Last updated 16:16, Wednesday, 27 August 2008

A ROYAL Navy engineer, based in Barrow, has achieved two of his greatest ambitions this year.

LT CDR BRUCE RUSSELL

He took over as the Weapon Engineering Officer on board Ambush – the Astute class attack submarine being built by BAE – and graduated from the Open University with a PhD in History.

Explaining his passion for learning at his graduation ceremony at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Lieutenant Commander Bruce Russell said: “Most of my colleagues ask me why I put myself through the additional strain of a doctorate while also being in charge of the build programme of a new nuclear submarine.

“Quite simply, I wanted to set myself a personal challenge that was different to my naval career – and achieve it before my 40th birthday.”

It took eight-and-a-half years, but the senior engineering officer graduated following the submission of a 98,000-word thesis International Law at Sea, Economic Warfare, and Britain’s Response to the German U-boat Campaign during the First World War.

The 39-year old, who now lives in Ulverston, joined the Royal Navy in 1987.

He has spent his career to date serving in submarines.

As the Weapon Engineering Officer, he is responsible to the Commanding Officer for all the weapons, sensors, communications and computer systems on the boat.

He said: “Getting the largest and most powerful class of attack submarine ever built for the Royal Navy ready for launch next year is my next challenge.

“Together with the rest of the team we will be working hard to make sure that she is ready to enter service with the fleet.”

Attack class submarines are designed to pursue and attack enemy submarines and surface ships using torpedoes.

They are also able to carry cruise missiles for use against shore-based targets.

They are also used to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering tasks, as well as other types of classified operations.