By Sub Lieutenant Sarah Pemberton ANC

Six cadets and two staff from TS Perth recently had the unique opportunity to travel from HMAS Stirling to Albany on board HMAS Farncomb.

The journey took three days and gave the cadets a rare opportunity to experience life in the “silent service”.

The Commanding Officer, Commander Mark Hammond, and his crew of 45 went out of their way to accommodate the cadets during the three day voyage and gave them “some amazing experiences”.

The cadets participated in a toxic hazard drill and felt the thrill of “angles and dangles” as the submarine simulated being chased by a torpedo. This involved diving to a depth of 120 metres!

The cadets spoke extensively with the crew and spent much of their time involved in the regular activities that take place on board a submarine.

According to Able Seaman Ben Haselgrove, the “submarine ride was awesome and I would love to do it again sometime”.