THERE are often days to remember in your life, days that will forever stand out.

And for me, Thursday was one of them. I was at Plymouth, as a guest of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Yes, I had the itinerary, but what had looked matter of fact on paper turned out to be quite different – exciting, informative, inspiring and a little frightening.

Lt Cdr Peter Stanton-Brown, an experienced naval officer, greeted us, then it was through security and on to the quayside, to stand alongside the immaculate Royal Marine band, who were playing as HMS Cumberland sailed in from six months’ deployment.

Families crowded the dock side, holding aloft their ‘welcome home’ banners, women standing on tiptoe trying to identify their menfolk among the crew, all smartly lined up on the decks.

The feeling of anticipation was palpable and made me very conscious of the sacrifices our men and their families make with their long separation.

Then it was on to HMS Ocean, a big – and when I say big, it was huge – helicopter carrier.

It was difficult to comprehend the enormity of it, and how the heck it ever floats is beyond me.

But what really impressed me through the day was the interest and pride in their jobs all these men have, and it was infectious.

They explained clearly and very knowledgeably, the ship’s history, its refit, the complicated process of transporting large numbers of men, equipment, vehicles and helicopters and of getting all safely to the war zones.

We are apt to think that the army are the only forces involved, but I learned just how important is the navy’s role.

Then I went to visit the submarine HMS Tireless; the very name is scary. Its job is stealth, to be unseen, and finding out about it was like looking into another world, a world of trust and comradeship.

Did you know they do tours of duty of 90 days under water, without surfacing, which is incredible?

I asked ‘why 90 days?’ and the answer was ‘well, that’s the length of time our stock of food lasts’.

You have to be strong, motivated and reliable for that sort of dedication, especially with space so restricted. I’d have difficulty coping for an afternoon!

But I did get to sit in a ‘driver’s’ training seat and do a dummy dive.

Now – and this is the frightening bit – can you believe that the entire naval personnel, including Royal Marines, is only 38,000 strong?

If mustered, they could only just fill one half of Manchester United’s football stadium. It’s just not enough!

We’re on an island, unable to feed ourselves. The sea is our protection, our food chain and we cannot, must not, allow the navy’s strength to decline further.

This once great maritime nation must take care, for if we let it go too far, there will be no return.

We had a great, inspiring day and it made me realise just how much we owe to and rely on our service men and women. And I, for one, won’t be taking it for granted anymore.