A family tradition is assured and all’s now shipshape for Callum

Feb 14 2008

A TEENAGER from Stonehouse is following in his family’s footsteps after completing nine weeks’ training at one of the country’s top naval bases.

New recruit Callum Lang (17) underwent the intensive training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

He follows two of his uncles and a cousin into the Senior Service.

Callum, a former pupil at Larkhall Academy, joined the Royal Navy in October.

He was seeking a fresh challenge and was enthusiastic to meet new people and travel the world.

Callum said: “It feels great to have finished training. It was varied and kept us occupied all the time.

“I can't wait to get on to a ship to start some ‘real’ work and continue training to gain promotion in the future.”

Callum's uncles, Donald and Steven Shaw who are both serving members of the Royal Navy, were among proud family and friends who travelled to Cornwall to see the successful recruits at their passing-out-parade.

Donald, the eldest uncle, joined the Royal Navy in 1975 and is currently a warrant officer serving at the Fleet Headquarters in Portsmouth.

Steven, a Royal Navy Commander, embarked on his Naval career in 1980 and is now serving as the branch manager for officers of logistics.

Both brothers now live in Porchester, Hampshire, with their wives and families.

Donald’s daughter, 19-year-old Nichola, is also continuing the family's connections with the Royal Navy.

She is at present serving aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

Callum has now moved on to his specialist training at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall.

There he will learn to help ensure that the Royal Navy's aircraft can take off and land safely from any location across the world.