If offered the opportunity to visit a submarine how would you feel? Excited? Honored? Well I felt sick! I have a slight phobia of heights and confined spaces so a submarine visit for me is more terrifying than the prospect of wearing flat shoes whilst tending to a wasps nest.
However, I had watched ‘Hunt for Red October’ in the past, and the submarine didn’t seem that cramped where Sean Connory was situated – so after kindly being invited by Cdr Jim Scott to visit HMS Turbulent I couldn’t really refuse.
The day had arrived and after switching into flat boots and a hard hat we were escorted to HMS Turbulent. It was such a magnificent sight to see, but by now my heart had started pounding and my hands began to sweat. How on earth was I going to get in the submarine??? There were no doors to walk in; I was going to have to go down the hatch and the numerous pairs of ladders. After physically shaking all the way down two sets of ladders, we were met by Cdr Ryan Ramsey, Lt Paul Carlton and Lt Dan Seager, where Cdr Ramsey provided the most interesting, inspired and informative presentation that I have ever heard.
- L-R Cdr Ryan Ramsey, Cdr Jim Scott, Mark Kirkbride
We were then taken on a tour of the boat and its facilities. I managed to last about 2 hours in the submarine, before I was escorted off green at the gills (thanks to Paddy for doing this – really appreciated the loud ‘nee nor’ ambulance sound and the ‘sicky coming through’ warning you shouted to your fellow submariners )
Submariners have my utmost respect. They spend months in cramped conditions protecting us and our national safety – and they are extremely proud to do so. Respectful and passionate about what they do, listening to them speak about their different job roles is mesmerising (and if on land I would have been happy to listen for hours!) Everyone we met that day had time to talk to us, to explain what they did and how a submarine was run on a day to day basis (even down to the washing rotas and where they store their shoes!) And ultimately, the feeling of respect for each other and the camaraderie that there is within the team – I can now understand why the dolphins badge means so much to each and every one of them.
Now obviously I was not alone on this trip, another 7 people were fortunate enough to attend too.
- L-R Vicky Brown, Mark Mclean, Mark Boston, Emma Harbottle, Ian Robertson, Lt Paul Carlton, Mark Kirkbride, Lt Dan Seager, Cdr Jim Scott.
Below are just some of the comments and feedback that has been received:
‘A fascinating day was had by all. Let us not forget the cramped conditions under which our brave submariners work! Here’s hoping they never have to use our kit for real, because having a full crew in the escape compartment has got to be a terrifying experience.’
Ian Robertson – Technical Director
‘I had a fantastic day out it was well worth the 4.30 am start. I wish I could have spent longer on the boat. Seeing what the Royal Navy does made me proud to be British.’
Marc Thornycroft – Photoworks photographer
‘I found the commander’s description of the submarine’s role in the world fascinating and learnt a lot about how Analox equipment is used on board. I also happened to meet a rating whose duties included looking after the Sub MKIIP and had a very interesting discussion with him about how the unit could be further developed.’
Mark Mclean – Design Engineer
‘I really enjoyed the experience of setting foot on HMS Turbulent and would like to thank all of the submariners we met for their hospitality and patience in answering all our questions! From a production perspective it was great to see the products we manufacture in their working environment and their importance in the case of an emergency.’
Mark Boston – Manufacturing Manager
The submarine visit was a complete eye opener for me. Not only was the submarine bigger than I’d anticipated, but you must have to be a particularly strong person to cope with the length of time they spend away from home, submerged under the sea, and in such close proximity to one another. Getting the opportunity to see how our Sub Portable analyser is used helps to put in to perspective what we provide for the submariners.
Their hospitality could not have been better, providing an excellent over view of the workings of the submarine and their way of life.
Emma Harbottle – Operations Manager
So from myself and the visiting Analox group we would like to say a huge thank you to all at HMS Turbulent who were involved with our trip
Michelle Morley – Marketing Manager
