Former Haygrove Student embarks on Naval career

Able Rate (AB) Rhys Bennett is heading for a career at sea after successfully completing his basic training in the Royal Navy. He joined the Senior Service in September and has completed his 10-weeks Initial Naval Training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall.

The training package is designed to militarise and marinise civilians into sailors, preparing them to serve at sea in an operationally deployed Navy that is Global, Modern and Ready.

Rhys, who attended at Haygrove School before joining, said “Training allowed me to develop a wide variety of abilities and I feel fully prepared to continue with my next stage of training and then join the Fleet.”

Relishing all the challenges faced during training he reflected that, “You can learn a lot of valuable information in the 10-weeks, and it changes you as a person as you meet some great people and develop skills you wouldn’t typically get taught.”

Citing that “The body achieves what the mind believes,” AB Rhys encourages others to follow his example, “The travelling opportunities are unrivalled and you develop an acute sense of self and team discipline as you undertake new experiences.”

AB Rhys now goes on to undertake his professional training in HMS Collingwood, Fareham Hampshire where he will learn his trade as a Warfare Specialist before joining his first ship and sailing off to start his global adventure.

Good luck Rhys!