A chance offering led to cadets from 2495 Hythe Sqn & Totton DF being invited along to tour HMS Southampton, a Royal Navy Type 42 Destroyer whilst she was berthed in Southampton Docks for her crew to exercise their rights of Freedom of the City of Southampton and part of her de-Commissioning process.

The tour was very interesting giving cadets a in-depth insight to life on a Naval Destroyer, including a very interesting talk on HMS Southampton's primary role as an air defence platform. The crew gave demonstrations of the various bits of equipment onboard the Destroyer including giving the some cadets the opportunity to try on the personal life preservation suits for immersion in the sea issued to all crew members. The tour allowed the cadets a look around the ships bridge and for those who fancied themselves as a future Captain of a ship they could sit in the Captain's chair! The ship's warfare room is the heart of the ship where the cadets were given a comprehensive talk about the ships role and function in a war scenario.

The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and finished with one of the ships Officers presenting Pilot Officer Harding with a ship's plaque and print.

Our sincere thanks to the Captain, ship's Officers and crew of HMS Southampton & Chief Petty Officer Davison of the Royal Navy careers office who made the visit a most enjoyable experience.