Portsmouth teenager sails through Royal Navy training at HMS Collingwood in Fareham

Able Seaman (Warfare Specialist) Thomas Webb completed his intensive 10-week initial training course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

The naval establishment was only a few miles away from the 18-year-old’s home in Portsmouth.

Ex-Admiral Lord Nelson pupil Thomas began his training on March 8, after giving up his former job at a coffee shop.

‘I joined the Royal Navy to have a full and lifelong career and to travel the world. I also wanted to make my family proud of me,’ he said.

Reflecting on his training so far, Thomas added: ‘The highlight for me was learning about the seamanship routines and our ships visits on HMS Ranger.’

With this first phase of his training complete, Thomas will remain at Collingwood for his warfare training.

Once he completes the second phase of his training, he will have the chance to serve aboard some of the world’s most advanced warships when they are deployed across the globe.

Looking back at his naval career to date, the teenage sailor said: ‘Passing out of phase one training feels like a real achievement and is a big step into my future naval career.’

Thomas was among some of the first raw recruits to begin their training at HMS Collingwood, which started accepting hopefuls for basic training in January.

During his basic training, recruits are taught the basics of naval discipline and customs.

They also learn about navigation and are given the chance to take the helm of their own medium-sized inflatable boat during a waterborne orienteering exercise.

Recruits also undergo weapon handling and basic combat skill training, which includes how to survive in the field.

For more details on a career within the navy, see royalnavy.mod.uk/careers or by call 03456 00 53 02.

SEE ALSO: Major delays after vehicle flips and bursts into flames

Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.