TWIN power is helping propel the Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Sutherland.

Twin brothers Anthony and Matthew Titley, from Shrewsbury, have been embracing their new responsibilities as new engineers onboard HMS Sutherland.

The talented twins, aged 23, passed their engineering exams earlier this year and both joined the Type 23 Frigate in July as leading engineering technicians and have been rewarded by advancing on the new fast-track system.

The brothers’ individual skills have shone through as a new staffing structure has been introduced by the Navy to give young recruits a larger amount of training and responsibility early in their careers.

HMS Sutherland was the first ship chosen to adopt the new structure and fast-track system that will encourage and job satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Matthew said: “Passing the leading engineering course was a huge achievement for both us. I always knew I wanted to join the Royal Navy and it seems not long ago I was passing out of HMS Raleigh. Now I’m a leading hand and I have lads to lead and pass on my experience to.”

He added: “It’s important those who have progressed encourage the younger engineers to work hard and get qualified. The new fast-track scheme also makes rapid promotion in the branch a realistic possibility.”

Andrew said: “The new engineering manning structure for frigates will be a challenge. I’ve only become a leading engineer technician this year and taking on the responsibilities of a section head is a difficult task, but an exciting opportunity. The learning curve for recently qualified leading engineering technicians is very steep.”

He added: “There have been times when I’ve struggled to meet the new requirements of section heads, but I’m learning a lot from all the experience onboard. I’m hoping this will help me with work up and the subsequent deployment next year.”

The Navy has recognised that to retain skills of the aspiring youngsters they need to be rewarded. The new fast-track scheme identifies talent and channels those selected through rapid promotion, showing they are absolutely committed to their engineers and their progression.

Commander Stephen Anderson, the captain of HMS Sutherland said: “It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm through which my junior engineers have grasped the challenge and are actively taking ownership of their equipment. I have been very impressed with their attitude and it is obvious that they relish their new responsibility. It is clear to me that HMS Sutherland, working closely with flotilla and our manning team, has set the standard as the first ship to make this new structure work, and therefore leading the way for others to follow.”

HMS Sutherland is continuing with her refit in Devonport Naval Base and looks to proceed to sea next year for trials.