The Royal Navy's fleet flagship HMS Ark Royal paid a visit to Poole to celebrate its support for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Train one, save many campaign.
The crew of the aircraft carrier made the detour to Poole and meet RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews out at sea by Old Harry Rocks. The RNLI crews were on a training exercise in D-class and B-class lifeboats and a Trent all-weather lifeboat. They practiced 'pacing techniques', the vital skill of keeping a moving lifeboat at a safe distance alongside other moving craft, alongside HMS Ark Royal while a presentation of funds raised by the ship's crew was made on board the aircraft carrier to the RNLI's national campaigns and events manager, Andy Whyte.
“We're absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to carry out our training exercise alongside HMS Ark Royal and feel very privileged that its crew continue to support the RNLI and its Train one, save many campaign,” he said.
“I'd especially like to thank the crew for their fundraising efforts and for taking the time to come and visit us in Poole today. It's been a very special and worthwhile exercise for our volunteer lifeboat crew members.”
This latest meeting is part of a continuing commitment by HMS Ark Royal to support the RNLI's Train one, save many campaign to help fund the vital training for volunteer lifeboat crews. On average, only one in ten of the RNLI's volunteer crew members have a professional maritime occupation, so training is essential in helping them to save lives at sea.
HMS Ark Royal was on route from Newcastle, with four RNLI volunteer crew members aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage. They relished the opportunity to get on board the aircraft carrier, meet its crew and spend time at sea learning about day-to-day operations. They were given a guided tour of the facilities on board.
The RNLI crew members, Stephen Johnson, trainee crewman from Skegness, Coxswain Lee Firman and 2nd Coxswain Steve Saint from Aldeburgh and Glenn Walker, inshore lifeboat crewman from Bridlington, left HMS Ark Royal in Portsmouth and will share their experiences with fellow crew members and RNLI staff.
HMS Ark Royal's crew started fundraising for the RNLI last year and last summer six RNLI trainers joined HMS Ark Royal to exchange training ideas during four days at sea.
Captain of HMS Ark Royal, Capt Mike Mansergh said: “HMS Ark Royal greatly values the close link between the RNLI and Royal Navy in the safety of life at sea. The fleet flagship is a strong advocate of the RNLI's Train one, save many campaign.
“We welcomed the opportunity to train together with volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews as we passed Poole harbour on the ship's return from training in the North Sea, testing the boat handling skills of the brave RNLI coxswains.”
