PLYMOUTH Naval Base has hosted an international college in defence studies for senior officials and military officers on a fact-finding delegation.

The Royal College of Defence Studies sent members of the college to HM Naval Base Devonport to learn how major UK national and international firms work in the defence industrial sector.

Dee Nokeokouman, spokesman said: “The visit to HMNB Devonport certainly provided members with the rare chance to meet and question and contrast not one, but three industrial partners. “Key speakers were Commodore Graeme Little (Naval Base Commander) Richard Hawkins (Babcock Ltd), Simon Cowls (Interserve) and John Shore (SERCO).

"They gave a great mix of the historic and modern, whilst providing a real insight in how public-private partnerships work. Huge thanks was received from the college to all those involved for making the visit such a success.’’ The visitors also visited the heritage site, the frigate refit complex and HMS Montrose during the two-day visit.

Overall, the delegates learned of the contribution and risks made and posed in respect of national security ends and the promotion of national and international security and stability and associated risks. They found out how the firms contributed to national prosperity in terms of the effect of defence spending in the wider national economy and the requirement for and value of a national defence industrial strategy.

The college mission is to prepare senior officers and officials of the United Kingdom and other countries, and future leaders from the private and public sectors, for high responsibilities in their respective organisations, by developing their analytical powers, knowledge of defence and international security, and strategic vision.