The Commandant of the King Fahd Academy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has visited HMS Raleigh where some of his students are undergoing a summer training programme.
Rear Admiral Khalid Al Saeed met with the Service and civilian staff responsible for the delivery of the eight-week programme, which began in May.
He was also able to watch his students being put through their paces during an assault course run and team building session. The summer programme is being delivered under a contract with International Defence Training (IDT) Royal Navy in collaboration with Babcock Flagship.
While the main focus of the programme has been English Language the 72 Officer Cadets have also been given the chance to improve their teamwork and leadership skills by undertaking elements of the Royal Navy’s initial naval training course.
They have completed three military exercises in the local area and have also had lessons on seamanship techniques and fitness training.
This is the sixth year the summer school has taken place at HMS Raleigh. Commander Scott Sellars, IDT Royal Navy, said:
“This programme is an integral part of the training relationship between the Royal Navy and Royal Saudi Navy.
“It is seen as a reward for the top performing Saudi cadets at the end of the first year of their three-year officer training programme.” During his time in the UK, Rear Admiral Al Saeed also visited Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth.
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that regularly send Cadets to the world-renowned College to train alongside their Royal Navy counterparts.
[mappress] Press Release, June 18, 2013; Image: Royal Navy