Jim Perks – VIPs on board during inshore weekend exercise

There’s an added intensity, and we’ve changed it slightly over the years, is that you’ve got your first group of VIPs that come onboard to have a look.

That can range from politicians to senior military leaders to whoever is deemed a useful asset. Some are military people who we think are going to be the leaders of the future, just to show them what the Submarine Service does, because what a great snapshot.

And on a weekend you get to see a hell of a lot and it’s busy, it’s intense.

Simon: All the toys are out.

All the toys are out, yeah, you’re right and there’s lots of briefing going on and it’s intense, you can feel it, it is palpable. I’ve not yet met a VIP that doesn’t come off with a massive smile and they’re in awe of what they’ve seen.