Teenage pair get SAR work experience

As work experience goes, a week attached to 771 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose could be considered one of the best. 

Jessica King (15) from Chard inSomersetand Imojen Penry (15) from Helston,Cornwallworked alongside fully trained Naval Air Engineers on the Royal Navy’s Search and Rescue Sea Kings which are on 24 hours a day 7 days a week call out. During their time at Culdrose they helped refuel aircraft and work on the busy Flightline, as well as seeing how the sailors work and train at the Navy’s Cornish Air Station, getting a closer look at Naval Life. 

“It’s been a full-on, exceptionally good week,” said Jessica, who has an ambition to join the Royal Navy as a catering specialist. “I’ve seen some amazing things and it’s given me a wider outlook of possible careers. Most of my family work in aviation so I wouldn’t say no to the Navy.” 

The pair was certainly up for a challenge, spending time handling weapons and survival at sea training; experiencing what aircrew have to go through should their aircraft have an emergency whilst operating over the sea. 

Whilst not committing herself at this stage to a Royal Navy career Imojen has also enjoyed her work experience. Living close to Culdrose she has close parental links with the base. “I haven’t decided yet on what I want to do in the future; but I do want to be active and adventurous. The Navy ticks a lot of boxes.” 

Looking after the duo for the week fell to Chief Petty Officer Pete Keith, 771 Sqn Training Cell Coordinator. He’s been in the Royal Navy 32 years, working on all Navy versions of the trusty Sea King helicopter; from the Mark 2 through to Mark 7 which is currently used by the Baggers: the Royal Navy’s Airborne Surveillance Force. “It’s a great career if you want to see the world and work with aircraft. Work experience for these kids really opens their eyes to what the Navy’s all about.”