Barbara sets sail with the Royal Navy

With cloudy skies over the Bangor Marina donning scarves and gloves, SERCs Barbara McNeil, Head of School for the Training Organisation, got the opportunity to take to the open water with the Royal Navy.

The event was organised by Athene Gordon, the Regional Employer Engagement Officer with the Ministry of Defence alongside the Royal Navy and Defence Relationship Management.

Barbara was accompanied by personnel from telecoms giant BT and Whale Engineering to go aboard the HMS Charger as they were given a demonstration from the its six crew members and Commanding Officer.

HMS CHARGER has been attached to Manchester/Salford and Liverpool University Royal Naval Units since 1990 and is 20m in length and weighing in at 50 tonnes.  The current role of HMS CHARGER is to provide high-quality sea training experiences to undergraduates from universities, developing seamanship, team building and leadership skills in a maritime environment. 

During Barbara’s visit she had the opportunity to take to the wheel in open waters and try her hand at steering the vessel through rough water.  

Barbara said “I had a fantastic time and loved having a go at steering the HMS CHARGER. Id like to thank Athene Gordon for organising the visit. I certainly hope for another trip again in the future.”