Vincentian elevated to Submarines Commissioned Officer

A Campden Park resident who joined the British Navy just under two decades ago has done St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) proud by becoming its first national to gain the status of Submarines Commissioned Officer.

The historic moment occurred on April 18, 2024, when SLt Winston Sam graduated from Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), the Royal Navy’s prestigious Officer College in Dartmouth, England. A few of his immediate family members, including his mother, wife, and children, witnessed the special occasion.

Sam, originally from Campden Park, joined the Royal Navy’s non-commissioned ranks as an able seaman in October, 2006. He served on many warships, naval air stations and has also completed operational tours to Bahrain and the Falkland Islands.

In 2018, Sam applied for transfer to the Submarine Service, one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy. He had to pass all subject areas relating to the construction and capability of submarines in a classroom environment, and then regurgitate his in-depth knowledge to a select group of experienced submariners on an actual submarine before he was awarded the coveted “Dolphins” badge, and an increased salary. Some of the subject areas include weapon systems, propulsion, hydraulics, nuclear reaction systems, and emergency procedures. Sam successfully completed all the training and has served on two of the Royal Navy’s SSBN submarines, the UK’s ultimate nuclear deterrent. On one of their patrols to protect the UK, Sam and his crew spent almost 150 days under water without resurfacing – a demand not many people can fulfil.

In 2021, Sam, already promoted to petty officer in the non-commissioned ranks, applied for transfer to the commissioned officer cadre through the Senior Upper Yardman (SUY) scheme. Having met the initial requirements, he passed the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) on his first attempt, achieving the highest score to become alLogistics officer. Sam’s portfolio was then presented to the Final Selection Board (FSB), where he was selected from a group of 12 applicants that year. He commenced phase one of his officer training in March, 2024, and graduated on April 18, 2024, from BRNC. He will now proceed to the Defence College of Logistics, Personnel and Administration (DCLPA) to start his specialist Logistics training for approximately seven months. Following training, Sam could be employed on a submarine, warship, or naval air station as the head of the Logistics department, managing about 20 entry personnel to ensure everything- from bed linens to bullets- are supplied to meet requirements, and personnel are paid and fed. Sam is also on track to complete a Masters degree in Logistics Management later this year with the University of Lincoln.