A group of Libyan Sea Cadets had the rare opportunity to go onboard and experience life in Royal Navy Survey Ship HMS Echo.
The group of 24 youngsters got to visit HMS Echo during her recent stopover in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, while she was carrying out survey work off the country’s coast.
The group ranged in age from three to 13 and were escorted by their teachers, many of whom had backgrounds working with the Royal Navy. In total there are roughly 400 Sea Cadets linked to the Libyan Naval Base in Tripoli.
As the youngsters boarded Echo, the group split, with some of the cadets remaining on the quarterdeck to try on some body armour, learn about the different parts of the ship and talk with the ship’s company about what it was like to be in the Royal Navy, whilst the second half went on a tour of the ship.
Upon completion of the second tour, the cadets gathered on the quarterdeck and sang their Libyan Sea Cadet song for the assembled members of the ship’s company.
Sub Lieutenant Louise Shepherd, one of the Young Officer’s undergoing training on HMS Echo, said:
“It’s great to be able to help the adult volunteers provide activities for these smart, young people. Their country has been through so much change recently, activities like this help to focus the abundant energy that children have on something positive.
“It’s only a small contribution, but they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.”
Cdr Matt Syrett, HMS Echo’s Commanding Officer, said:
“HMS Echo’s visit to Tripoli has been all about building upon the relationship started when we visited last year. Being part of the UK Government’s contribution towards ensuring that Libya has a stable future is something that my entire team can be proud of.
“Inviting the children of Libya to see a ship of this nature, is just one of the many ways the Royal Navy can build links for the future with the whole community.”
[mappress] Press Release, July 15, 2013; Image: Royal Navy