A former St Boniface Catholic College student has joined the ranks of the Royal Navy after completing his basic training at HMS Collingwood, near Fareham in Hampshire.
Engineering Technician (Warfare Specialist) Samuel Pomeroy joined the service in January as part of the first intake of new trainees through Collingwood’s gates since the 1960s. He has now completed the intensive 10-week basic training course designed to teach him the skills he will rely upon throughout his naval career.
19-year-old Sam worked as a labourer after leaving school, but he knew he wanted more. He said:
“I wanted a new career path and joining the Royal Navy was the best option because I can grow as a person and get new life skills out of it. It also gives me a solid stable career.”
He continued:
“Meeting new friends has been a highlight of my training. I’m never bored anymore as we always have something going on, the pace of the course has been relentless. I’ve improved my fitness so much and noticed my own self confidence grow on a daily basis.”
Sam’s following in some well-worn family footsteps with an uncle serving as a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and an aunt serving as Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force.
With this first phase of his training complete, Sam will remain at HMS Collingwood for his Warfare training and, once this is complete, he will have the opportunity to serve aboard some of the world’s most advanced warships as they are deployed across the globe.
Reflecting on his naval career so far he said:
“It’s been a very hard and challenging 10 weeks, but I’ve taken a lot from it. I have met some friends for life and I can’t wait to see where my career in the Royal Navy will take me in the coming years.”
