Draft:University Royal Naval Unit Belfast
Royal Navy cadet organisation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The University Royal Naval Unit Belfast (URNU Belfast) is one of 17 University Royal Naval Units and is a Royal Navy training establishment based in Northern Ireland.[1] It is one of the University Service Units and is under the command of Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
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The unit is commanded by its commanding officer (CO), usually a full-time Royal Navy Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, or Royal Marines Captain or Major. The remainder of its staff consists of a full-time Chief Petty Officer acting as the unit Coxswain (Cox'n or Coxn), a Lieutenant (URNU) as the unit's Senior Training Officer (STO), and a number of Training Officers (TOs), who vary between URNU Acting Sub-Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants and Lieutenants.
This format, with the exception of rank, roughly mirrors the training staff and format of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC). In addition, the unit has a Unit Administration Officer (UAO), who is a civilian and does not wear uniform.
URNU Belfast is open to students in Northern Ireland at all campuses of Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the Open University. The unit operates out of HMS Hibernia, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn.
History
URNU Belfast is the 16th URNU unit, formed and officially opened in 2021 by Rear Admiral Jude Terry, Director of People and Training.[2]
In 2024, URNU Belfast & Virtual won the annual HMS DASHER award for Best URNU unit.[3] Provided by the Knights of the Round Table and presented by Dame Mary Richardson DBE, this exceptional honour reflects upon all who have worked hard to develop the young units in their first few years.
URNU Belfast Today
The unit is currently split into four divisions: Lucas, Bingham, Magennis, and Burgoyne. These divisions are all named after Irish sailors in the Royal Navy who were recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC).
URNU Belfast is based at HMS HIBERNIA in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, where cadets have use of facilities for their training, including a drill hall, lecture rooms and a galley.
Training and Unit Life
URNU Belfast provides university students with a broader understanding of Royal Navy life as an Officer, in offering transferable skills. These range from public speaking to personal confidence and organisation, and expose students to leadership and management opportunities.[4]
Officer cadets have the opportunity to gain Royal Yachting Association and Chartered Management Institute qualifications during their time in the unit, and are paid for their time. They also have the chance to go to sea on an HM Warship or RFA vessel to experience life at sea.
URNU Belfast also offers unique opportunities to visit Fleet Air Arm and Submarine service facilities, and participate in adventurous training and sports opportunities with other URNU Units nationally, from skiing to sky-diving, both within the UK and abroad.[5]
Commanding Officers
2021 – 2026: Lt Cdr Barry McWilliams
2026 – Present: Major David Doherty