All Aboard the HMS Charger

Posted at 12:49 pm on 18th February, 2020

CCF Navy Unit visits HMS Eaglet

In January, Wellacre’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Navy Unit travelled to Liverpool for a day on a P2000 Royal Navy Patrol vessel. 

The ship, called HMS Charger, is moored at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool, a Royal Naval Reserve unit.  HMS Charger is the smallest vessel in the Naval fleet and is primarily responsible for patrolling during times of war, but it is currently being used for training and support of operational fleets.

Unfortunately, a planned sail down the Mersey was postponed as there was a burst pipe on board but the cadets took full advantage of the trip and explored the vessel and career opportunities in detail. 

Naval officers took the cadets on a tour of all the ship’s facilities including the galley (kitchen), cabins (sleeping quarters), engine room and gunroom (not for storing guns but the ‘mess’ or dining area).

SLt Baker, Leader of Geography, said:

“The tour of HMS Charger primarily gave the cadets an insight into life onboard a serving naval vessel.  However, our hosts also introduced them to the variety of tasks and responsibilities of officers and rankings during times at sea.

“A highlight of the trip was an opportunity for some of our cadets to ‘fire up’ the engines and experience the life of a Royal Navy engineer.”

Year 9 student, Ellis, said:

“The visit showed me everything I could do if I joined the Navy as an Engineer; I did not realise all the responsibilities.   I would like to look into being a Naval Engineer in the future.”