H.M.S. Collingwood is the Royal Navy's first fully integrated Maritime Warfare School (MWS). Its located in Fareham, Hants. Its missions (both current and planned) include being home to the School of Weapons Engineering and Communications, School of Maritime Operations and the School of Leadership and Management.
In early 2003, the then-commander of Collingwood, Commodore Philip L. Wilcocks (now Rear-Admiral and serving in Whitehall, London), announced the construction of a new building, to be named for H.M.S. Hood. The plans were finalised over the summer of 2003, and groundbreaking officially took place on 04 December 2003. Hood Association President Ted Briggs was given the honour of digging the first sections of turf.
Above- Ted Briggs after breaking ground for the "Hood" building at H.M.S. Collingwood
Ted Briggs and Association Chairman Peter Heys both visited Collingwood again in February 2004 to view the progress of the building. At that time, its steel structure was in the process of being erected. They were advised that the building is to be a Manpower and Personnel Administration Centre. The Hood Association will be given a private room to hold a number of Hood artefacts. We are most grateful to Collingwood's command staff, the Royal Navy and of course the Ministry of Defence for their generosity.
The building should be complete in September 2004.