Commander Robert Dunn - BRNC

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Commander Robert Dunn BRNC

Commander Robert Dunn - BRNC

Job description: Second in command. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the college.

What it is like managing an institution like this?

Brilliant. It really is a pleasure to work, not just in this historic building, but with the cadets. We’re dealing with the next generation of naval officers who have worked hard to get here and want to be in the Navy. Their enthusiasm is incredibly infectious.

How many people work at the college?

Just under 100 military staff. 60 training officers, 31 army personnel who guard the premises and exchange officers (from France, America and Germany). Then there are 200 civilian staff from Dartmouth and surrounding towns who do all the essential jobs that make the college tick every day - managing the finances, providing meals and maintaining the beautiful grounds.

Take us through your average day

I’m usually in the office by 0700 to meet with the two officers of the day; the one who’s about to clock off and one who’s just starting work. Then it’s meetings, emails or phonecalls dealing with anything from health and safety issues to the quality of the cadets’ dinners.  

How long have you been in the Navy?

32 years this September. 29 of those as a sub mariner, so I have spent many months of my life under water. I trained here at the college in the 80s, so now I’ve come full circle.

What is life like on a submarine?

Things that are very unusual to many people become the norm - not seeing daylight for example! I was sometimes down for two or three months at a time. You just live your life as usual but in a confined space. It’s not the claustrophobia that’s the worst part - most missions will be in conflict zones so at any time you could be seconds away from disaster. You have to keep reminding yourself the training and equipment is first class and will keep you safe.

Was a life at sea your childhood dream?

I guess you could say that. There was a big family influence. My father and grandfather were in the Navy. My grandfather was killed during active service in World War Two.

How does the job fit with family life?

My wife, Trish, is also a naval officer, in Plymouth, so it actually works quite well. We live together on college grounds in what used to be the surgeon’s house (back in 1902 before the college was even built). We’ve always made it work - if one of us has been posted abroad the other has flown out to see them wherever that may have been – the Arabian Gulf, Dubai etc.

What do you do in your spare time?

There isn’t a lot of spare time but when we can get away we like to scuba dive, windsurf and go out on our classic yacht.

Do you have your own office?

No, I share it with my seven-year-old black lab Milo! He has come to work with me since he was a puppy and often patrols the ‘corridors of power’. He gets more attention than I do!

First published By The Dart July 2016 issue