April 2014 Issue 71

desthe magazine for defencidere equipment and support

The future DE&S – Ours to deliver

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Insider april 2014 4 launch special

Philip Dunne MP, Minister Today’s launch is a once-in-a­ for Defence Equipment, generation opportunity for DE&S to Support and Technology become a world-class organisation, writes Bernard Gray, Chief of TODAy’S launch of the new DE&S Defence Materiel, in a personal represents a landmark opportunity for us all in defence and is a significant milestone message in the transformation of MOD acquisition and support: a process begun about three want all of us to look back on today as a milestone in years ago following Bernard Gray’s report the transformation of DE&S. I believe we can become on Defence Acquisition in 2009. Ia world class programme management organisation, That report challenged us to think envied and respected around the world. Instead of enduring endless criticism for our performance, some radically about how we should secure justified, some not, I am ambitious for us to be THE significant improvements in the delivery pre-eminent defence materiel organisation. A place of equipment and support to our Armed recognised for its excellence and achievement. Forces. We have done this and the new Opportunities like this rarely happen – but when they organisation, launched today, gives us the do we should strive to make the very most of the chance we have been given. flexibilities and freedoms to deliver that From today, the Government has given DE&S the change. freedom to manage its own business in an opportunity We have a great opportunity in the never before given to part of the Civil Service. This next three years to change the way move shows the trust that we have won through our we deliver – and key to that change is performance over the last few years. To take full advantage of the freedoms we have been managing and developing our people. It given, we need to raise the level of our ambition about is only through DE&S staff that we will ourselves, our work and about DE&S. If we do not aspire deliver sustainable improvement to the to be world class, we will not be world class. organisation. There will be changes for the I think we should aspire to be the most respected better in how DE&S does its business over military materiel organisation in the world – one that other acquisition bodies envy and try to match. We should the next few months, to deliver the skills, also aim to be the most respected project management tools and processes we need to deliver organisation in the UK in any field. the Equipment Plan better. I sincerely I believe that we need to develop the reputation for hope that we are all able to embrace exceeding the aspirations of the Armed Forces, to provide this opportunity with enthusiasm and and support their equipment at levels above those that meet their basic needs. We should be responsive, agile, professionalism. timely and committed to achieving above and beyond the Of course, it is not only DE&S that call of duty. will be changing. The customer role is I want us all to strive for personal excellence in our already developing as a result of FinMil work on a daily basis, to take pride in everything we do, Cap transformation. DE&S will have a and take responsibility for all of our tasks. I would like us to get to a level of delivery and much more business-like relationship reputation that means we are universally recognised for with both customers and suppliers as we our excellence. If we achieve that status, we will be able collectively seek to deliver the best kit to be rightly proud of our achievements and envied by and support to our Armed Forces. While others. these changes may feel uncomfortable We’ve already shown just how impressive we can be – for example delivering more than 3,000 new or upgraded in the early stages, I am convinced that protected mobility vehicles to support combat operations the launch of the new organisation will in Iraq and Afghanistan and hundreds of other Urgent be viewed with hindsight as the moment Operational Requirements to the front line in the last we began to lock in for the long term the decade. improvements we are already making. We’ve renegotiated challenging contracts on very high profile programmes, for example on the aircraft As Chairman of the Owner’s Council, carriers, driven value into the support programme and which will oversee performance of dramatically reduced the cycle of delay and overspending the new DE&S organisation, I am on projects. looking forward to being part of this We’ve delivered battle-winning equipment – such as transformation effort – it is exciting to the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan – well ahead of our plans, and worked much more closely with our military be at the heart of an ambitious drive for customer to push back on over-ambitious requirements. improvement such as this. Our priority In addition we’ve cut inventory spending by about £1 remains the delivery of the Equipment billion and disposed of £6 billion of unwanted stock. Programme. But we must also drive These are huge achievements that have already won us value into everything we do, to achieve recognition and fresh credibility from our own leadership in the MOD and across Whitehall. what’s best for our customers on the front But from today we have to be even more ambitious and line as well as the tax payer. This is our strive even harder to do better still to meet the needs of opportunity to do so. the Armed Forces. launch special 5 ‘This is our chance to show

in our own professional judgments to engage in a dialogue of equals with industry partners and our military what we can do’ customers. We also needed to be honest about our own shortcomings, learning the right lessons and then acting to ensure we delivered the programme. From today some of those unnecessary constraints that stood between us and our ambitions have gone – we are now able to take major decisions about our own future and have a new status as a self-confident and trusted Arm’s Length Body in the MOD. We have broad freedom to make our own decisions on pay, rules for promotion and grading structures so that we can recruit and retain more of the people we need and how we best go about our vitally important work. And we are bringing in targeted outside help through Managed Service Providers to, for example, rebuild the HR function and improve project delivery to maximise the value. We’re going to invest more in our training skills, to improve our experience of work in all areas. It is often small things that make a big difference to our working lives. Many of you will have noticed some improvements starting around the Abbey Wood site, and I would like to thank the facilities team for the incredible amount of hard work they have already put in. More improvements are to follow, with more car-parking spaces and better Our ambition should be that people expected in the underlying programme, arrangements, more flexible and are envious of us when they learn where and the carrier project had been put remote working where practicable and we work. They should admire what we do on a firm footing. This was reflected in simplifying some of our processes. and how we do it and they should want to the media coverage. In 2009 we were Today’s launch puts in our hands the learn more about us. front page news, and the coverage was opportunity to create a future DE&S as We may have not been forward enough overwhelmingly negative. This year saw a professional, trusted, self-confident in talking about our achievements in much more limited comment than in and world-leading organisation. One DE&S in the past, a natural reticence that the past, and that which appeared was in which our abilities, ambitions and has allowed others to ignore or talk down largely positive. If our reputation for successes will be better recognised our many visible successes. competence continues to grow, I think and rewarded and in which we have the That is another area in which we we will earn the respect we deserve and freedoms we need to show how much should in future have more ambition and will see that reflected in comment on our better we can be at what we do. more self-confidence. achievements. There is a promising, exciting and One sign of the improvements we have At the start of our journey three years professionally rewarding future for all already achieved is that media reporting ago we identified key areas in which our of us in DE&S. The Government has of our work is no longer the routinely work and the performance of DE&S were given us the freedoms we’ve long been negative coverage of the last decade, being hampered and how we would tackle asking for – now we must pay back that so often triggered by publication of the these problems. trust and take this chance to show what annual National Audit Office’s Major These included the lack of key skills we can do. Our future is in our hands. It Projects Report (MPR). in DE&S in critical areas; our inability to is up to us now. In 2009 the MPR recorded a £3.3 recruit the people we needed when we billion growth in costs on the programme. needed to do so; our failure to retain some By the time MPR13 was published, there of our most promising people and the was no significant cost or time increases need for us to become confident enough

Messages from Board members and case studies of DE&S successes – pages 6-23 6 launch special

Air Marshal Simon Bollom, as Chief of Materiel (Air), is responsible for all fixed wing ‘We have aircraft equipment and support along with the Unmanned Air Systems programme which excellent involves more than 1,600 staff people

Let me start by congratulating the Air team on some truly outstanding achievements in delivering new capability and cost effective support to who will ‘the front line. The key successes in the air domain over the last two years surround an almost complete refresh of our equipment inventory. Typhoon has become a formidable system, with new weapons and new capability and has proved be key to itself as a combat-ready platform. It is now a main player on the world stage with an impressive pedigree. Lightning II is the only fifth generation fighter in the world and we are the only tier one partner with the US. Our work on Lightning II with the US success’ Marine Corps will help the aircraft be a real success story and will, along with Typhoon, show our commitment to the RAF’s long term future. The aircraft will also be flown by the Royal Navy. Both the VC-10 and the TriStar have done a fantastic job for the RAF. But Voyager is twice as capable as those two aircraft and making its mark in the air-to air-refuelling role and in the trooping task. This September we will receive the first A400M. This will give us amazing new tactical transport capability with twice the payload and range of the venerable C-130 fleet. The UK has been in the driving seat pushing this programme Proven in combat: Typhoon forward. At the high end of unmanned air Below: Air Marshal systems (UAS), the Taranis technology Bollom demonstrator has had its first flights and demonstrated that it is at the forefront of low observable technology. It has had its difficulties over the years but is now generating huge intellectual property and will start to crystallise our thoughts on developing Combat UAS into the next decade and beyond. The release to service of Watchkeeper for operating in UK airspace has been a highly significant event. Not only does it bring significant new capability but it is the first remotely piloted system to be cleared to operate in UK airspace. In addition, the Scan Eagle, a less complex UAS, has been brought into service in record time. We learned some deliver these complex programmes. We have some excellent people in hard lessons with Watchkeeper and To some extent we have been ‘fighting the organisation and they will continue bringing Scan Eagle into service really with one arm tied behind our backs’ to be the key to our success. We need to shows we know what we are doing now. It in terms of the constraints placed on build a culture of excellence and provide has been a fantastic achievement. us in our day-to-day tasks. Some of an opportunity for all our people to On the support side, the Air teams these constraints are inappropriate develop careers as professionals in the continue to bring innovation into our for a professional procurement acquisition disciplines. Pay and reward support arrangements as we unearth yet organisation. It’s all been far too slow, will now be more in our own gift. further opportunities to deliver better too bureaucratic. I also look forward to bringing in support arrangements at lower cost. We now have an opportunity to the Managed Service Providers who There is still work to do in some areas shape our future and to configure our will bring contemporary business and we need to maintain the momentum organisation, processes, recruiting and skills and processes to complement our of change and learn from both good and development to become a truly world own detailed knowledge of the current bad experiences. class programme delivery organisation business. We face many challenges not least and to realise our full potential both I look forward to working with the in finding enough of the right people to individually and collectively. Air team to make the vision a reality.’ launch special 7

Royal Navy deploys latest eyes in the sky after Project success rapid DE&S teamwork

o A multi-million pound Urgent Operational Requirement, Scan Eagle is launched from a pneumatic catapult and once its mission is over returns to the ship where it is caught by the SkyHook recovery Eagle scans the skies system. o Boasting a high resolution camera which can see in the dark and poor visibility, Scan Eagle, THE ROyAL Navy has a new set of eyes in the that it can be held for higher priority missions. which has a wingspan of sky after its first remotely piloted air system “The ability to fly Scan Eagle for extremely just over three metres deployed. long periods of time extends the eyes and ears and weighs 22kg, can Scan Eagle has flown from HMS Somerset of the ship way beyond that we can currently monitor areas of interest on her way to the Gulf, just seven months after achieve. up to 60 miles from the launch ship and provide the MOD ordered the system from Boeing “It’s been an exciting project to be involved real time intelligence. Defence (UK). in and the system’s arrival will fundamentally The system can be launched from Royal change the way we operate, making HMS Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels day Somerset more effective right across the o Flying at up to 80 knots, or night. It is also fitted to RFA Cardigan diverse range of operational roles we can Scan Eagle can stay Bay where first flight trials took place. It is perform – be that counter-piracy, counter- airborne for around ten hours. It is piloted by a unarmed and used for intelligence gathering narcotics, disaster relief or warfighting.” specialist team on board and reconnaissance. ship who plan missions, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: control its flight, and “This is the first time we have operated an analyse the information it unmanned air system on maritime operations, gathers using its sensors. heralding a new era of aviation and intelligence gathering in the Royal Navy. o Scan Eagle is “Scan Eagle will play a crucial role in Below: Scan Eagle is launched at the start of a reconnaissance mission manufactured by Insitu operations and humanitarian missions not in the US, a subsidiary of only in the Gulf Boeing. but on Royal Navy vessels right across the globe, further o The total value of the underlining our contract is £30 million for up to 300 hours of commitment to intelligence, surveillance invest in innovative and reconnaissance capabilities.” coverage per month from C o m m a n d e r two different Royal Navy Mike Smith, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary C o m m a nd i ng ships. It is expected to Officer of HMS run until the end of next March. Somerset, added: “Scan Eagle provides us with o Teamwork and a game-changing, preparation has taken pe rs i ste n t place with QinetiQ and surveillance and Boeing; DE&S’ Unmanned r e co n na i s sa nce Air Systems team is managing the project c a pa bi l it y, with support from DE&S supplementing our Ships’ Maritime Combat Lynx aircraft so Systems team. 8 launch special

Voyager sets out Project success on its journey

Fully integrated air service is delivering on time and to cost

Home again: a Voyager aircraft is pictured at RAF Brize Norton as personnel disembark from their Operation Herrick deployment

VOyAGER IS an ambitious crises, with nine aircraft in address any issues and this has Elements of the service Private Finance Initiative the core fleet to meet the RAFs maintained the programme. include: contract that is delivering on peacetime requirements and a Changes in military time and to cost. further five aircraft available airworthiness regulation has n Training: a training service The £10.5 billion fixed- for civil charter when not proved a significant challenge comprising a fully staffed training school including a price Voyager contract with required by the RAF. which is being met by close fully dynamic simulator, and AirTanker placed in March Seven Voyager aircraft have working between all parties. part task trainers. 2008 is not simply about the now been delivered with two Voyager took over the Camp procurement of aircraft, more to be delivered by next Bastion airbridge from TriStar n Equipment: development, but covers all aspects of an month. last December, around three production, conversion integrated aircraft service over The remaining five are months earlier than planned and delivery of 14 Voyager aircraft which is a derivative a 27-year contract term. due to be delivered between following an accelerated of the Airbus A330-200 This ranges from provision September this year and modification programme on its aircraft. The aircraft of the infrastructure, September 2016. defensive aids suite. can refuel and carry 291 personnel, training, and Delivery remains on track The effect has been passengers. aircraft maintenance to despite problems in developing immediate with personnel despatch and ground support. the air-to-air refuelling describing Voyager as a big n Personnel: AirTanker The contract is structured to equipment and some industrial uplift in capability over its employs 14 Sponsored Reserve pilots and 127 provide MOD with an expected issues. predecessors. ground crew of which 101 number of hours per year with However, MOD has Project team leader Chris are RAF personnel placed a surge capacity for time of incentivised industry to Dell said: “Voyager represents with the company. Of the a step change in the UK’s civilian ground crew 15 are strategic airlift capability, air- Sponsored Reserves. to-air refuelling, comfort and reliability. n Infrastructure: infrastructure includes a “What better satisfaction modern aircraft hangar can all of those involved in and the maintenance ‘What better satisfaction can all Voyager take than the positive infrastructure plus involved in Voyager take than the feedback from those who use everything else needed to the service? support Voyager. “But this is the beginning, positive feedback from those n not the end of a journey on which Engineering and logistics support: the company is there are many challenges as who use the service?’ responsible for engineering, the focus of the project changes maintenance, overhaul and – Chris Dell, Voyager team leader to service delivery.” spares support through life. launch special 9

‘People will Director General Resources Michael Bradley acts as Finance Director DE&S and is responsible watch closely for financial accounting, planning, analysis and the Cost Assurance & to ensure we Analysis Service. He is a member of the DE&S Board, has a team of 600 live up to our staff and is functional leader for a promises’ further 900 finance staff in DE&S In the last few years we have made a that DE&S has been doing in the past few frustrate us all. We now have the Human great deal of progress and delivered years and the entire workforce should Resources freedoms we need and we ‘major improvements in a number of be proud of what we have collectively are going to be able to structure the areas – but we have deliberately not made achieved. organisation in a way we judge is best for a big fuss about them. There has been a lot of uncertainty our business. For example, we’ve made significant about the future direction of DE&S and For me, and I hope for you, these are improvements in Inventory Management I know this was unsettling for our staff. genuinely exciting times. DE&S is going – we’ve cut our stockpile by several billion We’ve had reductions in manpower – to be a better and more enjoyable place pounds’ worth of unnecessary items and there are many fewer people working for you to work. When you look back and we’ve saved about £500 million in each of here than there were a few years ago see what we managed to achieve, within the past two years by not ordering stock – and there has been a wage freeze that the constraints that we operated in, I am we did not need. have reduced the spending power of our very confident that we will be able to do We’ve also now got a much better staff. more in the future. handle on the costs of the programme There have also been the constraints One note of caution: with these and the recent Major Projects Report was we have faced as part of the mainstream freedoms will come more responsibility, about as good as we could hope it to be. Civil Service – constraints that have higher levels of expectation from our In the maritime domain, the prevented us getting people with the customers and of course scrutiny of our recent deal with industry on carrier, right skills through the door to join us. performance. rationalisation and offshore patrol vessels That’s why I want to say thank you to People are going to be watching puts the department in a much stronger you all on behalf of the DE&S Board. We us closely to ensure that we live up position than it was in a few years ago are getting better at what we do against to the promises we have made. your and those involved are to be commended. a difficult and challenging background, performance to date has won the support At the same time, teams across the with more and more evidence that the and trust in DE&S that this organisation business have been taking significant organisation is getting stronger and needed to help win the argument to sums of money out of the Equipment that people here are doing some really ensure we received new freedoms – now Support Programme. impressive things. we will be expected to perform better These are just a few examples of From today we are going to start than we have done before and take this some of the very good pieces of work removing many of the constraints that organisation to the next level.’ 10 launch special

Chief of Materiel ‘We need to optimise o ur organisation to meet its tasks’ (Land) Lt General Chris Deverell leads the The Land Domain is a big and other things, we have a management DE&S Land Domain, complex information which is composed of ‘business. We programme called execute 33 projects Aragon which the Land Equipment, that have a value is starting to of more than £100 pay significant Weapons, Inventory million, and many dividends. And we others besides, have significantly Management and for all four Front improved our Line Commands. forecasting. Logistic Commodities We also store and I have also distribute much established the Land and Services (LCS) of the Defence Domain Executive to Operating Centres. Inventory. oversee our activity, We haven’t which includes Annual spend is some been standing still. two non-executive There is plenty of directors who £3 billion a year and the evidence that we bring considerable have got better at and very senior domain employs more what we do over experience in the last three years. defence and wider than 5,000 civilian and We are managing markets. military staff in sites all our business more We have got effectively. much better over the country There are at inventory several dimensions to this. Among management – initially through the

Scout moves full speed ahead

SCOUT SPECIALIST Vehicle, the Army’s Scout sports a two-man turret with a Mr Malone added: “Army 2020 flagship Armoured Fighting Vehicle high performance sensor suite and fully provided a welcome opportunity to reconnaissance project, comprises computerised fibre optic data handling, clarify new opportunities with industry. a number of variants and provides giving the crew fast information This is rewarding for everybody and a step change in the British Army’s processing and secure intelligence shows that Levene and Materiel Strategy reconnaissance capability. transmission and storage. reforms are helping to provide a more It is much more than a replacement Packing a lethal 40-millimetre punch, stable environment for project teams to for the in-service 1960s design CVR(T) the capability is equipped for global work in. fleet. As a tracked vehicle, its mobility combat – Arctic to desert – in all Army “To underline this, people often is very high, while designs include the 2020 operational scenarios, while the ask what my biggest project risk is. I latest environmental, safety and human open systems digitised electronic data rarely reply technology; it’s usually factors guidance putting the soldier at problems caused by changing external the heart of the system. priorities affecting project plans. Roddy Malone, Scout SV team leader, I’m looking forward to the defence said: “Recent achievements signal the reforms contributing to a more certain beginning of the end of difficult number Project success departmental planning horizon.” crunching trade-offs and the start of the Prototypes are due to finish instrumented trials activity. validation trials in 2016, with initial rate “It shows our customer evidence of manufacture expected to start later that the capability coming to life and raising year, building to an anticipated initial user confidence. These are important and power buses readily enable through- operating quantity later in the decade, for industry too, recognising their work life upgrades, and high reliability targets ready for training and unit conversion. and offering the supply chain rising aim to remove the need for costly base Planning assumptions, subject to confidence for their plans.” overhauls. MOD approvals, are that delivery will All vehicles incorporate fuel efficient Full scale blast trials last year rise progressively until full operating Euro 3 power packs, crew habitability confirmed challenging threat capability completion in the next decade. conditioning and Barracuda external survivability while sensor testing The prime contractor, General skins which lower temperature in the assured crystal clear images and accurate Dynamics UK, has an extended supply vehicle while reducing thermal, radar intelligence at long stand-off ranges in chain across UK and Europe with around and visual signatures. extreme environmental conditions. 2,000 people on the project. launch special 11 ‘We need to optimise o ur organisation to meet its tasks’

intervention that we have called Inventory for its role in the efficient storage and a long way to go because what we are Management Transformation, and latterly distribution of our equipment and doing is immensely complex. We need to through the creation of the Inventory materiel. continue to get better. Management Operating Centre which Among many other things, we have We need to optimise our organisation will take the lead in professionalising the also delivered the Terrier armoured to meet its tasks, which are different from function of inventory management, in the engineer vehicle and the Foxhound those done by other elements of the civil same way that Director Technical has done protected mobility vehicle to the Army, service. That was the idea behind GoCo for project and programme management, the Sea Viper air defence system to the and, though it will be done in a different and engineering. Alongside this, we are Royal Navy and the JAMES and MJDI way, it is also the idea behind the Bespoke running the Logistic Commodities and engineering and asset management Trading Entity. Services (Transformation) programme systems into Afghanistan. This means that, despite all that which is on track to deliver an outcome by We have also done good things we have done to date, there are still the end of the year. contractually, such as protecting value changes to make, and this is going to As far as output is concerned, we in the Scout contract. We have got the be demanding because we have to do it continue to support operations very maritime and land versions of the Future ourselves. We will have some help from successfully, primarily, but by no means Local Area Air Defence System on Managed Service Providers that will only, in Afghanistan. And we are heavily contract, and we have done a lot of good support us in the Bespoke Trading Entity, involved in planning for the return work on moving Urgent Operational but we will have to direct their work, and from Afghanistan, which is going to be Requirements into core, something that is integrate it. markedly bigger and more demanding vital to the success of the Army in future. And we will have to get more efficient than previous redeployments. Here I Good work is being done all over the to create the headroom to recruit and would like to commend Defence Support domain. retain the talent we need to deliver our Chain Operations and Movements for The last three years have been highly challenging portfolio. But my last the part they play in moving people and characterised by a lot of success and by three years in DE&S have taught me that stuff to and from operational theatres continuous improvement, but that is not those in the Land Domain are entirely up and Logistic Commodities and Services to say there isn’t more to do. We still have to the task.’

Forward Inventory management: pages 22 and 23 strides

n start of 10,000 kms Mobile Test Rig automotive endurance trials at the General Dynamics European Land System track, with oversight from UK Armoured Vehicle Trials Unit;

n successful Base Platform Critical Design Review launching build of pre-production vehicles for verification and validation trials later this year;

n completion of qualification firings orf the new Anglo French 40 millimetre Cased Telescope Cannon and first two natures of ammunition required for Scout and Warrior Capability Plains in Spain: the Scout SV full-digitised GVA fibre optic-enabled base platform on 10,000km trials near Seville Sustainment projects. 12 launch special ‘I am confident in maritime we are up to the challenge’

Chief of Materiel (Fleet), Vice Admiral Simon Lister, is responsible for the delivery of the maritime equipment programme and the availability of ships and submarines, including the Continuous at Sea Deterrent. He is a member of the DE&S Board, the Navy Board and is also Chief Naval Engineer Officer

By 1st April I will have been in post for 123 days; in this time, and previously as ‘Director Submarines, I have seen significant achievements across the maritime domain which has set the stall for major equipment programmes and support, testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people across all specialisations. The recent big ticket success stories include the re-negotiation of the carrier and shipbuilding deal, the purchase of HMS Protector, the commissioning of HMS Ambush and the first use by a nuclear submarine of the new Valiant Jetty in Clyde naval base. These should in no way mask the incredible effort which keeps the Royal Navy sustained on operations around the globe including HMS Daring in the Pacific, and the 100th Vanguard class A Trafalgar class deterrent patrol last year. submarine draws We have also been preparing for up to the new the transfer of the naval bases to Navy Valiant Jetty at Command to bring force generation Clyde naval base issues under their more direct control. All this is in the context of driving Right: Vice Admiral Lister efficiency savings into the business both in programme and manpower costs – real challenges, and uncertainty about the future direction of DE&S which has been unsettling to some. So thank you for keeping focused on our core business and delivering real positive results. The senior team’s remit is to create the environment for success. We aim to additional responsibility to deliver even remove many of the constraints which better results than before. cause frustration and stifle progress I am confident that in maritime we in our core business. Specifically this are up to the challenge and, through will include winning HR freedoms to embedding a performance culture with improve our recruitment and retention these changes, we can deliver with of our civilian staff in a very competitive reducing risk and increasing efficiency; market and also making changes to the ultimately to enable the Fleet Commander infrastructure to make this a better place to confidently deliver his operational to work. These freedoms will come with outputs around the globe.’ Secure communications you can depend on

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Collaboration brings benefits to Submarines

THE SUBMARINE Enterprise Submarines and attended by company Performance Programme (SEPP) is a Project success MDs, and a quarterly steering group business transformation programme in chaired by the Chief of Defence Materiel which three Tier 1 suppliers within the and attended by company CEOs, Chief Submarine Enterprise (BAE Systems, initial focus centred on defining the of Materiel (Fleet), HM Treasury and the Babcock and Rolls-Royce) work programme structure (including roles executives’ board. collaboratively with the MOD. and responsibilities), establishing Andrew Avison (pictured), Head The purpose is to work together the governance regime and building of SEPP, said: “The SEPP process has more effectively to avert delays and enduring relationships across the enabled greater communication and increasing costs in the Submarine Enterprise. relationship building which continues programme. These were embodied to build co-operation across the Additionally, the within Memorandum Enterprise to deliver the Submarine Strategic Defence and of Understanding and programme. Security Review committed Design Management “This fosters greater openness and the Submarine programme Arrangements. The main a willingness to address issues together to savings of £900 million building block is through for the overall benefit of the programme. over a ten-year period to be bi-lateral Foundation Great progress, but still more to do.” enabled through SEPP. Contracts which commit SEPP is delivering a robust approach The SEPP objectives industry to greater to benefits management. Opportunities are ‘performance up, cost transparency and delivery are identified and matured and when out and sustainability in’. of savings through independently audited are offset ‘Performance up’ means efficiency improvements. against the target and from project working with industry As a result of SEPP, teams control totals. The programme to improve performance there is closer working is on track to deliver the benefits on new and existing across the four parties and target, though it remains a significant submarines. ‘Cost out’ means between project teams and industry challenge. realising significant efficiency savings. with a commitment to collaboratively SEPP is continuing to develop ‘Sustainability’ in means protecting the resolve portfolio issues and deliver the collaborative relationships and UK’s ability to retain and sustain the SEPP objectives. embed the SEPP ethos throughout the capability to design, build and support This is underpinned by robust organisations ensuring that enduring nuclear submarines as identified in governance through a monthly benefits are delivered throughout the the Defence Industrial Strategy. The executives board chaired by Director Submarine Enterprise. New contracts keep boats buoyant

THE MOD owns and operate The replacement enabling the department to volume of approximately 2,700 boats across contracts will provide value work over the contract period the maritime environment in a Project success for money through improved and therefore provide the MOD range of roles from the Ministry contractor performance with a degree of flexibility while of Defence Police, to training engage with the key stakeholders monitoring using key a review of the Boats capability establishments, Royal Marines, and in the assurance and performance indicators; inclusion requirements takes place. Royal Navy and Army. approvals teams across the of an increased number of firm On current plans it is Boats are employed on anticipated that work will start military taskings around under the new contracts in the globe and DE&S’ Ships the summer following formal Commercially Supported approval. Shipping team makes sure Alistair Hughes, Boats they are maintained safely and team leader said: “Successful available for use whenever endorsement of the Boats and wherever they are needed. Support business case marks The Boats Support project a significant milestone for the will replace contracts from project and shows what can be this year worth more than achieved against an aggressive £110 million for up to five timeline by working with key years support which includes stakeholders. maintenance, upkeep, repair, “Our commercial approach defect rectification, technical has maximised the potential support and provision of for small businesses to deal spares and replacements. directly with the MOD and The open competition ensure we get value for money attracted interest from through an open competition.” across the marine industry including small and medium sized businesses, proving the MOD’s commitment to seek best value for money from the department. Clear and focussed price tariff items; and a clearer Pictured: HMS Monmouth's commercial market. engagements and a pragmatic definition of equirr ements Pacific 24 makes good speed The project team has worked approach from all involved means and indicative work packages through the water at pace over the last year to the project is on track to deliver enabling better planning. as planned. conclude the competition and to The contracts do not commit Engine boost: page 36 launch special 15 Military customers line up to welcome the new DE&S Have you met some FUTURE CHANGES at DE&S “For the future the Army have been welcomed by the wants to see increased skills military customers. levels in DE&S – as well of your Test and Fleet Commander, Vice as in my Army customer Admiral Philip Jones, said: teams, improved information “The work of DE&S is vital exchange between DE&S and Evaluation eam?t to maintaining operational the Army, more capacity in authority of the Royal Navy, DE&S and increased efficiency daily deployed worldwide. in the programme so the To get the best out of Test, Evaluation “Together with my Army can get the maximum colleagues in Navy Command, bang for its buck.” and Training, you need suitably qualified I look forward to building on Air Marshal Baz North, and experienced people, combined with the work to date to develop Air Member for Personnel the maritime enterprise and Capability, said: “Air access to the right facilities. together with DE&S to instil Command has seen positive a collaborative yet disciplined changes in the DE&S air Since 2003, cost effective Test, Evaluation and relationship. domain over the last 12 months Training Support Services have been delivered “The launch offers the as we have jointly worked to the MOD through the Long Term Partnering opportunity for DE&S to start to put the Soft Contract 13 to maximise its organisational into action. There is now Agreement (LTPA). This brings together experts freedoms to deliver to our a more effective working in the test and evaluation of ys stems, weapons jointly agreed demanding practice and a greater mutual and components to meet your requirements, targets for new equipment and understanding of all areas of support. the programme. from concept to disposal. Tailored live and “I also recognise that, as “We have developed a simulated training is also available. with Navy Command, DE&S’ meaningful and effective set greatest asset is its people, of governance arrangements, and I hope this launch can which allow us to concentrate play its part in the motivation on critical path issues and Visit www.LTPA.co.uk to find out more. and incentivisation of talented decisions in a timely fashion. specialists in the work they do “As DE&S moves to a to support us.” new operating model with Director General Logistics, much greater freedoms Support and Equipment, Major and responsibilities I trust General Richard Semple, said: the momentum built over Senior Engineer, ETPS, Capability Manager, “From the Army’s perspective the last year will continue MOD Boscombe Down MOD Aberporth the most important successful to develop and that a more Capability Manager, Telemetry Engineer, deliverables in the past few disciplined relationship will MOD Shoeburyness MOD Aberporth years from DE&S were the deliver greater customer £7 billion worth of UORs requirement satisfaction that delivered the enhanced founded on a comprehensive fighting capabilities needed in understanding of the service’s Iraq and Afghanistan, many of capability needs, in order to which are now being brought meet the mandate placed upon into the core programme. it by defence.”

DE&S – how governance will work

FROM 1st April DE&S will operate under the auspices of a Framework Document, which is an agreement between DE&S and MOD about how it will be governed. As well as setting out the role of DE&S, the Framework Document describes the structure of the Owner’s Council and Boards and the responsibilities of key individuals. The DE&S Corporate Plan complements the Framework Document and provides the overall strategic direction for DE&S 0800 015 0594 www.LTPA.co.uk for the next three years. Within that strategic context, the Corporate Plan sets www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ egisr tered domain name. out the DE&S intent for successful leadership, delivery and transformation – and more importantly, how this will be achieved in terms of high level objectives and resources. The Corporate Plan is expected to be refreshed annually to reflect the changing nature of DE&S business. Both the Framework Document and Corporate Plan will be available on the Defence intranet. 16 launch special A green light to move forward

I am delighted to add my own personal start to use our new found welcome to our new Bespoke Trading freedoms to make DE&S Pete Worrall is Chief of ‘Entity. Based on your Say feedback world class in all that we and my floor plate walks I am well aware do and be the benchmark Materiel (Joint Enablers) of the concern that the uncertainty on our for defence acquisition which includes helicopters and future ‘status’ has generated. organisations around the So it’s great news that we now world. ISTAR. The domain employs have the green light to take our new your DE&S Board has organisation forward so that, together, already made a start ahead 1,400 civilian and military staff we can bring about the changes we need of our 1st April Launch to manage our work to the best of our Day. For example, issues with an annual spend of about ability. that many find annoying Having started my career in the MOD are being dealt with, such £2.1 billion as an apprentice some 33 years ago this as: the refurbishment of is truly the most exciting opportunity our Abbey Wood site; more that I have seen to enable us to shape our internal disabled parking; and action to business environment and tackle some realise an extra 300+ car park spaces. of the long standing issues that frustrate We are also acting on your feedback to us all. give you back ‘trust’; the first part of this Many of us have been through concerns lowering the levels of delegation acquisition change before like Smart on such things as overseas travel. Acquisition, the formation of DE&S from There is of course much more the the DPA and the DLO, and PACE, and Board and senior management need to some may say that they have heard all do, including on pay and performance. this before. But these are not the only areas we need But this is different. Our to address. We also need to invest in organisational change to become a you, our people, to provide you with the Bespoke Trading Entity brings with it development and the tools you need to do the ‘freedoms’ that we never got under your job. maximise our freedoms for our collective previous change. Such freedoms and I am committed to playing my part in benefit and, very importantly, the benefit the responsibility that goes with them improving all we do in DE&S and I ask of our Armed Forces. If we don’t seize will enable us to manage our specialist you to please play your part to support this unique opportunity then we will only business and careers based on the our collective success. Everything we have ourselves to blame. bespoke nature of our work. implement over the next few years I look forward to seeing you and So the time for study is over and we will require an open mind to change chatting with you about our new bespoke now, collectively, need to take control and and flexibility from us all if we are to organisation on Launch Day and beyond.’ On time, in budget, with a taut, aggressive timescale

THE LATEST Mark 6 version of Chinook is heavy-lift cargo helicopter and features a UK test engineers were given many of due to enter service shortly with the RAF – on machined monolithic airframe, UK-specific the same responsibilities as the Boeing test time, within budget and providing capability avionics, forward-looking infrared system, a engineers. much in demand at the front line. rescue hoist, advanced defensive systems, and “This open and transparent approach This follows the delivery of the first three interoperable communication and navigation represents a sense of trust by the customer,” aircraft to their base at RAF Odiham last equipment. said Ramy Moura of Boeing Test and December and the first test flight in the UK in The aircraft provides enhanced situational Evaluation. the middle of last month. awareness for improved flight safety and “Both Boeing and the UK shared a The programme has met a very taut and mission effectiveness. sense of pride and accomplishment at the aggressive timescale and is an excellent Adrian Baguley, Director Helicopters successful completion of the challenging test example of project delivery performance. at DE&S, said: “Chinook Mk6 has been an programme.” The Mk6 Chinook is the RAF’s new, outstanding example of a complex major The new aircraft will have a high degree of commonality with the existing fleet of aircraft, including the digital (‘glass’) cockpit that is currently being retrofitted to the legacy fleet. However, the Mk6 aircraft will be Project success fitted with a new Digital Automatic Flight Control System which will allow the pilots project delivered at pace. to operate much more safely in the most “From contract signature on 29th July difficult onditions,c including hot and dusty 2011, the first three Mk6 will enter service environments such as those encountered in with the Joint Helicopter Command this month Afghanistan. having been designed, manufactured and Captain David Childs, Chinook team undertaken over 300 flight est t hours. leader at DE&S, said “This project marks a “The alignment of DE&S, customer and pinnacle of achievement for the Chinook team. industry has been at the heart of this project The last four years has seen, first the Mk4 success and is a great example of what we do Julius upgrade, and now the Mk6 produce an best in DE&S.” unprecedented advance in this battle-winning Key to this achievement was the capability. successful test flights undertaken in the US “These are advances that are all the more last year – both in terms of their outputs but impressive as they were delivered while the Chinook also the flawless execution of the combined fleet was meeting an unrelenting operational Mk6 test team. tempo.” Training for Operational Success

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M-14-0026 Training ad.indd 1 12/02/2014 16:39:32 18 launch special Combating the chemical threat

A TEAM in the ISTAR operating centre This is a software tool that collates has delivered two projects helping to Team’s work helps CBRN data with military mapping, eliminate Syria’s chemical warfare agents. messaging and weather applications to A formal request for the MOD’s help identify and eliminate calculate and present a predicted hazard was made last October by the United area for a CBRN threat. This enables States in support of a UN Security chemical weapons rapid dissemination of warnings and Council resolution which imposed on in Syria CBRN reports using in-service electronic Syria responsibilities and a timeline for messaging, enabling commanders to make destruction of its chemical agents and informed decisions on the appropriate related production facilities. actions to take. Part of the support included provision The Networked BRACIS project of Large Access Devices (LADs), a unique team successfully achieved a significant system for drilling and subsequently milestone at the end of last October, sealing chemical storage containers. delivering initial operating capability These devices would be essential to ensure ahead of schedule by fielding Networked that the US operators of the destruction Project success BRACIS with the Bowman combat and facility could access all Syrian storage infrastructure platform. containers. The project will move towards a DE&S’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear delivery team joined with stakeholders and MMIC EOD, a specialist engineering firm, to develop a system that would support the high priority US destruction operation. This represented a significant engineering challenge; developing an innovative solution to a complex problem within a short timeline. Despite tight timelines and high engineering risk, in February, after four very busy months, the tested capability was accepted and delivered to the US ship where the weapons destruction operations would take place. The head of operations on the ship told his Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence that they were impressed with the quality and performance of the devices which had given them very important container accessing capability which the US had previously lacked. At the same time the CBRN team is responsible for the Networked Biological, Radiological And Chemical Information System (BRACIS) project fielded with UK Ian Matthews, CBRN team leader (centre) attends the Networked BRACIS user trial at the Land personnel as part of the removal of the System Reference Centre, Blandford chemical weapons in Syria.

full operating capability by delivering a Networked BRACIS capability integrated with the Defence Information Acceptance Infrastructure, providing a consistent and testing of LAD – coherent CBRN warning and reporting Edge operators gain real-time combat communications back row, from left: Dr Steve capability. and interoperability to whichever networks suit the mission, Sales (MMIC Air Commodore Jon Ager, Assistant with the two-channel, software–defined Small Tactical EOD, managing Chief of Staff Capability Delivery, Air director); Lt Col Mobility and Air Enablers, said: “Until Terminal from ViaSat and Harris. The low–SWaP STT Al Fox (CBRN now, warning and reporting has used Small Tactical Terminal (STT) enables helicopters, ground vehicles, and other platforms Pol-Ops); Dr Dave formal military messaging systems as its to switch waveforms and network connections on the fly, Jobson and Steve primary communications bearer. » Available Now for UK, US, and International Deliveries Kennon (MMIC “This requires operators to produce » Selected for Link 16 on the Apache AH-64E, UK Falcon, merging disparate networks and delivering situational EOD). Front: Nick warning and reporting signals on the joint UAS Ground Control Stations, and AU JP2089 awareness to edge operators as the mission unfolds. Sales (MMIC EOD, Technical CBRN laptop and then manually transfer Director) and those messages onto a separate message Neil Jarvis (DE&S handling system; this method of working CBRN) is prone to human error and is slow. The move to a networked system negates these two big disadvantages.” harris.com/stt viasat.com/stt [email protected] Edge operators gain real-time combat communications and interoperability to whichever networks suit the mission, with the two-channel, software–defined Small Tactical Terminal from ViaSat and Harris. The low–SWaP STT Small Tactical Terminal (STT) enables helicopters, ground vehicles, and other platforms

» Available Now for UK, US, and International Deliveries to switch waveforms and network connections on the fly, » Selected for Link 16 on the Apache AH-64E, UK Falcon, merging disparate networks and delivering situational UAS Ground Control Stations, and AU JP2089 awareness to edge operators as the mission unfolds.

harris.com/stt viasat.com/stt [email protected] 20 launch special Merlin update makes progress

THE MERLIN Capability Sustainment training squadron. The Merlin Training Project success Programme updates 30 Merlin Mk1 Maritime Facility (simulators, curriculum and Multi Mission aircraft to sustain this vital computer-based training systems) has also capability well beyond the next decade. undergone a full upgrade to reflect the new The prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Mk2 aircraft. with AgustaWestland acting as a significant Personnel have completed their training, sub-prime. and conversion of the existing Mk1 crew to The £800 million contract updates cockpit operate and maintain the Mk2 has completed. and mission systems to remove obsolescence Twelve aircraft have been delivered with and provide an ‘open systems architecture’ in-service date on schedule to be achieved by providing enhanced sustainability for the the end of next month. future. The in-service date is due this year. Commander Ben Franklin, Commanding An extensive trials programme with a Officer of the Merlin Helicopter Force, said: multi-stakeholder combined test team has “The Merlin HM Mk2 continues to build on gathered evidence to support qualification, the success of this versatile and capable compliance and release-to-service. maritime helicopter. As a complicated and extensive project “I am very proud of the Merlin Force and requiring each aircraft to be in the factory for recognise the considerable efforts of the nine months while every wire in the aircraft Merlin DE&S team in driving the programme is removed and new avionics fitted, the forward to meet initial operating capability in development has been undertaken in parallel late May and, shortly after, the nine aircraft with the early production. embarkation for Exercise Deep Blue in HMS This has allowed the Royal Navy to start Illustrious.” training early and maintain a minimum The Merlin Mk2 will become a significant number of aircraft at the front line. asset in supporting the Royal Navy to protect The programme has delivered a number UK interests across the Globe. Arguably, of software upgrades, delivering more it will be the world’s most technologically capability, with corresponding updates to the advanced helicopter primarily as a result support and training systems, each with an of its highly-anticipated class-leading anti­ appropriate release-to-service. submarine warfare mission system. The Merlin – technologically The initial aircraft were delivered to the programme remains within its cost and time advanced Royal Navy at RNAS Culdrose to form the approvals.

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Corp14_English_C32992.096_297x210_Apr14_Desider_v1.indd 1 10/03/2014 11:51 22 launch special Spring clearout the milit ary way DE&S’ Inventory Management Operating Centre is seven months old and making good progress in reducing the amount of equipment the MOD holds. desider reports on work to reduce the defence inventory

t may be just ‘stuff’ – but maintaining West, Director Inventory Management. and the management of the supply chain. the supply of materiel is essential to “Current levels of inventory holdings are Almost all decisions across acquisition Ikeep the Forces fit to fight; the cost of still higher than necessary, we’re still have an impact upon the support chain.” support typically makes up two thirds purchasing more than is forecast and The Inventory Management Operating of the whole life cost of an equipment there remains the requirement to build Centre aims to build a better support project. the inventory management capability chain for the Front Line Commands. In November 2012, Chief of Defence across DE&S to better sustain defence’s DE&S staff are working alongside Materiel Bernard Gray pledged to future support needs. external people with commercial supply address the unsustainable level that the “In a supply chain, having too much chain experience, and with consultancy defence inventory had reached – valued stuff, buying more than is consumed, from Ernst and young, to build capability at £39.4 billion with £1.7 million more buying the wrong item or the right item across the inventory management of inventory bought per day than was on the wrong lead time, paying too much, function in DE&S. Operating Centres are consumed. not getting an order delivered on time, delivering against demanding inventory Mr Gray’s initial target was to reduce having inaccurate information, not being control totals; there is work to develop the inventory to £30.8 billion by the end able to find the right item, not keeping a single defence disposals process and of March 2016. suppliers to their contract or having further work with the Treasury on So far the stock level has been the wrong skills and tools is ineffective financial reclassifications. reduced by about £6 billion, 58 per cent by any standards. The new focus on Brigadier Mark Dunn, Head of of this initial target already; another inventory management is much wider Support Chain Engagement, said that £1.05 billion has been saved on inventory than just cutting stock levels and stopping delivery is taking place against a dynamic purchasing. This success has been purchasing; these are addressing the backdrop that includes the redeployment achieved across DE&S without affecting symptoms and not the cause.” from Afghanistan, drawdown in operational capability and means funding Mr West added: “The issues emerge Germany and continued support to Joint can be spent on higher priorities. from decision-making right across the operations and training worldwide. “The end is when defence holds acquisition cycle, from the design of a “This adds another level of complexity to the right stock, at the right level of capability, its support solution and the the challenge,” he said. “We are closely availability, with purchasing and forecast of activity set by the customer, engaged with project teams, Front Line consumption in balance – and there to the terms and conditions of a contract, Commands and PJHQ to ensure that the is still some way to go,” said Roger the accuracy of data, financial planning improvements will continue to deliver launch special 23 Spring clearout the milit ary way

Project success

the optimal level of support to ongoing operations, while ensuring that we can support future commitments.” While there has been a focus on reducing purchasing and inventory holdings, the next steps are about building sustainable capability and skills across DE&S. It will include a focus on improving accuracy and quality of supply chain data and better management of suppliers. Improvements in data are vital to successful delivery of effective military capability and new information systems will change the way in which today’s business is conducted. The LogNEC programme is delivering successes with the roll out of JAMES (Joint Asset Management) and MJDI (Management of Joint Deployed Inventory) systems. So what of the future? The Inventory Management Operating Centre is a great example of DE&S’ intent to be more customer and future facing. The future for inventory management is about building a better support chain. DE&S processes will be fitter, equipment support staff will have better systems with continuous professional development, and DE&S will be more flexible to the needs of future equipment programmes. 24 watchkeeper Army cleared to fly next generation eye in the sky

he Army’s next generation Since 2010 Watchkeeper has been put operations on the ground, allowing Unmanned Air System, through its paces by industry at the MOD them to understand better and thereby TWatchkeeper, has been cleared to ranges in west Wales. It has now achieved overcome threats they may face. The begin military flight training with the around 600 hours of flying time and the release-to-service is a major milestone in Royal Artillery. move to Wiltshire was the final stage of this important programme. The unarmed Thales UK Watchkeeper the trials process. “Watchkeeper is the first Unmanned had been trialled by industry but Over the coming weeks, 1st Artillery Air System developed and built in approval has now been given for the Brigade pilots will be trained to fly the UK to become operational. It Army’s own pilots to begin live flying Watchkeeper in a restricted airspace over will be a significant surveillance and from Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. the Salisbury Plain training area. The reconnaissance capability for the Army Gathering crucial information from flights, which will take place between for years to come and there is no doubt the battlefield, Watchkeeper will provide 8,000 and 16,000 feet, will be overseen by that it will prove to be a battle-winning UK troops with life-saving surveillance, military air traffic controllers. technology.” reconnaissance and intelligence. It will Minister for Defence, Equipment Head of the DE&S’ Unmanned Air also give personnel on the ground much Support and Technology, Philip Dunne Systems team, Air Commodore Pete greater situational awareness, helping to said: “Watchkeeper will provide real- Grinsted, agreed: “Watchkeeper’s reduce threats. time information for troops conducting release-to-service is a major milestone watchkeeper 25 Army cleared to fly next generation eye in the sky

and represents the culmination of many months of determined certification and assurance activity. “As the first system of its kind developed and built in this country, Watchkeeper has provided many challenges but now it’s delivered to the Army, serving military personnel can start training and building an understanding of what this new capability can bring to the battlespace.” provide an additional capability to give of Watchkeeper at Boscombe Down is an The Army already operates four types the Army better situational awareness. important milestone in this programme of unarmed unmanned air systems in Watchkeeper has a wingspan of 35 feet and we are excited about being able Afghanistan which play an important and can fly at an altitude of up to 16,000 to begin training on this new and role protecting soldiers on the ground feet. It will operate alongside helicopters impressive capability.” by providing them with vital intelligence and other aircraft from the Boscombe and reducing the need to deploy to Down airfield. potentially dangerous areas. Once in Colonel Mark Thornhill, Commander service later this year, Watchkeeper will of 1st Artillery Brigade, said: “The arrival

Watchkeeper is unarmed and will provide surveillance and intelligence. Will provide enduring tactical UAS capability. Remotely piloted by trained members of the Army's Royal Artillery. Features state of the art sensors and laser designators. 54 aircraft have been procured from Thales UK. More than 600 hours flown in UK to trial the system ahead of going into service. Total approved cost of around £1 billion. 26 submarines

The DE&S perspective Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Mike Wareham, said: “The three announcements are fantastic news for the future of submarine building in the UK and for Barrow in particular. Infrastructure works are starting soon to make sure the facilities are ready for the Successor build in 2019, subject to permissions for the programme to go ahead. Even without Successor, the facilities investment will be of massive benefit ot the Astute programme and future classes of UK non-ballistic submarines. “I was also pleased that we have signed a £23 million, five-year contract with BAE Systems Marine, making best use of the technical skills that the company brings to the table. “Events like these are so encouraging because we are able to show off just how far along the Astute class is, with two boats in service, five boats being built at Barrow and a new announcement that steel has been cut for Boat 7, getting the build of the final submarine of the class properly underway. “Obviously I am confident that progress in all these areas will have a positive outcome for the Royal Navy but the effect on securing jobs in Barrow and throughout the country via the supply chain should also never be underestimated.” submarines 27 Deals boost Barrow future A series of announcements is set to transform the UK’s submarine construction yard in Cumbria to support current and future build boats for the Royal Navy

efence Secretary Philip Hammond the Defence Secretary also revealed a has announced a £300 million £23 million contract with BAE Systems Dinfrastructure programme to has been signed to provide in-service transform BAE Systems’ Barrow-in- support, maintenance and technical Furness yard. assistance for the Astute boats over the The good news was made public during next five years. Mr Hammond’s visit to the yard, where he met workers including apprentices and took a tour of Astute class Boat 3, named Artful. Infrastructure works on the site will make it ready for the build of the Successor class submarine, if it gets the go ahead and funding in 2016. In the meantime, the improvements – including changes made to the Devonshire Dock Hall – will have a positive impact on the Astute class submarine build. Taking place over the next eight years, the work will be part-funded by the MOD. Mr Hammond said: “Barrow has a proven track record of designing and building submarines with a battle- winning edge for the Royal Navy. “The world-leading engineering skills that are currently delivering the Astute class are vital to ensure we can deliver the submarines of the future. “The next-generation nuclear deterrent submarines that will be built in Barrow will be the largest and most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.” He added that the infrastructure work will protect 6,000 highly skilled jobs at the site, and also provide thousands of additional construction jobs. At its peak • two new major buildings that will house about 850 contractors will be employed About the infrastructure work pressure hull units ready for shot on the infrastructure programme. Demolition of some existing buildings will Standing alongside Mr Hammond was blast and paint and the integration of the Australian defence minister Senator start this month. submarine equipment modules David Johnston who toured the yard and This will be the first major activity of a • refurbishment of the site’s main Artful. programme that will include: fabrication facility, together with its Mr Johnston said: “Barrow’s shipyard existing plant and machinery is one of the premier capability • an extension to the Devonshire Dock Hall manufacturing centres in the UK and construction facility at Barrow to include • an intention to build a 28,000 square it’s a tribute not just to BAE Systems but a new manufacturing and installation metre off-site logistics facility to store to the men and women working here facility submarine parts and materials in Barrow. I hear of the Astute class submarine’s capability wherever I go in the world.” He spoke about the long and illustrious relationship between the UK and Australia when it comes to submarine building that stretches back around a century. Assembled media from both the UK and Australia were briefed on the latest submarines being built at Barrow. Now that steel has been recently cut on the seventh boat, there are now five Astute class submarines in build at the shipyard. The first two boats in class, Astute and Ambush, are already in service with the Royal Navy. To complete a trio of announcements, 28 science and technology The science of tomorrow’s world Abbey Wood brings together the best in science and technology with a view on the future front line

E&S has gathered industry, develop joint programmes of research Mr Dunne said: “There is no doubt that academia and Government and strengthen engagement between science and technology will matter Dtogether at Abbey Wood to bring industry and academia. even more in the future than it has the best research and development to In the first formal science agreement in the past. Technological innovation bear on the present and future front line. between Mr Dunne and US Defence is vital if we are to protect our battle Project teams had the chance to Under Secretary Frank Kendall, they winning edge – which is why the UK has see how their work can influence agreed collaboration on: protected annual investment in science research and bring it through towards and technology at a minimum of 1.2 per the development of future military • Cyber security, cent of the defence budget. This enhanced equipment. • Space research, knowledge and collaboration will ensure that our work is Hundreds of staff attended the capabilities, and smarter and delivers more effectively for research and development showcase at both nations.” Abbey Wood on 11th March – entitled • Energy use and consumption. These agreements are underpinned by Defence for Today and Tomorrow – to three strategic priorities for co-operation discuss current and future capabilities The two countries have also agreed to that maintain capability advantage and and enhance understanding of research, build upon existing high-profile science interoperability; improve mutual financial development and delivery. and technology projects, including next benefits through burden sharing; and “Science and Technology will give generation aircraft, counter terrorism, support economic growth through us the battle-winning capability of force protection, and chemical and innovation. tomorrow,” said Philip Dunne, Minister biological defence. Work is being progressed by the Chief for Defence Equipment, Support and The US and UK are already each others’ Scientific Advisers for both nations, and Technology, who opened the event. largest international research partners. they will retain oversight of the enhanced “One of our aims is to bring the Speaking about the communiqué, programme. research ideas of the boffins into practical capability. And that is what this showcase is all about. “It follows on from one we held at Main Building last year where people could demonstrate to project teams the ideas of US Defence Under Secretary the future.” Frank Kendall, below left, Mr Dunne pointed to National and Philip Dunne Science Week as vital in promoting the cross-fertilisation of ideas. “Across Government, ministers are trying to promote what we are doing to support the science and technology community. “It is good to be able to pre-empt the rest of Government with this event to show that the MOD is ahead of everyone else!” All DE&S operating centres were represented at the showcase, with a number of representatives from industry as well as the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl). Fifteen of DE&S’ major industry partners attended along with dstl and QinetiQ. There were also more than 60 external visitors including VIPs. Meanwhile Defence Ministers on both sides of the Atlantic have committed to enhance science and technology collaboration, science and technology 29

The benefits of defence R&D • Identifies, quantifies and reduces delivery risk;

• Sustains military operational advantage and freedom of action;

• Reduces the cost of capability;

• Underpins UK competitiveness on the global market;

• Signals the technologies that are important in defence and security, encouraging industry to align investment and support exports;

• Gains leverage from international partnerships. Reliable partnerships provide access to strategic influence and technologies;

• Sustains and builds critical capabilities in industry and Government;

• Defends against short- term threats;

• Identifies disruptive technologies so opportunities and risks can be assessed and capability enhancements or countermeasures developed. 30 news

NEWSREEL Pilots to be protected from dazzle threat BMT expands westwards PILOT WORK is to be carried out to help protect o The former Brompton Road London aircrew from the rising threat of dazzle caused by Underground tube station used during World War BMT Isis, the sunlight or headlamp glare. Two as a command centre has been sold for £53 international The work will be part of a licence agreement million. maritime engineering between the Defence Science and Technology It is expected to be used for residential consultancy, has Laboratory (dstl) and photonics company Qioptiq. development and the money raised will be ploughed opened a new Traditional laser protection techniques do not back into the defence budget. office in Plymouth block out such light and can leave operators, pilots The tube station, opened in 1906, closed in 1934 to expand safety, and drivers vulnerable to the blinding effect of after London Underground decided it was no longer environment and broadband radiation. financially viable. security consultancy The agreement will allow Qioptiq access to The building was later taken over by the War to defence and dstl technology to commercialise for use across Office and used as an operations room during times transport. It will markets. of conflict. also support the organisation’s new weapons, ordnance, munitions and explosives capability to address the growing need for DVD2014 – now the highly-qualified explosives safety personnel. big guns line up Support to continue

ALMOST £35 million has been allocated through the Armed Forces Covenant fund to support charities and others with 97 projects which will benefit the orF ces community, latest figures show. The fund is now closed. Grants were made in three tranches between December 2012 and December 2013. From next DVD, a must for those in Land equipment April a new fund worth £10 million will be available, details of which will be announced in due BM T GROU P, General Dynamics by the Army as part of Defence course. Land Systems, Lockheed Martin Exhibitors list Transformation. and Selex ES are among the big growing for key DVD is aimed at everyone Redeployment hitters from industry who are with an interest in equipment backing this year’s DVD event. stakeholder and equipment support, but A number of lines The companies join a line up particularly those in Army HQ, of communication of more than 150 who represent event DE&S, Defence Academy and the are in use to move some of the top names in Land Front Line Commands. personnel and Equipment procurement. The Major General Paul Jaques, equipment into and out of Afghanistan, number of exhibiters is well on Director Land Equipment at including around the way to its target of 240 . be at DVD. Their endorsement DE&S, said: “Attendance at DVD 1 per cent of With more than two months is important to DE&S and the is crucial for DE&S personnel materiel being to go – DVD takes place on 25th Army and shows that the event is who are involved in land redeployed through and 26th June – there are still the most important of its kind in equipment and support, as they the Northern Line places available for companies to the Land equipment calendar,” will have a unique opportunity of Communication, be represented at the event, the said DE&S’ DVD event manager to meet industry providers and which includes Russia, Defence only one where DE&S, the Army Chris Williams. validate their understanding Secretary Philip and key industry stakeholders This is the second year of the military market and the Hammond has told can get together to discuss Land DVD at the Millbrook Proving challenges it faces.” Parliament. “We equipment capability. Ground will be jointly run by Brigadier Mark Gaunt, keep all lines of “It’s is good to see that Army headquarters and DE&S Director Equipment at Army communication some of the biggest names in Land Equipment, recognising Headquarters, added: “DVD2014 under constant review and stand the defence industry want to the new capability role taken on will consider a whole variety ready to adapt our of equipment and capabilities redeployment plans that may feature in the Army should the need o To register as an exhibitor, a visitor or as press/media, 2020 structure. There will be arise,” he said. go to www.theevent.co.uk equipment from a variety of exhibitors.” news 31

NEWSREEL UK meeting Nato targets

THE Nato­ recognised figure for UK defence spending as a proportion of gross domestic product in 2012 was 2.3 per cent; the latest estimate for 2013 was 2.4 per cent, Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison has told Parliament. “Ministers and officials emindr allies of Nato’s resource guidance that members of the Alliance should devote 2.0 per cent of GDP to defence spending,” he said.

No F-35 plan

THERE are currently Royal approval: the Princess Royal inspects facilities at the Radway Green factory, pictured, no plans to station with, top, General Manager Nigel McVean and, above, staff in the packing department any of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the Falkland Islands following their acceptance into service, Armed MASS contract chalks up Forces Minister Mark Francois has told Parliament.

another success RIAT support

LANCASTER, TRANSFORMATION OF MASS covers more than 80 maximise future efficiencies Spitfire, Hurricane, the UK’s general munitions per cent by volume of the general to the benefit of our customers Dakota and Typhoon production capability has munitions used by UK Forces on in the UK and in our export will join the Red reached an important milestone operations and training. markets.” Arrows in this year’s in Cheshire. This includes small arms and The Leader of the Defence Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford The new £83 million medium calibre ammunition, General Munitions team said: on 12th and 13th Small Arms Ammunition mortar bombs, tank, artillery “Wherever they are deployed July. The Typhoon manufacturing facility at BAE and naval gun shells, but not on operations throughout the will join Tucano on Systems Radway Green site, complex weapons such as guided world, our troops need to know Friday, 11th July, as near Crewe, was officially missiles. that sufficient quantities of part of the special opened by the Princess Royal Philip Dunne, Minister for high-quality ammunition are Red Arrows Pit on 26th February and replaces Defence Equipment, Support available and can be delivered to Day. Tickets for the event are only one opened by her father Prince and Technology, said: “This them in the timescale required, available in advance. Philip in 1979. investment will protect 450 often at short notice. Specially-priced It will have the operational local jobs and leaves no doubt “The BAE Systems workforce Earlybird tickets are capacity to maintain a of British expertise and skills at Radway Green has done an available until 31st production rate of one million in manufacturing. This is a vital outstanding job in meeting a May from airtattoo. small arms rounds per day, and boost for the local economy and significantly increased demand com or by calling provide a 30 per cent increase will improve supplies to our for ammunition supply in recent 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under­ in annual production capability Armed Forces on the front line.” years. 16s go free. Free when compared to the existing Ian Anderton, Managing “Modernisation at Radway parking. facilities at Radway Green. Director of BAE Systems Green and other BAE Systems Transformation is a Munitions, added: “The official munitions sites over the last few Forces’ pay significant element within opening is a major milestone years is helping to ensure that the 15-year MASS (Munitions in the modernisation of our an efficient, effective, flexible THE Armed Forces Acquisition, the Supply Solution) UK munitions manufacturing and sustainable capability is Pay Review Body partnering agreement between facilities. available within the UK for has recommended BAES Systems and DE&S’ “This facility alongside continued supply of munitions an increase of 1 Defence General Munitions similar transformed facilities for years to come. This is good per cent to base salaries for 2014-15, team, which was signed in at Glascoed, South Wales and news for the taxpayer, for local effective from 1st August 2008 and is worth at least Washington, near Newcastle jobs and importantly for the April. £2 billion. will help drive down costs and front line.” 32 news

THE ROyAL Navy’s largest warship HMS refurbishment of her flight deck, hangar and Around 1,200 metres of new pipe work has Ocean is pictured on the move in the latest aviation facilities, an overhaul of much of her been laid and around 100,000 litres of paint stage of a £65 million refit at Devonport. mechanical and engineering equipment, and has been applied to the ship. The 21,500 tonne ship slowly made her replacement or refurbishment of many of her The ship’s upgrade has been the largest way through the narrow exit of 5 Basin to sail communications and weapons systems. programme of its kind at the docks in more round to her jetty on 16 Wharf at Weston Mill Improvements include a new enlarged and than 20 years and has been carried out by Lake. upgraded medical area and enlarged galley Babcock. The company is also working on HMS Ocean’s refit has included a full and the interior has been remodelled. three other surface ships in Devonport.

Ocean on the move

Cranfield works for me Find out how postgraduate study in Modelling and Simulation can work for you

Visit www.cranfield.ac.uk/cranfield-works-for-me.html for details of our programmes delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom news 33

£20 million is committed for parts as . . . Patrol vessels take first steps

THE MOD has signed a £20 Minister for Defence million contract to buy parts Equipment, Support and for the Royal Navy’s three new Technology, Philip Dunne Offshore Patrol Vessels. said: “This is a significant It was announced in last milestone, critical to the November that the MOD successful delivery of these would purchase the ships three vessels for the Royal which will be built, subject to Navy. People Who Know How approval, by BAE Systems. “The vessels will provide Last month, during a visit an additional capability for to the company’s shipyards on the UK and, at its peak, the To Help You the Clyde in Scotland, Defence programme will safeguard Secretaty Philip Dunne more than 800 vital skilled announced that £20 million roles in the shipbuilding Acquire Complex has been committed to the industry.” programme. The patrol vessels can The contract will enable be used to support counter- Systems BAE Systems to begin work terrorism, counter-piracy and on parts such as engines and anti-smuggling operations in gearboxes, which require the waters around the UK and a longer time to make and other UK interests abroad. therefore have to be ordered Compared to the current in advance of the main River class ships, the new shipbuilding programme. ships will have more storage The Royal Navy’s vessels and accommodation and a are to be built later this decade larger flight deck for Merlin by BAE Systems at their Clyde helicopters. The first is shipyards, which currently expected to be delivered to the employ around 3,000 people. Royal Navy in 2017.

Full speed ahead: a patrol vessel similar to those to be built for the Royal Navy

Our business is based on the technical expertise, deep domain knowledge and commitment of our people. Our customers around the world rely Lock, stock and barrel to Babcock on our ideas, innovation and rigour to MEDICAL AND General Supplies team has awarded a four-year help them meet their goals – often in contract to Babcock to supply locks, keys and hinges to the Royal Navy, Army and RAF. environments where their mission has no Under the £8 million framework agreement contract second chance for success. Babcock now supplies more than 360 different lock, key or hinge items to various stores in the UK, and in some instances Our most prized possession is their trust. direct to UK military bases. The items are delivered to strict quality standards and performance criteria, including guaranteed delivery within specified times. QinetiQ.com The contract is one of the team’s significant portfolio of equipment management contracts for timely and most cost- effective provision of a range of commodity items across UK Forces.

363 desider 86x260 advert.indd 1 3/14/2014 5:23:37 PM 34 news

Wellies, In at the waders deep end: around and 5,000 Armed Forces sandbags personnel were make deployed cross the

DE&S as a big UK on

oud to support flood relief

trusted partner efforts

Pr difference in the nationwide Staff wade in on water rescue national flood alert

AS THE winter floods recede and areas of the Thames personnel on February stand­ and the badly affected parts of Valley, Gloucestershire and by, huge numbers of waders and the UK return to normal, DE&S Worestershire saw the Defence wellington boots were needed. can reflect on an excellent job in Clothing team, part of Logistic The team was immediately supporting the servicemen and Commodities, sail into action contacted by Army Headquarters women who were dispatched to when the Armed Forces were to supply waders and wellies Making the complex simple help stricken communities. deployed to help the rescue for Operation Pitchpole, a tall Record rainfall which efforts. order when demand across the flooded the Somerset Levels With around 5,000 military country was at its highest. Inventory managers from the team were able to provide 1,734 pairs of wellies and rapidly source around 2,000 waders within hours. Work then continued through the next couple of days with another 1,080 waders supplied along with the replenishment of depleted stocks of wellies. Another 1,278 waders were delivered a few days later. The team’s support to Operation Pitchpole was headed by Ray Brooks from the Customer Support Team and the Inventory Management Team at Bicester was led by Beverley Byrne. Brigadier Andy Brown, Head of Logistic Commodities, said “The rapid, proactive and professional response of Defence Clothing has ensured that the military continue to be A Royal Marine of 40 Commando in Taunton helps pile up sandbags in the fully equipped to carry out their village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels as the Armed Forces help duties, whatever they may be.” local authorities with flood relief DE&S’ Operational Infrastructure Programme provided fuel tanks, pumps Flood relief by numbers and a pipeline to guarantee an uninterrupted fuel supply for

space that scan the scope of the massive pumps at Saltmoor, ough-life capability management solutions for the MoD business

Delivering critical tools and agile that cleared floodwater from the Regular Reservists Recruits Total thr Royal Navy 1,050 0 235 1,285 Somerset Levels. Army 2,704 147 0 2,851 The Programme also RAF 851 0 0 851 provided large numbers of | www.tlmnexus.com | sandbags and sandbag filling | 0845 677 4480 | Total: 4,987 machines. news 35

TWO HUNDRED staff attended the annual NEWSREEL conference of the MOD Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply special interest group Abbey Wood Docking by at Abbey Wood. computer Speakers from inside and outside the MOD learns of focused on the theme of ‘Earning your place at COMPUTER the table’. modelling has CIPS young Professional of the year 2013, career proved the Queen Elizabeth aircraft Gulam Choudhury told of his rapid career carriers will be progression from procurement graduate progression able to navigate through to chief purchasing officer at and dock at their Manchester Airport. Portsmouth home DE&S Director Commercial Operations base and at Faslane Stephen Morgan spoke on the steps in his as a contingency. career from naval officer in the American Minister for Defence Equipment, Support military to his current 2* role. He highlighted and Technology the importance of professionalism, continuous Philip Dunne told education, and being an intelligent client. MPs: “Desktop Bob Swales, Head of Commercial Combat modelling has also Air, focused his talk on the concept of a ‘Moment demonstrated that in Time’ for the Combat Air Operating Centre. the carriers can Duncan Brock from CIPS updated the successfully enter other UK ports. If audience on changes to the CIPS organisation, there is a need for supply management awards, and factors that the ship to dock at make a winning proposal. further UK ports, Paul Rodgers from the Department of modelling will Transport spoke about the West Coast Mainline be undertaken if franchise. He identified issues that occurred required.” in the procurement and the implications to n Carrier round-up: individuals and the wider department. page 38 Gerard Chick, tasked with assessing development opportunities and training within MOD Commercial, identified several C-IED zone aspects including intensity, continued education, and becoming skilled analysts as A Counter IED ways of developing and progressing through demonstration the organisation. zone will form a Next year’s event will be on Thursday, 19th centrepiece of this February. For further information or any of the year's Counter Terror Expo at presentations from the day, email DES Comrcl- A place at the table for Gulam Choudhury, top, Gerard Chick, above left and Stephen Morgan, right, at the Olympia in London CIPS-SIG (Multiuser) mailbox. annual MOD CIPS conference on 29th-30th April. The zone will showcase the latest developments from industry on topics Latest DII goes live in such as clearing landmines, ordnance disposal and high System shows its flexibility and reach risk searches. Kabul Vector award

THE LATEST version of Defence original system were procured “As with most things DII, VECTOR Aerospace Information infrastructure is and brought into service in there hasn’t been much more UK has been now working in Afghanistan – urgent operational requirement than a grudging acceptance awarded Part 21G the first operational deployment timescales. Migration of users it’s working OK, but in fact accreditation from of DII Land Deployed using the from the legacy systems which it’s a big piece of work that the European Aviation Safety Type 2 node. existed in Afghanistan is already validates just about the entire Agency. The Operation Thracian, as it complete. DII Land Deployed strategy in recognition has been called, has been led by Two sizes of node have been demonstrating flexibility and from Europe's Capt Gary Christie of 2 Signal installed, allowing up to 150 reach in the deployed arena,” regulatory aviation Brigade along with the Defence terminals to be connected to a said Lt Cdr Jonathan Parker authority enables Information Services Team. Full node. of DIST Military Solutions at the company to operating capability is expected Installation was led by Corsham. perform sheet metal and composite early this month. Capt Christie and his Thracian “But the extra bits of manufacture; The system’s node sits in Enabling Team, along with equipment have been so welding and Kabul, the Afghan capital, staff from partners Atlas and successful, DIST is now machining, and loom and the additional networking Cassidian. The team managed to considering taking them into the manufacturing. The equipment allows several keep to their deadlines despite Core Solution for Land Deployed company provides clusters of DII users to operate last minute modifications and as they provide greater flexibility a one-stop-shop securely over greater distributed further location changes to to allow groups of users to exist for comprehensive aircraft distances from the Node than support new plans. This was away from a central node over maintenance. was originally designed. helped by the flexibility and just about any comms link, be it The modifications to the reliability of the new equipment. military or otherwise.” 36 news 4196_WEW_advert_desider_MAR_v1.pdf 1 13/03/2014 16:29 Boats keep up to speed

New systems Fuel. give power Wherever boost Powerplay: you need it HMS to Monmouth's www.wew.de Pacific Navy’s 24 moves around in a Pacific ship's wake ‘Drop where extra 24s power is and go’ needed solutions

NEW PROPULSION systems exposed rotating parts and they “We have conducted trials are to be fitted to improve offer excellent maneuverability of the turbo impeller fitted to performance of nearly 60 of the but performance tends to drop a Pacific 24 alongside another Royal Navy’s rigid inflatable away in aerated water. Pacific 24 fitted with the boats. Hamilton has developed a standard waterjet propulsion. The systems, known as turbo impeller with two rows of This showed a 75 per cent turbo impellers, will quicken blades instead of one to improve increase in acceleration between acceleration and response the boats’ agility. 0 and 30 knots and a significant times in aerated water – the “This will be particularly improvement in performance in ‘frothy’ waves that a moving important during boarding aerated water. ship leaves behind – which will where boats need to operate “Performance of the boat help personnel during boarding alongside and in the wash of when fully laden was particularly operations. their target vessel where there is impressive.” Pacific 24 boats are fitted a significant amount of aerated The team has ordered 57 with Hamilton waterjet water,” said Tom Bibby, project turbo impellers to fit to front line propulsion systems which manager in the Commercially Pacific 24 craft this year at a cost are safe because there are no Supported Shipping team. of around £181,000.

F-35Bs get into formation for the first time TWO F-35B aircraft – the type to be flown by the UK – fly in close formation, pictured left, while in short take-off, vertical landing mode for the first time. Meanwhile RAF pilot Sqn Ldr Hugh Nichols has become the first UK instructor pilot to undertake a short take-off and vertical landing in an F-35B. One of three UK pilots based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Sqn Ldr Nichols is part of a US Marine Corps exchange programme. Nearly 50 UK maintainers (ground support technicians) have also completed their F-35 training. The UK has taken delivery of its first three F-35B, based at Eglin. BK-1 and BK-2 will move to Edwards AFB to participate in operational testing next year, and BK-3 will move to MCAS Beaufort this year to continue to support core pilot and maintainer training. A fourth UK F-35B is scheduled to be delivered next year. news 37

DIO moves step closer to taking on a business partner Vanguard to get a second A STRATEGIC Business Partner to help improve the possible infrastructure and services for our Armed running of the 230,000 hectare defence estate has Forces.” refuel moved a step closer. Key areas where a Partner will provide the Capita, working in conjunction with URS and PA greatest benefit and additional apabilityc include: Consulting, is the MOD’s preferred bidder for the • Developing a strategic plan to help identify HMS VANGUARD’S Defence Infrastructure Organisation. potential savings and commercial opportunities; nuclear reactor is to be The ten-year contract, worth around £400 • Improving access to market-competitive refuelled for a second million, will help transform the facilities and services knowledge and skills; time during its planned that allow UK Armed Forces to live, work, train and • Better access to private funding for key deep maintenance period deploy on operations. It also has the potential to save efficiency improvements; and which begins next year. more than £300 million a year during the contract. • Improving how change is managed across the The decision was Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: Defence Infrastructure Organisation. announced in the “Working with a Strategic Business Partner will Once the contract is awarded, the DIO will House of Commons on bring in private sector expertise to enhance the DIO work with the Partner to prepare for the contract 6th March by Defence and deliver value for money. becoming fully operational in the summer. Secretary Philip “This is another step along the way in The DIO will continue to be 100 per cent owned Hammond following implementing Lord Levene’s reforms and will by the Defence Secretary and the MOD will oversee details of a leak at allow us to tap into the innovation and expertise of the activities and performance of the Strategic the naval reactor the private sector so that we can deliver the best Business Partner. test establishment at Dounreay in Scotland in 2012. Dounreay’s reactor is a prototype of the same class as Vanguard’s Two-year and helps assess how submarine reactor cores will perform over time. “In January 2012, low levels of Torbay work radioactivity were detected in the cooling water surrounding the prototype core,” said Mr Hammond. comes to “The reactor was restarted in November 2012. It continues to operate safely. Against an end the International Atomic Energy Agency’s measurement scale for nuclear-related events, this issue is described by the agency as ‘below scale – no safety significance’. “This occurrence does not present any safety risk. It does, however, potentially present additional risks HMS Torbay, pictured alongside at Devonport. Her RAMP has lasted two years to future submarine availability.” HMS TORBAy is now ‘fit to Team to ensure success. more work included a first-of­ Mr Hammond said that refuelling fight’ again following the largest “We must learn the lessons class planned reactor system Vanguard, the oldest submarine maintenance period of its type from this project to continue to modification led by Rolls-Royce, of the class, was ‘the performed on the Trafalgar class improve future RAMPs on these supported by Babcock and responsible option’. The submarine. ageing submarines.” completed in July. extra cost of refuelling The two-year programme Work on Torbay in dock last Since then motor and diesel the submarine is – a Revalidation and Assisted year included non-destructive generator rotors have been estimated to be about Maintenance Period, or RAMP, examination of the hull and replaced along with a full fit of £120 million over the next six years. for short – involved 513,000 hours ship’s systems including the the Eddystone Communications A decision on of planned work as well as a large reactor primary circuit, as well Electronic Support Measures whether to refuel the sub-contract requirement for as overhaul work including system. next oldest submarine, equipment upgrades, overhauls a full rebuild of one of the Babcock Boat Manager HMS Victorious, when she and commissioning. platform’s combined coolers and Christopher Freeman said: enters her next planned During the RAMP by a revalidation of the circulating “We are delighted to have deep maintenance Babcock in Devonport HMS water system. successfully completed this period, does not need to be made until 2018. Torbay received 27 upgrades and The weapons and high profile RAMP to deliver The implications for improvements in a substantial communications programme an improved vessel and play a the Astute submarines maintenance programme. included sonar system significant part in supporting will be the subject of Cdr Neil Moffatt of DE&S’ improvements, a full overhaul of UK submarine operations. further analysis, said In-Service Submarines, said: the torpedo tubes, and improved “This has been a highly Mr Hammond. These “Getting the submarine to communications for the vessel demanding project, not least due decisions do not affect this stage has been extremely when in port. to the significant emergent work, plans for the Successor submarine that will demanding and has required Following flood-up and with considerable challenges for replace the Vanguard the full focus of the Joint Project undocking of the boat last year, the project management team.” class. 38 news

NEWSREEL MOD signs up Carrier charting system to fenders FENDERCARE shows the way to go Marine will supply fenders to the MOD in a three- year contract. HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH’S The company has electronic charting software provided 18 3.3m has successfully completed its by 6.5m pneumatic sea acceptance trial. fenders, with The display of accurate potentially more to navigation information to follow. Fendercare Marine has been a ship’s bridge team is a working with the fundamental requirement to MOD to design a operate safely at sea. protective tyre net Under the latest Safety of Life to be non-marking at Sea regulations all large ships to a ship’s hull with are required to be fitted with minimal fender electronic charting systems. maintenance. From a base in Devonport To meet this requirement the the company also design and development of HMS provides fabrication, Queen Elizabeth’s electronic welding and painting charting software – known as for the MOD, having Electronic Charting Display worked on nuclear Information System (Navy) UK submarines, – has been in progress for a warships and support vessels. number of years, culminating in the fit of trials hardware to RFA Orangeleaf to test the software. The sea trial took place last Plug and play ECDIS(N)UK being trialed in RFA Orangeleaf. From left: Barry Perfect month while RFA Orangeleaf (Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine), Jonathan Humphrey (NGSM), John PLUG-IN vehicle was operating off Plymouth. Taylor (MCTA), Lt Ollie Judd (MCS) charge points will be Following a series of installed at the Royal demanding trials, including Military Academy manoeuvres testing entering developed with the support “Achieving a successful sea trial in Sandhurst, and leaving harbour and of Royal Navy navigators has been an important milestone RAF Northolt and possibly RAF Halton, passage planning, the system and DE&S Maritime Combat for the Aircraft Carrier Alliance Defence Equipment, was certified safe to use for Systems engineers. team. Support and navigation by the Maritime The system is based on “I’m very grateful for the Technology Minister Commissioning and Trials Northrop Grumman’s existing support provided by RFA Philip Dunne Agency (MCTA) and the Fleet commercial ECDIS product but Orangeleaf, the Fleet Navigation has announced. Navigation team. enhanced to meet Royal Navy team and MCTA who have Thirteen more will ECDIS(N)UK is a Northrop and Nato user requirements. all played vital roles in the be installed at Dstl sites primarily Grumman Sperry Marine Maritime Combat Systems successful development of this in Wiltshire, product which has been trials officer Lt Ollie Judd said: key system.” Hampshire and Kent over the next two years. Funds were announced by Queen Elizabeth to name first carrier . . . the Office for Low Emission Vehicles in January. THE QUEEN will officially Members of the crew, and for the Royal Navy but for the name HMS Queen Elizabeth industry workers who have entire nation. It is great news at a ceremony in Scotland this helped to build the ship will be that Her Majesty will officially summer. among the thousands of people name the first aircraft carrier.” Card sharp The naming ceremony at expected at the event on the Work is already underway Rosyth dockyard in Fife on shores of the Firth of Forth. on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s sister NEARLy 450 Friday 4th July will mark the Defence Secretary Philip ship Prince of Wales which will national and 1,400 completion of the 65,000 tonne Hammond said: “This will be a start to be assembled in Rosyth local businesses ship. proud and historic day, not just dockyard later this year. have signed up During the ceremony, the to the Defence ship will be given a traditional Discount Service, . . . and first skipper is unveiled too offering discounts to champagne christening and personnel. Around later that month the dock will 40,000 serving be flooded to allow HMS Queen THE FIRST seagoing captain of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen and former Forces Elizabeth to float for the first Elizabeth will be Commodore Jerry Kyd, the former Captain of HMS Ark personnel and time. Royal and HMS Illustrious. civil servants have The end of the build phase Cdre Kyd has extensive command experience both at sea and ashore. bought a Defence As well as the two carriers he has commanded the Type 23 frigate HMS means the ship can now work Privilege Card. Monmouth and more recently served for two years as the Captain of towards beginning sea trials Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. in 2017 and flight trials with He will join HMS Queen Elizabeth following his appointment as Lightning II aircraft in 2018. Commander of the UK’s Response Force Task Group. news 39

TVS SUPPLy Chain Solutions has and logistics specialist, has been NEWSREEL opened a new bespoke defence supporting the MOD for nearly a warehousing facility in Bicester, century. It opened its first spares stores New Wildcat – bringing the company’s total number of in 1919, the same year the company facilities in the UK to six. produced its first “military special”: the facility meet Dragon! The new facility moves the “RAF Type” 2-ton truck. company’s defence warehouse Through the 1940’s and 50’s, TVS set to THE next generation operation from the MOD site at Bicester manufactured the Cromwell, Comet Wildcat helicopter to alternative premises nearby. and Centurion tanks, and built and house has made its first The new 44,000 sq ft facility, which supported the Chieftain tank engine landing on a Type is 4.5 miles from the original MOD site, into the late 1980’s. more 45 destroyer. Pilot will house more than £10 million of The company operates from Lt Dave Neyland inventory, 14,000 parts lines, 250,000 regional hubs in Bicester, Crick, of DE&S and Flight Observer individual parts and nearly 18,000 Daventry, North Luffenham, Wakefield Lt Sammy Haynes pieces of equipment. and its 268,000 sq ft headquarters in inventory brought Wildcat TVS, the global supply chain Chorley. ZZ377 safely on to HMS Dragon as she ploughed through the Irish Sea following a visit to Liverpool. Wildcat is undergoing trials Rotary wear and tear with 700W Naval Air Squadron, formed to help introduce the helicopter into – a thing of the past? service. The aircraft has been working at the MOD’s aerial range in Cardigan Bay. From next year, Wildcat will begin to replace the Lynx Mark 8.

Echo makes Good vibrations – from left DE&S a first visit project manager Nick Hales, DE&S SURVEy ship HMS Engineering Fellow Echo has become Simon Ransom, the first Royal Naval who provides ship to enter the technical input, and port of Duqm in the Middle East. Martyn Redford, No ship under the project manager at White Ensign has Agusta Westland come alongside in the Omani harbour – a major new port which owes its success in part to help from the Royal Navy. The approaches to the port were A PROGRAMME to reduce also be used to determine the extensively surveyed Programme looks by HMS Echo’s sister helicopter vibration which optimum design of a production HMS Enterprise causes wear and tear on to reduce crew system,” said Nick Hales, senior in 2010 to ensure airframes and aircrew is nearing engineer for critical avionics they could be safely completion. injury and with Director Technical. navigated by vessels Trials on a Wildcat form the Eight force generators large or small. The final phase of efforts to reduce airframe fatigue have been fitted for the port is on Oman’s east coast, roughly the risk of vibration injury to HAVM demonstration but the – and save cash half way between crew and passengers, improve active vibration management the capital Muscat reliability of avionics and sensor production system is likely to use and the southern systems and reduce fatigue on be incorporated into other between two and four. city of Salalah – both the airframe and mechanical helicopters, for example Overall mass of the system regular ports of systems. Chinook. is likely to be less than the call for Royal Navy It will also save money and Sensors across the airframe currently fitted head absorber vessels operating in the Arabian Sea. make it easier for the MOD to send signals to a centralised which it would replace. comply with health and safety at computer which interprets Mr Hales added: “We’re work regulations. the data. In micro-seconds, also looking into whether Our Husky The technology demonstrator commands are sent to ‘force the system could be used to OUR picture of a programme is part of Helicopter generators’ which ‘input’ reduce discomfort casualties Husky vehicle on Active Vibration Management, opposite forces. may experience on the way page 8 of the March run by the Technical Delivery “Flight trials should confirm from the battlefield to hospital; edition was, in fact, team within DE&S Director the predicted effectiveness of also whether the technology an Oshkosh MATV. Technical. the system to reduce vibration would be useful in the land and Our apologies for the If successful it could across the helicopter and will maritime domains.” confusion. 40 news

‘We’ll meet again’ – last two Lancasters to unite

THE LAST two Lancaster bombers still at events flying in the orldw will come together for a together will Lancaster 'Vera' pictured over Lake series of events this summer in a meeting be a unique Ontario, Canada unlikely to happen again. sight and an The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial opportunity Flight based at RAF Coningsby and to truly supported by DE&S, will welcome the commemorate Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s those who paid prized Avro Lancaster for the month-long the ultimate visit. sacrifice. Lest The news comes as the latest major We Forget.” maintenance for one of the Flight’s Spitfires Meanwhile continues to make progress. Spitfire Mk5B Canada’s Lancaster will arrive in AB910 is being England on 8th August following stops maintained by at Goose Bay in Labrador, Narsarsuaq in the Aircraft Greenland and Keflavik in Iceland. Restoration Fans of summer airshows will then see Company at both Lancasters in a series of displays and Duxford. being carried out to fuselage while there fly-pasts during August. Work is taking place on spars for both are a host of other repairs and repaints. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight wings, the aerial mast and supporting The aircraft is due to return to the commanding officer Sqn Ldr Dunc Mason structure is being reinstated and returned Flight in September. said: “To see these two aircraft flying to original design, structural repairs are

A DE&S team is to take littoral and air components. Contract helps independent expert The Atkins team will lead advice on development on production and shaping of communication and assessment phase evidence. It team take on information systems in the will also support preparation Land environment. for competitive selection of a Customer Friend is a potential delivery partner in three-year £10.9 million 2016. expert advice contract for the Battlefield Brigadier Ivan Hooper, and Tactical Communications BATCIS leader, said: “I’m and Information Systems delighted to welcome the (BATCIS) team awarded to Customer Friend team and engineering look forward to c o n s u l t a n t s working with Exceeding Expectations Atkins. them. Customer T h e ‘Customer Friend will contract will bring unique be supported Friend will and essential by sub- bring unique skills. A Consultancy With A Difference c o n t r a c t o r s “This is the A c t i c a and essential first tangible Established in 2002 Consulting and step on the road C3IA Solutions. skills’ – to delivering T h e y Morpheus MRL Public Sector Consultants Limited (MRL) is a niche consulting firm specialising in providing management and technical consultancy expertise and will provide Brigadier and, with this related business services to the public sector and defence industry. technical and appointment,

We provide specialist technical and consultancy services in the following areas: c o m m e r c i a l Ivan Hooper we expect to support to move forward • Change Management • Human Resource Management define the at pace on the • Cultural Audits • Leadership Development and Training • Communications and Stakeholder • Organisational Design and Review Morpheus Programme – assessment phase.” Management • Programme and Project Management which is looking to keep UK Alan Buckland, Managing • Environmental Assessment • Strategy Development and Management Forces ahead of the game in Director, Atkins Defence information superiority. added: “Our specialist MRL’ s consultants have managed large-scale complex projects and programmes successfully in the UK and internationally. We work with clients’ at all levels, from front It is part of the wider engineering and technical line staff to Ministers helping to initiate, develop, implement and manage assignments. Land Environment Tactical experience coupled with For example from policy initiation to programme implementation delivered in an efficient and cost effective way. Communications and complex acquisition Information Systems (LE Tac programme support will Our mission is to provide the best practical advice and consultancy support to our clients within the public sector and defence, delivered to the highest of professional standards, CIS) change programme. allow us to ensure that the resulting in tangible benefits for our clients. In all we do we aim to ‘Exceed Expectations.’ The first in a series of desired assessment phase projects under the Morpheus outcomes are fully achieved.” Tel: +44 (0) 1954 715715 Fax: +44 (0) 1954 719090 Email: [email protected] Programme, the Customer The Customer Friend Pepple House, 8 Broad Street, Great Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6HJ, United Kingdom Friend team will be assisting project was led by Project www.mrl.uk.com BATCIS in the next major Manager Jayne Revie with evolution of capability for support from Commercial tactical CIS equipment and Manager Ian Bourne and systems used in the Land Andrew Brittain (Commercial

© Copyright Protected environment, including Graduate). news 41 Classified change Government security classifications are to be overhauled for the first time since World War Two

ew changes to classifications are part of the Government ’s Civil Service Reform programme, Ndesigned to strip away bureaucracy and give civil servants greater responsibility for the work they do. The shake -up will see the six existing levels of protective marking replaced with three: Official, Secret and Top Secret. The new system is designed for the digital age - it will be more straightforward to understand, and give greater clarity and an emphasis on personal responsibility. The current system dates from a time when civil servants worked exclusively with paper. Carrying forward essentially clerical processes into IT has led to unnecessary controls, complexity and misunderstandings that obscure common sense protections. Reforming the system will help save the taxpayer money, enabling government to buy standardised IT rather than costly bespoke solutions. The new markings will be used by more than 700,000 civil servants and military personnel from 2nd April, and are set to be adopted by the wider public sector in due course. Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: “Whitehall uses a security classification system designed decades ago. We are changing that and introducing a new system fit for the digital age. It will speed up decisions, make it easier to share information and save hard- working taxpayers’ money. There has been a tendency to over mark documents rather than to manage risk properly. This can devalue the basic security principles. “We think the most important and sensitive materials should be protected as ‘Top Secret’ or ‘Secret’ but for other information the new ‘Official’ category, with its renewed emphasis upon personal responsibility and The 3 new security classifications are: accountability, will be appropriate for most of what OFFICIAL – The majority of information that is created or processed government does. by the public sector. This includes routine government business, “The three distinct and clear protective markings will public service delivery and commercial activity. The new ‘Official’ enable information to be classified in a more consistent classification will cover 90 per cent of government business and is way, minimising the scope for error, and making it easier based on commercial good practice. The new system gives managers to share information between departments and with the opportunity to be clear in their expectations of staff. In turn, civil partner organisations without undermining security.” servants will be required to use their own judgement much more Suppliers to DE&S will also start to use the actively rather than just over-classifying in order to avoid responsibility. classifications. The Defence Security and Assurance Services (DSAS) have been working with various trade SECRET – Very sensitive information that justifies heightened protective associations (Defence Industry Security Association measures - for example, where compromise could seriously damage (DISA), UK Council for electronic Business (UKCeB), military capabilities, internal relations or the investigation of serious Aerospace Defence Security (ADS), Intellect and Admie organised crime. refining the details. TOP SECRET – The most sensitive information requiring the highest UKCeB has been working with DE&S to develop levels of protection from the most serious threats – for instance, where informal guidance documents needed by industrial compromise could cause widespread loss of life or else threaten the users to ensure that they handle ‘Official’ material security or wellbeing of the country or friendly nations. appropriately. This guidance was created by members of the UKCeB joint MOD/Industry Security Working Group The six current security classifications which are to be replaced are: and is provided to help organisations develop their own actions to address the new requirements. Freely available Unclassified, Protect, Restricted, Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. to all industrial users from the UKCeB website, following The most significant changes will be at the former level of confidential. best- practice is vital to realise the simplicity, cost and Project Managers will need to be aware of how the new classifications security benefit potential arising from this once -in- a- impact on any confidential aspects of their work. generation opportunity to streamline information flows across the enterprise ”. Changes to IT systems, applications and contracts to take account of GSC will be rolled out over the coming months. 42 news NEWSREEL Pay and skills lead the Detection in early progress A PROGRAMME agenda at Abbey Wood to develop infra­ red detector technology has shown significant advantages over current products after only four months. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is collaborating with Amethyst UK, Selex ES on a new design of infrared detectors which will support stand-off detection of explosives and chemical agents. Amethyst is now partnering with academia to consider how to take the novel detector technology to the next level of refinement and production.

Wider scans

THREE portable From left: David Ball, Michael Bradley, Pete Worrall, Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young and Vice Admiral Simon Lister Philips-made CT scanners identical to that DE&S STAFF had the with particular skills. As a result and there will continue to be a procured by DE&S opportunity to engage with of the HR freedoms DE&S has role for them in certain areas. and supplied by Board members at the latest requested, limited freedom has However, our intention is to Marshall Aerospace Abbey Wood Talk to the Board recently been granted to offer draw down on the number are to be used by French medics. The ‘Live’ event. higher starting pay for the latest of manpower substitutes and contract has been The event was jointly hosted replace them with Crown placed by the Nato by Chief of Materiel (Fleet), Vice servants.” Support Agency . Admiral Simon Lister; Director n Questions can still be Vice Admiral Lister added: The scanners will General Resources, Michael submitted to the Board through the “There is an important point support French Bradley; Chief of Materiel (Joint Talk to the Board mailbox. about continuity. If someone military operations Enablers), Pete Worrall; Director A written response will is of value to us and there is worldwide. Technical Air Vice-Marshal come from the relevant Board no prospect of replacement, member Julian young; and Director OC Directors are able to come New powers Human Resources, David Ball. back to the Board to request an A range of questions included extension to essential contracts.” THE powers of the higher starting pay, manpower engineer recruitment campaign, The Board confirmed that, Service Complaints substitution, transferable skills, aiming to address the shortfall. with new HR freedoms from 1st Commissioner flexible working, change and IT. The cost of and extensions to April, they would be reviewing will be boosted to On recruitment, the Board manpower substitute contracts the pay structure needed to create the Armed acknowledged that there had was raised as a concern. Mr underpin future business needs Forces’ first been difficulties in the past in Worrall said: “Manpower and work with the managed Service Complaints Ombudsman. The externally recruiting people substitutes do important work service provider to develop this. new Ombudsman will, for the first time, have powers to make Staff take on board the ‘travel to work’ message a real difference SUSTAINABLE WAyS of getting to Ferry Coaches, First Bus, Co- sustainability into daily activities. to individual work were top of the agenda as Wheels and the Local Sustainable DE&S Director Human complainants. The Abbey Wood’s Infrastructure team Transport Fund team. Resources, David Ball, visited office will continue hosted a successful event on 5th DE&S staff looked at different Woodpeckers Nursery to present to offer a vital March as part of Climate Week. travel to work options including awards to the children who had alternative route for Staff were encouraged to rail transport, electric cars, cycle painted ‘How Mummy and Daddy those who do not consider travelling to work and bus route availability. Get to Work’ for a competition. wish to approach by bicycle or public transport Staff were also able to find out Mr Ball said: “This event provided their Chain of including bus and train. about some of the initiatives that a great opportunity for our staff Command directly Outside organisations are going on within DE&S relating to find out about the alternative with their concerns supported the event, including Dr to fuel efficiency, material security transport options available to in the first instance. Bike, First Great Western, Kings and the importance of integrating them.” people news 43

Hayley joins Alan makes Navy’s top waves at management A BUSINESS breakfast, rally high-powered meetings, fire-fighting and damage- DE&S’ Alan Paramore control training. is pictured back at the Not-so-normal fare wheel of his Land Rover for 26-year-old Hayley as the Army’s rally team Barnden of Abbey Wood took part in the Legend who shadowed First Fires North West Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Stages Rally, based in George Zambellas, for a Blackpool. day as part of National Major Paramore of Apprentice Week. DE&S’ Land Equipment The day with Admiral was joined by a new Zambellas, on a visit to co-driver Colin Fisher the Portsmouth area, of Catterick for the first was a reward for being major event of the year. one of the MOD’s top The pair overcame apprentices. torrrential rain, strong Hayley has winds and standing completed a three-year water on the stages to apprenticeship, including finish first in class and six months in Barrow 45th overall in a time of where HMS Ambush just over two hours. and Artful were under construction. Picture courtesy This helped M and J Brinkman her to the Sir David Cardwell Memorial Prize, presented to the apprentice who has done the most to overcome challenges to complete her education. Hayley works as Platform Safety Officer for In-Service Fitness rules at Yeovilton Submarines. Her day shadowing Admiral Zambellas was one of the prizes for the Cardwell award and began by joining the First Sea Lord for a business breakfast (porridge and poached eggs, for the record) with the head of personnel, Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel. After that it was a short trip to Whale Island to visit Phoenix, home of fire-fighting training and the DRIU (Damage Repair Instructional Unit) to see how sailors shore up flooding ompartmentsc with wood and hammers. Then it was to Navy Command HQ in Leach Building to observe meetings. “It’s been really Commodore Alexander, Big Cig and golfer Simon Greatorex of Yeovil Golf Club join fitness staff at Yeovilton good fun and also really interesting,” said Hayley. “What’s really surprised me is how quickly yEOVILTON SEIZED the opportunity alongside lifestyles and No Smoking, along with advice decisions are made – so supporting No Smoking Day on 12th March to from welfare, chaplaincy and gymnasium team. much faster than at my hold a Health Promotion Day. Commodore Jock Alexander, Commanding level.” In the Junior Rates Dining Hall this year’s Officer of yeovilton, showed his support to the Other apprentices to message was V for Victory as supported by the health and fitness of his personnel when he take part in shadowing British Heart Foundation and was combined with encountered ‘Big Cig’ by stamping it out! He included Tom Vaulters, who shadowed other areas of general health appealing to all staff said: “It’s a great turnout with some very useful Permanent Under- on the station led by Petty Officer (PO) Dental information on the stands. It’s an excellent Secretary Jon Thompson, Hygienist Lesley Higgs. way to further encourage people to look after Parag Bhatt and Andrew Display stands included dental health; healthy themselves”. Hall. 44 people news

DE&S partnering reaches a House of Lords landmark

THE RELATIONSHIP between the MOD and Microsoft – supporters of Defence Information Infrastructure – has been formally recognised in the House of Lords. The Defence Information Services team began qualification for the BS11000 certification, believed to be the first such national standard in the world, more than two years ago. Members of the small MOD and Microsoft core team believed they had a good working relationship but it had not been independently measured. The BS11000 recognises collaborative business relationships which have delivered benefits, enhanced competitiveness and performance while adding value to organisations. It is regarded as a landmark for business. The latest assessments were completed at the end of February with presentations carried out in the House of Lords by Lord Evans and attended by staff from the MOD, Microsoft and the British Standards Institution. Co-operation, from left: Frank Lee (BSI), Nick Corrigan (Microsoft), Brian Dubrie Microsoft and the MOD support 180,000 DII (Defence Information Services), Doug Banks (MOD project lead), Phil Penfound devices and 300,000 user acounts worldwide. (Microsoft project lead), Mike Rogers, (MOD Commercial Partnering Support Group)

Some of Plymouth TAKING PROFESSIONAL Argyle's players on footballers on a high-speed dash their high-speed tour around Plymouth Sound was always going to be an exciting affair. And so it proved as players and staff from Plymouth Argyle Football Club took to the sea for a team-building exercise with the Royal Marines. The League Two club’s players, club physiotherapist and club performance manager enjoyed a soaking during their roller coaster ride of high speed turns and wave- riding in the off-shore raiding craft in a heavy swell. Players get a kick out of high-speed thrills

The thrills were provided by Royal Marines of 10 Training Squadron (part of Plymouth-based Valiant bell is all set to 1 Assault Group at Devonport) showing off their highly grace Clyde’s Valiant Jetty manoeuvrable boats. The craft, designed for taking AN EMOTIONAL reunion took place at Clyde small raiding parties onto hostile when a Ship’s Bell from the Great War battleship enemy-held beaches under fire HMS Valiant was returned to the Royal Navy, at speed and withdraw fast from and fittingly, a new home on the Valiant Jetty at danger can accelerate fast to more Faslane. HMS Valiant was the third of five Queen than 40mph, turn on a knife edge Elizabeth super-dreadnought battleships, built and stop rapidly. at Fairfields (now BAE Systems) in Govan. She Captain Mark Triggol, of 10 saw action at the Battle of Jutland and was sold Training Squadron said: “The idea for scrap in 1948. was for the players to have a taste of One of the ship’s first ‘torpedo lieutenants’ life as a Royal Marine on the water went on to become Rear Admiral Brian Egerton while enjoying an exciting activity (1886-1973), and when the ship was scrapped, he was presented with the bell. It was eventually together. passed through nephew to son, Patrick Dumas, “And also put themselves outside who has donated the totem to the base. their comfort zones, which I’m The 68kg bell was stored at Faslane until the pleased to see we did successfully Valiant Jetty – which will berth the navy’s fleet of Mr Dumas and Naval Base Commander, – all safely of course. Our lads also attack submarines – formally came into service Commodore Keith Beckett, pose with the benefited from some boat-handling last year. Valiant Bell practice.’’ people news 45

Cash helps those at Abbey Wood who look to widen their horizons

Main Picture: funds were provided for the Army Mountaineering Association's expedition to the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru last summer, including Major Terry Denton and Major Lee Shannahan of DE&S

Pictured, top is Staff Sgt David Emmerson. The newly-formed Abbey Wood Kite Surfing Club Grants help boost is encouraging members to qualify as British Kite Surf Association Level 2 surfers and were quality of life handed funding last summer

TOTAL GRANTS to Army personnel at cui6-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/235/ECOPF/default. Abbey Wood to improve their quality of life aspx has topped £20,000 in the last financial year. Further information, please contact: The Enhanced Commanding Officers’ BoardSp-XO-SO2, LDACT on 030679 34436. Public Fund makes grants to personnel at Abbey Wood, including DE&S, Defence WO2 Brian Popkin Safety and Environment Authority and was granted a Military Aviation Authority. last-minute place The aim is to improve the lot of UK last November on soldiers by typically helping to subsidise an Army Air Corps adventure training, sports and welfare freefall parachuting activities. expedition to Lake During 2013/14, the Abbey Wood fund Elsinore, California supported a range of activities for Army personnel and their families from adventure training in the USA, Peru and Jordan, Iron Man events, marathons, the Abbey Wood field gun team and a multitude of other sports. Grants were also made for picnic benches at a Bristol welfare house, and a children's Below: Major Stuart Langridge was helped Christmas party. towards his entry in last June's Bristol The fund is managed by a volunteer Harbourside Triathlon, of a lengthy swim, committee who award the grants and provide followed by a 20km bike race and 5km run regulatory compliance and accountability. The fund provides commanding officers of Army units with £50 per year for every regular officer and soldier on the establishment which underpins unit retention plans. With 419 Army personnel at Abbey Wood on 1st April last year, the fund contained £20,950. Since then 35 grants have been handed Pictured: Major Nik Dymow out, ranging from £43 for a single entry into was part of a five-strong team the Salisbury Triathlon, to £2,703 helping in the 100-mile 2013 Ultra Trail seven people on a sailing expedition. South West, one of the most Applications for grants can be made challenging non-stop point to throughout the year and further detail and point races in the world the application form can be found at: http:// 46 people news

Now Geoff’s got a Kenny bows fourth title! GEOFF ELLIS of the Falcon out in a blaze team completed the set of British Orienteering titles with victory in the Male 35-40 of glory category at the British Night Championships near Crawley. To secure a British Orienteering title is a A DEFENCE Kenny (fourth significant achievement. Geoff Firefighter is from left) with now has four titles across all looking to the future colleagues at disciplines. as he prepares to Clyde retire from his job at Clyde after 26 years service. Kenny Richmond, 48, Medics test life-saving has worked at the military site since January 1988, beginning as an escort with the kit and skills security department before joining the newly formed Defence Fire and MEDICS FROM the Royal Navy Rescue Service in and RAF have demonstrated 1990. how high calibre emergency life­ Kenny is a saving care can be delivered to well-known face at Faslane, for the combat casualties on a variety of past two years amphibious craft. undertaking fire The exercise explored how risk assessments severely wounded troops on the and conducting front line could be treated in staff fire awareness cramped fast boats, landing craft training the length and a hovercraft, often in the open and breadth of the base. air. But before The Maritime In Transit that he served Care Exercise took place at 1 for 20 years as Assault Group Royal Marines in an operational Devonport using their moored crew manager, personnel and larger vehicle- responding to carrying landing craft, and the incidents and leading firefighters smaller high speed open-air on the ground. offshore raiding craft. “I have mixed The tri-service teams of emotions about doctors, nurses and medical leaving,” said assistants explored working at Kenny. “I’ve found speed in a hostile environment to the job rewarding stabilise and transport casualties MOTTO – the MOD Lottery and have worked January with some good for transport to care on land or a £10,000: Richard Clarke (RAF Wyton). £5,000: Kathleen Richards people over the ship. (Bicester). £2,000: Christine Titterington (RAF Leeming). £500: Jacqueline years, but I’m Surgeon Commander Simon Alner (Blandford), Kathleen Drury (Holywood). £100: Ian Stevens (Andover), looking forward Leigh-Smith said: “We are Frank Inniss (Wolverhampton), Gareth Thomas (Gosport), Kieran Ragou to the challenges rehearsing the principles of the (Paderborn), Andrew McDougall (Chilwell), Ashleigh Lane (RNAS Culdrose), ahead too. medical emergency response Sarah Casey (Bicester), Patricia Vincent (RAF Halton), Stella Carter (Cheadle “Although I’m teams and civilian air ambulances Hulme), David Herschell (RAF Marham), David Owen (Portsmouth), Kevin retiring from the Marshall (RAF Marham), Henrietta Owusu (Northolt), Thomas Gardner service I won’t by adapting them to the maritime (Longtown), Sarah Martin (Cambridge), Barry Lister (Poole), Susan Robinson be resting on my environment where we do not (RAF Cranwell), Clare Sweetapple (Cromwell), Cyra Westwood (Whale laurels. I’d like to need to be reliant on helicopters Island), Eleanor McIntyre (RAF Wittering). bring the skills I’ve if they are not available to lift gained over the battlefield casualties with life- February years to a fresh job threatening injuries. £10,000: James Robertson (Abbey Wood). £5,000: Ian Davey and will be looking “The maritime domain is (Feltham). £2,000: Elaine Tripp (Hereford). £500: Richard Weeks for opportunities.” (Blandford), Paul Middleton (Aldergrove). £100: Brian Thomson (Coulport), His most recent harsh and unforgiving from a Sue Samuel (Abbey Wood), Linden Holder (Abbey Wood), Joyce Stretton role, training naval medical point of view. We have to (Tidworth), Margaret Currie (Clyde), George Kernaghan (Whitehall), Peter base employees in cope with a moving environment Cunningham (Wethersfield), Kenneth Ritchie (DSG), Kyle Millar (Abbey fire awareness, and on small amphibious platforms, Wood), Graham Cole (Donnington), Michelle Williams (Yeovilton), Christine his hobby as a Thai often exposed to the elements with Ruddy (Glasgow), Jonathan Handyside (Wimborne), Becki Sanders Boxing instructor, little space and no comfort – all the (DSG), Jennifer Keeley (Abbey Wood), Karl McCaw (Lyneham), Ian Hooton has given him an time trying to perform invasive (Whitehall), Paul Anstey (Andover), Debra MacDonald (RAF Cosford), enthusiasm for Philip Shires (Abbey Wood). passing on his procedures such as opening up a chest and conducting internal knowledge. n Team intranet page: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Community/ cardiac massage.’’ Social/Pages/DefenceSportsandRecreationalAssociation(DSRA).aspx people news 47

Reds musical tour is announced Abbey TICKETS FOR a concert tour celebrating 50 glorious years of the RAF Wood Red Arrows later this year have gone on sale at box offices around the team country. The Bands of the Royal Air Force will lands a provide the soundtrack to historic events since the Reds first took to the close-up skies in 1965. Compering duties will be shared by BBC view of Radio Two broadcasters Ken Bruce, Alan Dedicoat and Lynn Bowles. weaponry The full tour is: October 16: Wycombe Leading Engineering Technician Andrew Fannan of HMS Collingwood Swan, High Wycombe; shows, from left, Karen Snowdon, Kelly Warner and Samantha Mealing the Oct 19: Symphony Hall, workings of a Minigun Birmingham; Oct 25: Royal Hall, Harrogate; Oct 29: The Anvil STAFF FROM Abbey Wood visited HMS Goalkeeper sections, where they also received Basingstoke; Nov 2, The Collingwood for the chance to see the equipment comprehensive briefs and demonstrations. Sage, Gateshead; Nov they have responsbility for in action. Lieutenant Nobby Clark, gunnery systems 18, Marlowe theatre, Members of the International Guns, Missiles engineer with the team, organised the visit. He Canterbury; Nov 19: and Rockets team also gained an appreciation said: “The visit allowed a cross section of the Colston Hall, Bristol; Nov of their role within the maritime capability project team to gain exposure to our gunnery 20: Congress Theatre, Eastbourne; Nov 23: support process. systems equipment, including staff from Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; During their time in Fareham the civil finance, inventory, commercial and business Nov 27: Bridgwater servants visited the Phalanx training section, management. Hall, Manchester; Mantle Hall, where they received demonstrations “Feedback has been fantastic and all Nov 28: Royal Centre, of the Phalanx System, the Automated Small attendees have increased their understanding of Nottingham; Dec 2: Calibre Gun, Minigun, 20mm Gambo gun and the capabilities delivered to the front line. Many Cadogan Hall, London; 30mm BMARC. thanks to HMS Collingwood for facilitating our Dec 6: Ipswich Regent; Dec 7: Theatre Royal, They also visited the 4.5in Mod 1 and visit.” Norwich; Dec 12: Lighthouse, Poole. DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:

2014DIN04-027: This sets out the procedures for approval, planning and co-ordination of visits to view the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers in build at Rosyth. It is recognised that there is a broad range of organisations across defence and wider government with a legitimate business reason for gaining first-hand experience of the ships.

2014DIN04-032: The Disposal Services Authority's waste contract with Veolia now includes a free of charge recycling service for waste cooking oil and fats. All waste oils and fats will be processed via a Veolia-approved facility where they are heated, cleaned and filtered before being transported to a processing plant for conversion to biodiesel.

2014DIN01-038: Members in any of the classic, classic plus, premium or nuvos sections of the Civil Service Pension Scheme who wish to pay extra to top up their benefits anc now buy added pension. This DIN reminds members of this facility and how to apply.

2014DIN01-051: The Global Removals Management Service is provided by DE&S under Logistic Commodities and Services to manage the MOD's global removals contract. A busy Army rebasing period this year and next makes it imperative that the correct procedures are strictly adhered to.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Reference/DINsJSPs/Pages/DINsindex2014.aspx CONGRATULATIONS ON 50 YEARS OF THRILLING THE CROWDS. As the supplier of the Hawk aircraft used by the Red Arrows since 1979, we’re proud to be associated with the world’s premier flight display team and their role in showcasing the best of British. Happy 50th birthday to the Red Arrows!

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