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Dreadnought Career Stories
Born into the Submarine Family
Doug is supporting the Dreadnought Programme through his work with the Submarine Delivery Agency:
“I am currently serving with the Royal Navy, and my journey with Dreadnought started shortly after birth, when I was christened aboard the original HMS Dreadnought submarine in 1975!
“I joined the Royal Navy straight after my A-levels in September 1992 at the age of 17. After initial officer training, I joined the Royal Navy Engineering College to read for my BEng degree. After spending time on Type 42 destroyers and a brief hold over at HMS Nelson, I resumed my engineer officer training. My basic nuclear and submarine training included patrols on two Vanguard Class submarines, before formally joining one of the boats. I was re-appointed several times between different crews on numerous CASD patrols. Upon promotion to Lt Cdr, I took responsibility for oversight and approval of power range testing for a Vanguard Class submarine.
“I became a Chartered Engineer and went on to complete a number of charge roles across the Vanguard Class. Finally, having accrued a total of more than 6 years actually underwater, my sea time came to a natural conclusion. I became responsible for the delivery of all marine engineering and marine engineer submariner training across the Royal Navy, including all career courses.
“Following subsequent appointments within the submarine enterprise providing assurance and acceptance of programmes including Dreadnought, I joined the Alliance in October 2022 assuming a new level of responsibilities. Primarily concerned with the acceptance of the product, I’m part of a wide approval authority for the new Dreadnought Class of submarines. It’s a great feeling to be working on the Dreadnought Programme and most rewarding to recognise that my efforts throughout my career allow me to now play such an important part in the delivery of the next generation of Dreadnought.”
A Life Devoted to Submarines
Julian supports the Dreadnought Programme through his work with Rolls-Royce Submarines:
“It’s been my privilege to have been a member of the UK Submarine Enterprise for 44 years; that time roughly equally split between the Royal Navy and Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd.
“I have a huge depth of gratitude to the Royal Navy Submarine Service and Rolls-Royce Submarines for the development opportunities they have afforded me! The adventure has allowed me to go from Junior Marine Engineering Mechanic 2nd class to my current role leading a team of 150 brilliant people who take great pride in supporting Royal Navy submarines and the submariners who serve in them.
“I am incredibly proud to be a small part of the Dreadnought Programme and I am determined that when Dreadnought enters service it will make the lives of current service personnel better.”
Committed to the National Endeavour
Olivia works on the Dreadnought Programme through Alliance Partner BAE Systems. She is an Armed Forces veteran:
“I wanted a change of career upon exit, but still wanted to contribute to the safety and security of the UK. I visited Barrow as a child and spent a lot of time in the Dock Museum, as the model submarines in there fascinated me!
“I do not take my role lightly; I am responsible for driving continuous improvement by collaborative working across the programme. It really is a national endeavour and the whole workforce need to ‘dig in’ together – something that I really enjoy.
“Delivering Dreadnought is of vital importance. We must provide quality boats and keep our service personnel safe – it is the very least they deserve.”
Engineering a Secure Future
Lara works in engineering at Rolls-Royce and has supported the Dreadnought Programme. She’s also a Reservist in the Royal Engineers, part of the British Army:
“I have supported the Dreadnought Programme across multiple roles at Rolls-Royce, growing from the engineering graduate scheme up to leadership in operations. The team and I were pivotal in achieving manufacturing readiness for core components.
“It was truly moving to see the delivery of major milestones in the Dreadnought programme first-hand; as there were times in the factory where digging in, responding to challenging deadlines and making resilient technical decisions meant we all had to push hard. That feeling is synonymous with military rigour when serving as a reservist.
“I connect with the Dreadnought Programme because its mission resonates with why I serve in the Army. As a Royal Engineer, my role is to enable our infantry and tank systems to live, move and fight, which we continue to achieve peacefully alongside the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) continuity that Dreadnought will deliver.”
A Submariner Reflects on his Father’s Support
Ahead of Fathers’ Day and Armed Forces Week, we asked Nick, a submariner working with us on the Dreadnought Programme, to share some thoughts about how his dad has helped guide him through his life and career with inspiration and support.
As Father’s Day approaches, I reflect on the profound impact my father has had on my career as a Royal Navy submariner. Growing up in a fishing family, he instilled in me a deep love and respect for the sea. His unwavering guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my journey beneath the waves.
On this special day, I am reminded of the countless ways my father’s influence has propelled me forward. His own experiences as a marine biologist, conducting scientific research on survey ships, have ignited my fascination with the ocean’s mysteries. His wisdom and stories have been a constant source of inspiration and direction, instilling in me the values of determination and perseverance.
I am forever grateful for his profound understanding of marine life and his passion for the preservation of our precious resources. His steadfast belief in me has reminded me to explore and protect the wonders of the deep. It is through his guidance and unconditional love that I have found purpose and fulfilment as a submariner in the Royal Navy. His professional work ethos has always been that although we may never actually achieve perfection, it should never stop us in striving to achieve it.