TWENTY submariner trainees at HM Naval Base Clyde recently passed-out from the first phase of their Submarine Qualifying Course (SMQ).
Last Thursday, December 17, the class of 20 students – being trained for service on board Astute Class submarines – reached the culmination of their 10-week ‘dry phase’, the classroom part of the course conducted at Faslane’s Fleet Operational Sea Training (North) facility.
Throughout 2020, 12 SMQ classes were delivered at the facility – eight Vanguard-class and four Astute-class – totalling 240 students who have completed the training before moving on to the ‘wet phase’ of SMQ on board a submarine.
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The latest class, the last of 2020, graduated on the day, with Captain Ian Breckenridge presenting each student with their certificates in the HMS Neptune Supermess under strict social distancing conditions.
The best student award was presented to Able Rating (warfare specialist) (sonar submarines) Darren Matthews for delivering the best overall performance during the course. The award is based not only on the trainee’s academic achievements but also on their attitude, commitment and teamwork.
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