With RFA Mounts Bay stuck in Falmouth undergoing essential maintenance work, its officers and crew are using the time to further develop their already well established affiliations with the Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadet Unit.

On three separate occasions last month, the ship’s company welcomed groups from the unit on board, as well as other youngsters from the Truro and Padstow group. During the visits a number of on board activities were arranged, all designed to provide some fun and an insight into the challenges of life at sea in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Over 40 cadets were able to take part in activities including interactive (wet) fire fighting drills, lifeboat familiarisation, visiting the ship's hospital, an insight into the ship’s self-defence weapons and visits to the ship's machinery control room and Bridge. The youngsters were able to interact with the ships navigating and engineering officers and discuss their respective experiences and roles serving in today’s RFA Service.

RFA Mounts Bay's Commanding Officer, Captain David Buck, and Steve McCubbin, the ship’s sea cadet liaison officer, also attended the Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadet Unit's annual presentation awards evening.

Captain Buck said: “I am delighted that RFA Mounts Bay has been able to provide the opportunity for TS Robert Hichens to visit the ship and further cement our strong affiliation with Falmouth. I very much hope that some of them may be inspired to become part of the future RFA Service as they set out on their respective career paths."