Scout Group is proud to be affiliated to HMS Daring, and this was their first visit to the ship which will be commissioned this summer, after six years of construction. The affiliation with the ship, and the men and women who serve on her, will last for many decades until the ship retires from service.
The fifty Sea Scouts had a detailed tour of the ship and met the ship's company before starting training for the main event; a fire fighting exercise. The Sea Scouts were paired with the ships company and some were allocated roles including Officer of the Day and Duty Petty Officer, whilst others joined firefighting, first aid and communications teams. Once the fire broke out near the aircraft hanger, the exercise started with the general alarm and the Sea Scouts had to respond and attack the fire to ensure the safety of the ship. The real Officer of the Day, Lt Dick Whittington RN, was impressed with the speed and effectiveness of the response and grateful that the ship was saved! Patrol Leader Beth Charnley, aged 15, said "The ship was amazing, and taking part in a real exercise was a great experience. We've been invited to go to sea on the ship later in the year, so we're all looking forward to that now!"
The Sea Scouts also visited HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Alliance, a World War II submarine, as well as powerboating in the Solent and visiting the Isle of Wight.
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