Royal Navy Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, has paid his first visit to HMS Raleigh, since taking up his appointment in January 2012.
During his visit Admiral Zambellas was updated on the diverse range of training provided at the establishment and was able to meet some of the recruits undergoing instruction.
Highlights of the visit included a tour of the site where the Royal Navy’s new Heavy Replenishment-At-Sea facility is being built.
Initially the facility will be used to trial and prove new equipment for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft careers.
It will then become a training facility to teach sailors how to carry out one of the most hazardous seamanship tasks the Royal Navy engages in; transferring vital supplies from a Royal Fleet Auxiliary to a warship at sea.
Construction of the £25 million pound project, managed by Rolls Royce Power Engineering PLC, began last year and is due for completion in 2014.
Admiral Zambellas was also the VIP guest of honour for the passing-out-parade and personally congratulated the latest recruits to complete the 10 week initial naval training course for Ratings.
Having joined the Royal Navy in 1980, Admiral Zambellas qualified as a pilot in 1982.
He has held various posts at sea and ashore including the Commanding Officer of HMS Chatham and the Commander of the Amphibious Task Group.
Admiral Zambellas was promoted to his current rank in January this year.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,October 04, 2012; Image: Royal Navy