SVG recruit completes basic Navy training

A 29-year-old Royal Navy recruit from Georgetown, St Vincent, is on course for a life at sea after completing his basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, UK.{{more}}

Trainee Engineering Technician Charles Jones joined the Royal Navy in January and has now completed nine weeks of intensive training to give him the basic skills he will rely upon throughout his Service career. The course includes a series of mental and physical challenges designed to promote team working and culminates in the passing-out-parade when the successful recruits march out before their families and friends.

A former student of the St Vincent Technical College, Charles previously worked for Royal Caribbean International. He said: “I feel great knowing that I have fulfilled my dream to join the Royal Navy. Training was good. There was plenty of hard work. It has taught me to work in a team and to trust my teammates. It’s also helped to build my courage.”

With his basic training complete, Charles has now transferred to HMS Sultan in Hampshire, where he is learning the skills in mechanical engineering required to keep the ships of the Royal Navy running at the peak of operational effectiveness.

HMS Raleigh contributes to the operational capability of the Fleet by providing first class training to all ratings joining the Service, along with professional courses in a variety of specialist areas, including military training, seamanship, logistics and submarine operations. HMS Raleigh also offers on-going training for existing Service personnel to hone their skills, making them ready for the challenges of modern operations.