Publication:The Trade December 2003/Long Look 2003
Long Look 2003, the exchange program between the RAN and RN, took place over the period 13May-18Sep03. CPOCISSM Darren Thompson (Thommo) took part this year following in the footsteps of CPOMTSM Boyd by being located at HMNB Clyde, Faslane Scotland for the period.
Thommo writes ...I was employed as the XOA for Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) Faslane.
The day after my arrival, after the traditional welcome to the mess, and slightly jetlagged (that's my excuse anyway) was initiated into FOST with a session as the planesman in the V boat trainer (where is that guage??) - an experience to say the least.
Thinking I would be able to get a trip down South, and a social experience, I volunteered to help the XO, who was also the Field Gun Officer (FGO) for the NEPTUNE Field Gun Team. Unfortunately, the XO decided I would be more use as a Track Judge rather than the team water boy. To this end, I started training and learning how to interpret the 37 Penalties involved in the running. The Brickwoods Field Gun competition has been running for 95 years and is linked to the Boer War when the Naval Brigade helped lift the 119 day siege of Ladysmith. This event saw yours truly run with the team from Faslane to Helensburgh, a distance of 6 miles, with a field gun on a rather warm day (it was not a pretty sight). The field gun team also raised funds for charity being the Children's Hospice Scotland (CHAS). I spent a week down at Portsmouth for the event and was teamed with another Submariner to do the judging. Once again it was a warm and sunny week with the two teams from Scotland marching on and off the track to stirring sounds of a piper.
I went on a sailing exped around the west coast of Scotland (SCOTWEST 2003) for a week 30Jun-07Jul. This was an excellent experience, once again Boydy had gone before me, and highly recommended for anyone on Long Look. The highlight of this week was celebrating my 20 years service in the RAN with haggis and a nice malt.
Visits were made to the communications school at HMS COLLINGWOOD in Portsmouth and the Submarine School in HMS RALEIGH. Whilst at the Submarine School I was given an overview of Mini-Dama. Although not able to searide a Submarine, I was given a tour of a V boat, both in and out of the water, and also S boats. I was also lucky enough to have a comprehensive tour of HMS INVINCIBLE when berthed just down from Faslane.
Surprisingly the weather whilst there was rather nice, not too many rainy grey days in Scotland at all. Managed to survive the heatwave in London as well, though the Brits were doing it tough. The Royal Navy does do business very similar to ourselves however, I would say that in most areas we do business better. They have similar manpower shortages to us, especially in Submarines (apparently being posted to Faslane does not equate to Club Med and turns people off). The way they handle leave I thought was good, in that they ensure everyone gets to take leave in dedicated periods each year and on return from deployments. Also, training is very good with all submarine crews spending a lot of time when alongside in the simulators and a very good continuation training system in place for those at sea.
I would recommend this exchange to all and the Brits certainly make you welcome. The only downside is the cost due to poor exchange rate. However, it certainly broadens your horizons.
