90 (Speke) Squadron ATC

39 Woolton Road
Garston
Liverpool
L19 5ND
       Tel: 01514270940
  Email: 90@merseysidewing.org
                  Web: www.90speke.org.uk

90 (Speke) Squadron Air Cadets visit the Royal Navy flag ship, the HMS Ark Royal on its recent docking in Liverpool.

Five members of the Squadron took the trip down to the Liverpool Docks after being offered places by 7F Squadron. The 1230 meetup was followed by the Cadet's entering the Royal Navy Flagship into it's hangar area.

Climbing aboard

Once onboard, the visitors were split into groups and given a guided tour by Royal Navy Officers. They first visited the operations room, in which the Cadet's were told strictly no photography; for national security reasons. Each system was explained to them, informing of the various roles on board the ship and the technology behind it.

The ship has many advanced systems

Proceeding onto the ship's Bridge, the Cadets we're shown the view of the aircraft ramp and the electronic warfare systems. Later, they travelled down onto the Main Deck, being able to stand on the ramp where the Harrier Aircraft lift off from.

90 (Speke) Cadets on the flight deck!

On the front side of the ship, there is an automated weapon system called a PHALANX. The Royal Navy Officer explained it's role in defending the ship from anti-sea missiles, being able to identify a target as a threat and take it out if necessary.

The PHALANX seen here can fire thousands of rounds per minute

One thing that surprised all the Cadets was the use of the room below the ramp (see picture below) - used as a place to eat for some of those onboard!

Door to the right gets you into a mess room!

Towards the end of the tour, the Cadets were able to go on board both the Royal Navy Sea King and EH 101 Merlin Helicopters to speak to it's crew, with some being able to sit in the cockpit. The observer explained the role's of the aircraft, the Merlin being an anti-submarine helicopter but also taking part in heavy lift, cargo and search and rescue operations.

Royal Navy Pilot explaining the Aircraft's controls to a cadet

Cdt Cpl Raja next to the EH 101 Merlin

The day proved to be very worthwhile and gave an insight into the conditions and the operations on board a Royal Navy vessel of this size.

Cadet Corporal Andrew Mcneil added "I have wanted to be a helicopter pilot since I can remember and enjoyed getting the chance to be able to speak to those who fly Merlins and Sea Kings!"