On Tuesday 31st January, the Navy section took a trip to the Damage Repair Instructional Unit in Portsmouth. James Ellaway (Lower Sixth) writes about this experience below.

“On Tuesday, the Navy section had to test its teamwork skills at the Damage Repair Instructional Unit (DRUI). This was part of our CCF trip to Portsmouth that embarked on the day prior. For those who do not know, the DRUI is a sinking ship simulator which requires the occupants to stop leaks using nothing but a hammer and some wood.

Although the conditions were not what we had hoped for, with broken hydraulics on the DRUI itself and the water temperature being an unfavourable nine degrees, the cadets got stuck into the exercise, with all of them enjoying their short time in the DRUI.

On top of this, the cadets and I indulged in some firefighting, whilst using thermal imaging cameras to spot where the fire was and, with the use of fire extinguishers, water and foam, we were able to distinguish the fire.

Overall, the trip was enjoyed by everyone, so a big thank you to both Lieutenant Wood and Second Lieutenant Davies for organising this trip.”