It's a busy time for Chief Petty Officer Simmons. Although not currently at sea, the maintenance programme for HMS Exeter is equally gruelling. Despite being only 32, John Simmons has spent almost 14 years serving in the Royal Navy. He joined up in 1991 and was guided in the careers office to become a mechanic; after five years he changed branches and became an Artificer. In 1996 he undertook a two and a half year modern apprenticeship on HMS Sultan in Gosport and left there as a Leading Technician. "Since then I have progressed through the ranks as Petty Officer, Technician and now I am a Chief Marine Engineer Artificer Technician." Whilst aboard HMS Sultan John also gained his HND qualifications.
展开▼
