Royal Air Forces Association
Cumbernauld Branch 1355
Dear Sir,
It is with pleasure that I write to thank you for the hospitality showed on Wednesday the 19th June to a party of fourteen members of the above association who were privileged to visit Faslane to be shown around and meet with serving members of the Royal Navy.
On arrival we were greeted by ex CPO Wilkes a somewhat Falstaffian figure with a rumbustious sense of humour. He dealt with the problems of passes and safety briefing before taking us down to the H.Q. Where we were given a quick resume of his naval career before meeting with Commander W.E.P.Jones.
The official welcome by the Commander was followed by an excellent slide show complemented by; an almost understated, commentary. From first acquisition in 1940, to the first submarine in 1957,
through the first nuclear boat to the current day this was a superbly professional presentation. The Commander wished us well on our tour before we went on our way.
Then we met up with Lt.Commander Nigel Jones who took us through the Thrasher Simulator explaining the complexities of the "Noise Room" before repeating this exercise in the "Command Simulator" as well as demonstrating the simulator in action. This was an enlightening experience to those whose service ran to solitary patrols in an old "stringbag". Rounding off this experience our guide gave us a very much appreciated insight into the training systems undergone by currently serving personnel.
A walk along the dockside brought us to the H.M.S. Superb where we were split into two groups to be shepherded around by C.P.O.s Pat Magee and Scott Austin. As instructed we touched nothing until we were shown the attack periscope and mast which we duly tried and admired. The sleeping accommodation which brought the response "well it is not really too overcrowded as there are never more than half of us here at any one time !". We numbered engineers, as well as systems literate and I.T. literate persons within our group. They were all impressed by the breadth and cheerful competence of our guides.
Finally may I say that from the time we arrived at the North Gate we were clearly expected, welcomed by all with whom we came into contact. My thanks, indeed, for a most memorable visit.
Yours etcBranch 1355
FASLANE
It is a fact hat a number of members set off in great style for atrip to the Royal Navy at Faslane. We stopped for coffee at the Duck Bay Marina. It was wet, even the ducks were complaining, but the coffee was brilliant.
The Navy was very precise and formal - cameras were not allowed!! The letter of thanks, quoted below says it all.
It was a most happy occasion; sitting in the command seat preparing to sink a naval supply ship further upriver one could sense our guides checking the power to the weapons systems was firmly in the ‘off’ position
