Alan Smith 1 - Four women and many males

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Name: Alan Smith

Rate: Able Seaman

Service: 2004 - present

Job: Operator Mechanic Mine Warfare

Alan Smith joined the Royal Navy in 2004 age 20. He completed his basic training at HMS Raleigh alongside female recruits. He has served on both mixed and all male ships. HMS Bangor was his first ship and had men and women on board. His second ship, HMS Cottesmore, was an all male ship.

 

In the clip below Alan talks about what it's like serving on mixed ships and all male ships.

 

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Because it was my first ship I didn't know really any difference to when I joined, but then with the women at sea, with four women and many males on board the ship you're going to get romances happening and ending, and it does cause friction then between the ship and the ship's company, which can cause arguments when the break ups happen.