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HMS Puncher (P291)
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

HMS Puncher (P291)

HMS Puncher is an Archer Class patrol vessel associated with London University Royal Naval Unit (URNU). Primarily used for training officer cadets, she also undertakes coastal protection and assists on exercises around the world.

Role

As a training vessel, HMS Puncher’s main role is to provide Naval experience to Officer Cadets from the University of London’s University Royal Naval Unit (London URNU).

It’s onboard HMS Puncher that young Officers and cadets get their first taste of naval life, developing the navigation and seamanship skills required for a career in the Royal Navy.

HMS Puncher also takes part in a variety of wider Fleet tasking, from coastal patrols in UK waters to Royal Navy exercises in the Baltic, Northern Europe and beyond.

Capability

HMS Puncher operates from HMNB Portsmouth and is proud to be affiliated with the following:

  • HMS Westminster
  • 702 Naval Air Squadron
  • HMS Talent
  • Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council
  • Worshipful Company of Horners
  • Town of Eastbourne
  • Eastbourne Sea Cadet Corps
Archer class

Crew

Led by Lieutenant A. Snow, HMS Puncher has a permanent crew of five: four Ratings and an Officer. The ship can also accommodate up to 12 URNU Officer Cadets, along with a training officer from the Royal Navy Reserve. The ship’s company has a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

  • Naval experience
  • Naval training
  • Navigation training
  • Officer training
  • Providing support on Royal Navy and NATO exercises
  • Personal development
  • Leadership training

Unit history

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