Royal Navy training hub in Fareham marks its 10,000th trainee

The 10,000th trainee passes through the MCTS training facility at HMS Collingwood. AB(WS) Matthew North at his consul during a simulated missile attack

IT'S the main hub responsible for transforming rookie sailors into warfare specialists.

And now the Royal Navy’s Maritime Composite Training System (MCTS) facility at Fareham’s HMS Collingwood has welcomed its 10,000th trainee.

The facility, designed, developed and operated by BAE Systems in partnership with the Senior Service, replicates ‘Ops rooms’ found on-board all the Royal Navy’s major warships.

Its simulated warfare training programme sees trainees taking part in a wide variety of possible at-sea scenarios, using the same software technology they would be working with if they were deployed on operations.

The 10,000th trainee passes through the MCTS training facility at HMS Collingwood. Ian Carter, BAE Systems Training Delivery Manager, PO(WS) Amanda Tinson, the first person to complete her training in MCTS, AB(WS) Matthew North, the 10,000th and WO1 Dean Button

The training gives operations room crew members and warfare specialists on board Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers the opportunity to hone their skills from the safety of the shore before joining their ships.

Able Seaman Matthew North is the latest to have completed his course at the MCTS site.

Now a qualified warfare specialist, Portsmouth-based Matthew will soon be joining the crew of a Type 23 frigate.