JanuaryJune 20162015 IssueIssue 9180

desthe magazine for defence equipment and support

Key milestones for the deterrent programme HARNESSING OUR SKILLS FOR CUSTOMERS, DEVELOPING TALENT FOR THE FUTURE Picture: Ed Low cover image

FOREWORD By Tony Douglas, CEO

HMS Vengeance leaves Devonport following aving now spent a month in post as CEO, it gives me her successful refit great pleasure to introduce this first issue of desider Hin 2016. I hope you all had an enjoyable break and are ready for the year ahead. During my first month, and throughout my three-month desider introduction to DE&S, I have been incredibly impressed by our people who are nothing shor t of amazing. Their w w w.gov.uk /government/publications/desider-2015 knowledge and energy continues to impress me. Last year was par ticularly positive for DE&S with the clarity on our key priorities for the next 10 years outlined in Editor: the SDSR released in November, and DE&S transformation Tom Morris - 9352 37888 or 0117 9137888 star ting to take hold. [email protected] In addition we’ve had a number of recent achievements Writers: to be ver y proud of which include the significant milestones Hazel Stanley, Emma L ancaster, Laur a Mar tin Plaza reached by both the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth and Francesca Yuille. carrier projects, as well as the completion of a long overhaul period for HMS Vengance. We have, and continue Photography and Design: to, deliver the best equipment and suppor t for our Armed A ndrew Linnett, David Tucker, Ed Low, Mark Hawke Forces customers. and Paul Grif fin It doesn’t stop there, the future, and immediate year Distribution Manager: ahead, is exciting for DE&S as we align ourselves to Dick Naughton - 9352 34 342 or 0117 9134 342 the requirements set out in the SDSR, together with DE S [email protected] Transformation continuing to make good progress and ensure we are ‘match fit’ by 2017. I look for ward to our Advertising: journey ahead. Richard Stillman – Ten Alps Media, 1 New Oxford A s we move for ward, we will always encounter obstacles Street, High Holborn, London SC1A 1NU in our path. However, I see these as oppor tunities for DE&S Tel: +4 4 (0)20 7657 1837 rather than challenges – oppor tunities for us to ‘get better Fax: +4 4 (0)20 7379 7155 at getting better’ and in par ticular fine-tune our deliver y for [email protected] our customers and the UK taxpayer. It is an absolute privilege to be par t of the DE&S journey, to listen, lead and work closely with our people to deliver the best for our Armed Forces customers. Printing:

desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capabilit y organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liabilit y can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and ser vices adver tised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities with content for advertorials to be cleared by the relevant MOD project team before publication.

© Crown Copyright

This magazine is produced on Cocoon Silk 90gsm which contains 50 per cent recycled and de-inked pulp from post consumer waste and Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed forests.

desider January 2016 3 SENIOR LEADERS COMMENT

06 Roger West, Director Logistics Delivery talks about his career to date, logistics commodities and the new logistics delivery operating centre

NEWS

08 Third Astute Class attack submarine handed over to Royal Navy

10 Simulating the fog of war

12 Auf Wiedersehen Dülman

14 Two new high explosive fabrication facilities delivered

16 And the winner is….All the victors from the Minister for Defence Procurement Awards 10

18 60 new RIB boats for Royal Navy announced

20 Further AJAX contracts awarded

30 Tent Demonstration Day

FEATURES

21 Work on HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales carriers gathering pace

25 Double vision: HMS Vengeance passes a waiting HMS Vanguard after undergoing her £350 million refit 18

4 desider January 2016 REGULARS

28 First person - AVM Sue Gray, Director Combat Air, discusses successful teams, role models and falling off horses

31 DE&S People – Triumphant MOD Abbey Wood Field Gun Team target new members

33 60 Second spotlight – James Hennessey talks diving, photographing the future 2016 king of England and his pet hates

34 Learning and Development – DE&S 21 engineer Rachel Ashley is hoping to inspire more females to follow her lead JANUARY

16 Inside

desider January 2016 5 SENIOR LEADER COMMENT

ROGER WEST, Director Logistics Delivery, talks to Desider about his career to date, the logistics commodities and

services transformation, and the formation of the new

logistics deliver y operating centre ” ”

Our achievements would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and commitment of our staff. Roger West ”

n the three years I’ve been at DE&S, I’ve on government. This was first with NHS Our achievements would not have been been fortunate enough to contribute to Scotland, then transforming procurement possible without the enthusiasm and Ia number of different roles across the in HMRC, on to procurement director for commitment of our staff. A s well as being organisation. I started in January 2013 as NHS Supply Chain, and of course now for tunate enough in the last year to bring an interim manager responsible for the with DE&S. I think I’ve been able to make in some great new people, we’ve also had Inventory Management Transformation a real difference, which is tremendously to wave goodbye to others, through the project, which later in that year migrated into impor tant for me personally and gives me outsourcing to Team Leidos and the closure the operating centre Director for the newly great job satisfaction. of our depot in Dulmen, Germany. I am established Inventory Management operating One of my proudest achievements at grateful for ever yone’s contribution. centre. DE&S has to be being par t of the team that LDOC has some 900 staff. We’re also I represented the land domain in delivered LCS(T), which went live in August responsible for the British Forces Post selecting our Managed Ser vice Provider, this year. I’m so excited by this massive step Office, food and fuel procurement, a and I led the final stages of the Logistics for ward for defence logistics, and I can see range of change projects and the Disposal Commodities and Ser vices Transformation lots of other oppor tunities we’ll be looking Ser vices Authorit y, which sells or disposes project [LCS(T)], before setting up the new to exploit now that we’ve got it landed. It’s of all our surplus equipment - anything Logistics Deliver y Operating Centre (LDOC) going to deliver savings of around £500 from the HMS Illustrious carrier to which I’m now delighted to lead. million, give us better infrastructure, and clothing. I’ve been lucky in my career, as I the ability to ser ve our customers better. 2015 was a great year for us, and we’re have been able to satisf y my thirst for a Through the relationship with our deliver y now star ting to play our par t fully in the challenge and the opportunit y for change. par tner Team Leidos, it will bring our DE&S transformation with Spiral 1. I want I’ve worked for some great organisations per formance up to industr y best practice. LDOC to be a truly customer-focussed including IBM, A sda, C&L, and also had the As par t of the establishment of the LDOC, team, willing and able to set a new direction oppor tunity to work in the public sector. we’ve also brought defence suppor t chain for militar y logistics, and comfor table to I really enjoy working in energetic teams operations and movements alongside challenge and break a few sacred cows to improve ef ficiencies and deliver value. LCS(T), and can now deliver even stronger along the way. I am passionate about this, and in the last integration across our global supply 10 years that energy has been focussed chain activities. Auf Wiedersehen Dülmen: See page 12

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Auf Wiedersehen Dülmen: See page 12 NEWS

Picture: David Tucker

Artful handed over to the Royal ” Navy

Above: he third of seven new Astute 2016, where her sponsor, Lady Artful arriving at Class attack submarines, Artful, Amanda Zambellas, will formally Faslane Thas officially been handed over to welcome Artful into the fleet in the the Royal Navy. home of the UK Submarine Service, Until now the submarine was The handover HM Naval Base Clyde. owned by Defence Equipment and Lady Zambellas said: “This is Support (DE&S) but the boat and her of Artful to the a really important milestone in crew will now be added to the Royal Royal Navy is a the life of Artful as she takes her Navy Fleet alongside the Navy’s place in the Fleet under the White other units. proud moment for Ensign. I am extremely proud of my Defence Minister Philip Dunne said: association with the submarine and “The handover of Artful to the Royal DE&S reflecting look forward to her commissioning Navy is another major step in the a key milestone next year when I will also meet the Astute Class submarine programme, Ship’s Company that will take her on which continues to gather pace. and a significant operations around the world.” “These attack submarines will Artful is one of seven Astute provide the Royal Navy with the most achievement in the class submarines being built for the technologically advanced submarine Astute programme. Royal Navy by BAE Systems Marine Britain has ever sent to sea and Services (BAES(MS)) in Barrow­ will be a vital part of UK security for Rear Admiral Mike Wareham in-Furness, Cumbria, which are decades to come. progressively replacing the Trafalgar “They are being funded by our Class submarines. growing Defence budget and our £178 HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, and billion investment in equipment, which now Artful, are the first of the Class is delivering the very best possible kit ” to be accepted by Navy Command, to our Armed Forces.” which is responsible for operating Rear Admiral Mike Wareham, “It follows a number of sea trials all of the Royal Navy’s vessels. Director Submarines Acquisition which have successfully demonstrated The next three submarines in at DE&S, the MOD’s procurement the submarine’s capability and means the Class, Audacious, Anson and organisation, said: “The handover she can now begin to prepare for Agamemnon are currently being of Artful to the Royal Navy is a operations with the Royal Navy.” built in Barrow, with the unnamed proud moment for DE&S reflecting Following her handover on Boat 7 to follow. a key milestone and a significant December 10, the next milestone achievement in the Astute for the boat will be an official programme. commissioning ceremony in March

8 desider January 2016 B:236 mm T:210 mm S:190 mm B:306 mm S:280 mm T:297 mm

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JOB NUMBER: 10468487 REV 1 Date: 11­16­2015 12:52 PM File Name: 10468487_R1_UK_Classified_ Scale: 1=1 Client: Boeing Brand: None r0.indd Output%: None TM: Deanna Loperena AD: Nick Howard Media: PRINT Color Sp: 4 COLOR PA: Steve Hutchings CW: Nick Stoner Bleed: 9.2913” x 12.0472” Notes: None Ret: Bob Faetz GCD: Eugene Varnado Trim: 8.2677” x 11.6929” Safety: 7.4803” x 11.0236” QC: Justin O’Brien AE: Daniel Wilburn/Alex Furth Gutter: None PR: Pat Owens AB: Kathleen Candelaria Folds: None PP: Kim Nosalik Vend: RAF News

Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Fonts: Helvetica Neue (75 Bold, 55 Roman; Type 1) Images: 10468487c01_R3_Boeing_UK_Classified.psd (396 ppi; CMYK), Boeing_white_50mm.eps NEWS Simulating the fog of war

he creative team at DE&S of smoke, more accurately and it permits units to test the travelled to Salisbur y described as an “airborne effectiveness of their command TPlain training area to work particulate mist”, for battlefield and control in this confusing alongside the Defence General training purposes from either a environment. Munitions Project Team and the stationary or mobile platform. LASS units are used both in Assault Pioneer Platoon, Land A smoke screen up to 2km the UK and at the British Army Warfare Centre, Warminster. long can be produced within Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in The team’s remit was to provide a few minutes and, assuming Canada. a training film aimed at helping weather conditions are suitable, BATUS is the British Army’s improve the safe operation and this screen can be maintained for largest armoured training facility maintenance of the latest version many hours to create a ‘literal’ which is equivalent in size to the of the Large Area Screening fog of war over a wide area. The combined area of all the main Systems (LASS) that has been in screen is totally non-toxic. training areas used by the British use from the late 1980s. LASS allows soldiers to train in Army in the UK and Europe. LASS generates a thick blanket realistic operational conditions

10 desider January 2016 NEWS

Disorientating: A Smoke screen up to 2km long can be produced in just a few minutes Pic tures: Ed Low Low Pic Ed tures:

desider January 2016 11 NEWS

Above: General Sir Harr y Tuzo GCB Auf Wiedersehen Dülmen OBE MC MA , Commander in ore than £4 million pounds Germany (BFG) by 2020, it was re-brigading process. Chief British of stock has already been concluded that the Dülmen depot Sabine’s role ensures the returning Army of the Mreturned to the UK from a huge would no longer be operationally stock can be received by warehouses Rhine, opening depot in Germany after the decision justifiable to service the BFG in the UK and that it fits in to the Tower Barracks was taken to reduce British Forces in requirements that would remain. transition schedule of Team Leidos, on 02 April 1974. the country. Work is now underway to return LDOC’s Delivery Partner. The Dülmen depot in Germany, stock to the UK, or dispose of it Over the last five years, huge known as Tower Barracks, is operated locally, and the Dülmen Closure efforts have been put in to improving by the Logistics Delivery Operating project team is on target to hand stock integrity. The dedication and Centre (LDOC) and employs five DE&S it over to the German Federal professionalism of the staff has been civilian staff, including Tony Bland Authorities on 31 December 2016. evident as they have delivered this, who as Head of Establishment is The team has established an their final task at the depot, to the responsible for site management and excellent working relationship with same high standards that the team the delivery of the drawdown. the Head of Establishment, the have always enjoyed. For nearly five decades it has German “Workers Council” and With the support of staff at Dülmen, received, stored, maintained, issued individual staff, as well as HQ BFG. Project Teams at Abbey Wood, DE&S and distributed non explosive materiel The success of this working Customer Support Team (Air), Project on behalf of the UK’s Armed Forces. relationship is partially down to Hercules and Land Equipment only Following the 2010 Strategic the placement of Sabine Colgan at the stock that is required to meet Defence & Security Review (SDSR) Dülmen to facilitate communication future needs will be returned to the decision to drawdown British Forces and, principally, support the UK.

Depot opened on 2 April 1974 Operational for over 47 years

Employs c.170 locally employed civilians, 4 civil servants and 1 military post 3 3 14000m of stock disposals have been sanctioned,12000m of which has been completed £416M of stock returned to the UK, so far, equating to around 3 8000m , in over 295 loads £350M of stock disposed of to date, mostly using local German contractors

Depot covers 105 acres and 7 warehouses still hold stock

12 desider January 2016 QinetiQ.com

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1568 Desider 06_15 adverts PR.indd 3 15/05/2015 17:07 NEWS

T&E begins here Two new high explosive

facilities delivered

he DE&S Strategic Weapons movement of explosives. Project Team (SWPT) has led the HEFF became operational in ” Tdelivery of two new facilities at September 2015 and was the second the Atomic Weapons Establishment capability to become operational (AWE) Aldermaston. under the auspices of the NWCSP Both facilities are part of the within a nine-month period. Nuclear Warhead Capability The first, again delivered to Sustainment Programme (NWCSP). time and cost by SWPT and AWE A new High Explosives Fabrication Management Limited, was the “The new facilities will ensure Facility (HEFF), has been licensed Complex Machining Facility (CMF) at that we are able to continue by the Health and Safety Executive Burghfield. to manufacture and store explosives CMF offers a modern, secure carrying out these crucial tasks under the Manufacture and Storage of building with extremely effective Explosives Regulations 2005. environment controls dedicated to to exacting modern safety and HEFF will maintain the capability specialist, high-precision machining environmental standards as part and capacity to manufacture and the metrology of service and trials explosives for the UK’s nuclear components necessary for the nuclear of our mission to support the deterrent for decades to come. programme. CMF became operational It replaces some 40 current in December 2014 and replaces UK’s nuclear deterrent.” facilities and their manufacturing facilities at Aldermaston that are over Andy Mackinder DE&S Head of Strategic Weapons equipment located across both the 50 years old. Aldermaston and Burghfield sites that DE&S Head of Strategic Weapons, have come to the end of their useful Andy Mackinder said: “Delivery of lives and consolidates them into one both these major new facilities to time state of the art facility. and cost is a significant achievement HEFF is a single, purpose- and is an exemplar of the benefits ” built, integrated structure, which of MoD, with support from DIO and incorporates industry-leading DOSG, working in a fully integrated build standards to ensure safe way with our industry partner, AWE operation and protection of Management Limited. production staff during the explosives “The new facilities will ensure storage, movement, handling and that we are able to continue carrying manufacturing processes. out these crucial tasks to exacting All images©MOD Crown Copyright Bringing this capability under one modern safety and environmental roof offers significant cost and time standards as part of our mission to benefit for the manufacturing and support the UK’s nuclear deterrent.” QinetiQ and the MOD HEFF is licenced to manufacture and store explosives working together to provide Test, Evaluation and Training Support Services www.LTPA.co.uk

14 desider January 2016

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All images©MOD Crown Copyright

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LTPA advert 15062015.indd 1 15/06/2015 16:43 NEWS

Minister for Defence

Procurement Awards he teams at the forefront delighted to attend the ceremony and ” of procuring world-class “celebrate the spectacular job” DE&S Tequipment and suppor t for our depar tments do in defence. Armed Forces have been recognised “We had a wide range of teams at the Minister for Defence receiving awards from different Procurement Acquisition Awards. areas across the MOD,” Minister The thir teenth awards – held in Dunne said. Every year, the bar keeps being MOD Main Building in December “What these teams have in raised; many good projects - were presented by Philip Dunne common is that they are all recognising and rewarding delivering impor tant par ts of the were turned down this time that excellence in the field of acquisition. defence business. Six teams received awards with “The awards show that we can might have won in previous the DE&S Marshall Deliver y Team rise to some of the most demanding years, because we want to receiving the Special Award for and challenging tasks that can be their outstanding contribution to found in both the public and private keep the standard high and delivering defence capability. sec tor s .” The winning teams were drawn Paul Hamilton, COS PUS (formerly recognise those endeavours from across the full spectrum of Head of Industrial Policy) who which demonstrate excellence in MOD acquisition activit y, including chaired the judging panel said: in suppor t of operation in Iraq and “Ever y year, the bar keeps being defence acquisition. Sierra Leone, upgrading MOD- raised; many good projects were operated air fields, improved defence turned down this time that might Paul Hamilton sur veillance capability and getting have won in previous years, because Chair of the judging panel the best deal for the taxpayer in we want to keep the standard high rationalising MOD assets and estate. and recognise those endeavours Minister Dunne who was presiding which demonstrate excellence in over his four th Minister(DP) defence acquisition.” Acquisition Awards said he was ” Special award winners he DE&S Marshall Deliver y Team won the Special Award for Ttheir outstanding contribution to delivering defence capability. The team had to provide militar y terminal air traf fic management ser vices, fulfilling a critical element of the fl ight safety chain to ensure we protect our aircrews and meet our legislative safety requirements. They consolidated over 70 contracts into a single ser vice provision contract 12 months earlier than planned which will enable savings of over £1 billion. Their work also ensured the safe operation of aircraft at 65 MOD- operated air fields and associated sites in the UK and overseas. Mick Brown, the team leader for the Marshall Deliver y Team, said: “It is a great privilege and honour to receive the Min(DP) special award on behalf of Project Marshall. “Accelerating contract A bove: back row left to right, Justin Barrett, Gavin Plumb, Gp Capt Guswell s and Dr Alison Mothersill . award by 12 months was Front row lef t to right are Rachel Dunn, Nick Evens, Kevin Smith, Mick Brow n, Min DP Philip Dunne MP, Tim extremely challenging Davies, Sharon W ilkins and Elane Pickering.

16 desider January 2016 NEWS

THE WINNERS:

Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS) Sales Team – Head Office and Corporate Ser vices (HOCS) The team were tasked with the sale of GP SS and its successful deliver y was a significant element of the Depar tment’s A sset Management Programme – a key commitment from the 2010 SDSR. Richard Simms, former Head of the Defence Commercial Oil & Pipelines Liaison Team said: “To achieve all four key objectives of the GPSS sale was an outstanding success, especially given the roller-coaster ride we had over the six years that it ultimately took. Completion came as a mixture of relief, surprise and pleasure - probably in about equal measure!”

Medical Deliver y Team – DES/ Surgeon General Above: back row left to right, Paul Mar tin from Defence Support Group Sale & The team delivered a multitude Outsource Team - DES, Nick Evens from Marshall Deliver y Team with the special of diverse outputs over an intense four month period in award and Paul Robber ts from Communications & Intergration Team. suppor t of Operation GRITROCK and the UK’s effor t to Front row lef t to right are Richard Simms from Government Pipeline and Storage combat Ebola including the deployment of a bespoke System Sales Team - HOCS - Defence Comercial, Mick Brown from Marshall medical facilit y. Deliver y Team, Min DP Philip Dunne MP, Gp Capt Rtd Nick Cox from C-130J Joint Guy Hargreaves, the Medical Deliver y Team Leader said: Team and Guy Hargreaves from Medical Deliver y Team - DES with their awards. “We are all just so proud to have contributed in a significant way to preventing a worldwide Ebola pandemic, this recognition is the icing on the cake, noting of course the personal sacrifices and risks taken by all those combatting the disease on the front line.”

Defence Support Group (DSG) Sale & Outsource Team – DES The team’s sale of the DSG was under a challenging timescale and exceeded the expected sale price by more than £100 million. The sale will achieve £500M cost savings over the 10 year period. Paul Mar tin the Ser vice Provision Contract Lead said: “The award not only recognises the hard work to achieve and was only possible by that the Marshall Team has won the successful outcome but acknowledges the collective Min(DP)’s Special Award for way teams worked together across the Depar tment.” the commitment and hard outstanding achievement in defence work of a large number procurement. This not only reflects Communications and Integration Team – Defence Science of people in DE&S, in Air the Team’s significant achievements and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Command, and in Industry. to date but also reflects the superb The Team were responsible for the innovative design, I am ver y proud to be part suppor t that we receive from development, manufacture and maintenance of a vehicle Air Command as our Front Line borne sur veillance capabilit y. Paul Rober ts Principal of of such fantastic team.” Customer and our working jointly the Special Projects Communications and Integration Pete Worrall, Chief of Materiel with Industr y- Aquila (Thales UK and Team said: “This award is hugely appreciated as the team’s Joint Enables, praised the Marshall NATS) - to deliver to Air Command to dedication to the suppor t and deliver y of the capabilit y has team on their achievement saying: per formance, time and cost.” been outstanding. The oppor tunity for Dstl and industr y to “I am proud and delighted make a difference to operations is tremendously satisf ying and for the stakeholders to reflect this with their suppor t of the nomination is enormously appreciated.”

C-130J Joint Team – DES The team achieved record levels of C-130 aircraf t availabilit y while saving around 20 per cent in suppor t costs. These savings have enabled the C-130J force to suppor t concurrent operations ranging from Nepal to the South Atlantic and the seamless redeployment from Op HERRICK. Mark Thornton Head of the Air Transpor t Air to Air Refueling Team said: “This award provides welcome recognition for this broad based team of their collective ef for ts to improve both value and Defence capabilit y, secured during times of significant economic and militar y operational pressure.”

desider January 2016 17 NEWS 60 new RIB boats for RN

£13.5million contract secured by DE&S with BAE Systems for A60 new PACIFIC 24 (P24) Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RIBs) has been announced. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon revealed the news when he visited Her Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, in December. The P24 RIBs form a vital part of the Royal Navy fleet, deploying from ship or shore at speeds of up to 38 knots (44mph) as a rapid response craft to perform fast rescue, anti-piracy and counter-narcotics missions. The high energy operations they perform means the strain on crews can be huge. To tackle this, the Pacific 24 Mark-4 RIB will include high Left: Defence performance shock absorbing seats Secretar y which will minimise crew fatigue, Michael Fallon in allowing them to travel up to six- Portsmouth times the distance. A team of 19 BAE Systems jetty that will be the home of HMS “I was delighted to update the Bottom: employees will start work in early Queen Elizabeth when she moves to Secretary of State for Defence on the Pacific 24 RIB 2016 to build the boats over the Portsmouth. progress being made in the Naval next four years at the company’s He also met employees from the Base to support the arrival of the small boats manufacturing facility at Defence Infrastructure Organisation Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers. We Portsmouth Naval Base. (DIO) which is responsible for the jetty are working hard to ensure the base New and innovative suspension upgrade and for the dredging in and is ready to receive the carriers by the seating in the P24 will also better around Portsmouth Harbour which end of next year. These are exciting protect against shocks experienced will widen and deepen the approaches times for the Naval Base and the in high speed boat operations and for the two carriers – the largest ships wider Portsmouth area as we prepare exposure to vibration over longer ever built for the Royal Navy. for these ships which will secure the periods. Commodore Jeremy Rigby, Naval future of the base for at least the next Mr Fallon said: “These 60 new Base Commander Portsmouth, said: 50 years.” RIBs provide a vital capability to the The final section of HMS Prince of Royal Navy and are a clear benefit of Wales: See page 21 the £178 billion this government is investing in new military equipment. “Built in Portsmouth dockyard this contract is not only good news for the Navy, but also for BAE Systems whose “The signing of this contract is not only good news for innovation has provided a modern the Royal Navy and BAE Systems“ in Portsmouth but also design that will allow our armed forces to carry out operations ranging for the Queen Elizabeth Carrier programme as these from armed boarding including anti- piracy and counter-narcotics missions small boats will provide vital support on operations” to providing emergency rescue.” Neal Lawson, Director Ships Support at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support During his visit to Portsmouth Mr Fallon also discussed a huge programme of dredging set to begin ahead of the arrival of the new Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers at the base. ” Taller than Nelson’s Column and over one and a half times the length of the Spinnaker Tower laid on its side, the QEC Carriers will displace up to 65,000 tonnes of water when they arrive in early 2017. To accommodate their vast size and bow design, over three million cubic metres of clay, sand and gravel will be removed from over two miles of Portsmouth Harbour, covering an area the size of over 200 football pitches. During his visit, Mr Fallon took to the water to see how work is progressing on rebuilding the

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AJAX contract awards

wo companies have been The first roll out of the vehicles awarded contracts to help in the will star t in 2017 with production Corporate Risk Associates (CR A) has also construction of 589 cutting-edge expected to complete in 2024. T played its par t in suppor ting A JA X. AJAX reconnaissance vehicles to the The contract with Rockford is The UK independent risk management British Army. wor th approximately £20 million consultancy has provided personnel to work as Suffolk firm, Rockford and will secure jobs at the company par t of an integrated team with engineers from Components, will supply electronic until 2022. South Wales-based General Dynamics UK, which wiring and cables for the turrets and Peter Lion, Rockford Managing is delivering the cutting-edge reconnaissance Kent Periscopes from Nor th Wales Director, said: “We have been vehicles to the British Army. will provide t wo sophisticated new involved in the manufacture of CR A personnel suppor ted General Dynamics periscope designs. armoured vehicles for almost thir ty UK in A JA X crew space design and assurance, and A JA X represents the future of years and this contract not only the completion of trial mock up vehicles prior to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AF V) for allows us to grow our business but full production. the British Army, providing best-in­ it also secures our involvement in Jasbir Sidhu, Chief Executive at CR A said; “This class protection and sur vivability, the next generation of the Army’s was a huge oppor tunity for our business and reliability and mobilit y and all- armoured fighting force.” we’re extremely pleased to be involved in such a weather intelligence, sur veillance, John Oliver, Managing Director, pioneering and innovative project that is designed target acquisition and recognition Kent Periscopes Limited said: “A s to completely transform the armoured fighting (ISTAR) capabilities. a UK based SME, we are delighted vehicle capability being delivered to the British Its range of variants will allow the to have been selected to design, A r my.” British Army to conduct sustained, develop and deliver equipment for Described by General Dynamics UK as a expeditionar y, full-spectrum and the A JA X programme. Over the last ‘step change’ in armoured vehicles, A JA X will network-enabled oper ations with 12 months Kent Periscopes has been incorporate six variants designed to make it a reduced logistics footprint. A JA X engaged in an aggressive expansion a highly-agile, tracked and medium weight can operate in combined-arms and programme, adding significantly armoured fighting vehicle. These include A JA X, multinational situations across to its highly skilled workforce ATHENA , APOLLO, ATL A S, ARGUS and ARES. a wide-range of future operating and opening new facilities. This environments. contract award helps give us fur ther Designed by General D ynamics confidence to move for ward with our UK, DE&S awarded a contract to investment plans.” purchase 589 A JA X for the Armed Forces through a £3.5 billion deal Below: signed last year. A JA X armoured vehicle at DSEI 2015 Pic ture: Andrewture: Linnett Pic

20 desider January 2016 FEATURE

Final aircraft carrier section arrives at Rosyth Progress on the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier continues apace, and the final section of the second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has arrived at Rosyth.

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desider January 2016 21 FEATURE

efence Secretary Michael Fallon and arrived at Rosyth on December 18 possible.” visited Rosyth last month and after travelling 1,335 miles around the Iain Stevenson, QE Class Project Dtoured HMS Queen Elizabeth, and south coast of England. Director at BAE Systems, added: “To witnessed the warship’s gas turbines Rear Admiral Henry parker said: “This see the final section delivered to Rosyth, fully up and running for the first time. is the final piece in the jigsaw for HMS ahead of schedule and to an incredible The carriers, the largest warships PRINCE OF WALES and the culmination standard of engineering is testament to ever constructed for the Royal Navy, are of a lot of hard work on the Clyde. the dedication, skill and ingenuity of all propelled by an Integrated Full Electric those working on the programme. Propulsion system. “We are delighted to have all of the “There’s more hard work to be done, Power is generated by two large blocks finally in Rosyth and are looking but there’s also an incredible momentum marine gas turbine alternators and four forward to the Aft Island being lowered behind the programme as mission diesel generators which collectively onto the flight deck forming the iconic systems are tested on HMS Queen generate 109MW, enough electricity to shape of the ship.” supply 24,000 houses. The four propulsion motors will take The final section will control aircraft the giant ship up to its top speed- in operations onboard and, once lifted onto excess of 25 knots, allowing the carrier to the flight deck, will complete the iconic cover over 600 nautical miles in a day. shape of the carrier. It will be lifted into Each 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier will place by the Goliath Crane, which can lift provide the armed forces with a four a maximum of 1,000 tonnes. acre military operating base, which can Minister of State for Defence be deployed worldwide and from which Procurement, Philip Dunne MP said: up to 40 aircraft including F35 jets, and “Our aircraft carriers, the largest ships Apache and Chinook helicopters, can be ever built in Scotland for the Royal Navy, launched. will help to secure the UK’s interests both The vessels will be versatile enough at home and abroad. to be used for operations ranging from “Our new F-35 Lightning II aircraft supporting war efforts to providing will fly from the decks of HMS Queen humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Elizabeth in 2018. This is all made Days after Mr Fallon’s visit, BAE possible by our growing Equipment announced that the 750 tonne Aft Island budget, which has increased to £178 had begun its delivery voyage from billion, ensuring we are providing our Govan – 10 weeks ahead of schedule – men and women with the best equipment

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are the largest and most powerful warships the UK has ever built

22 desider January 2016 FEATURE

Elizabeth and assembly continues for Navy, all of which will be built in skilled jobs across Scotland while HMS Prince of Wales. HMS Queen Scotland. Alongside its sister ship keeping Britain safe.” Elizabeth is now very much alive and the Prince of Wales, HMS Queen Archie Bethel, Chief Executive, we’re fast approaching the day that she’ll Elizabeth is supporting some 4,000 Babcock Marine & Technology make her first triumphant entry into her jobs and hundreds of apprentices in added: “The build of HMS Prince of Portsmouth home.” both Rosyth and Clyde shipyards, Wales and commissioning of HMS Mr Fallon also said he was happy with along with hundreds more in the Queen Elizabeth is progressing the progress being made on the carrier supply chain. rapidly here in Rosyth, and I know projects. During his trip, the Defence that the teams lucky enough to be “I’m very pleased to see Queen Secretary also met apprentices working on this historic project are Elizabeth really taking shape now working on the next generation very proud of the progress made so and getting ready for her sea trials, of Successor ballistic missile far. which I hope will be towards the end submarines at a facility “We are now looking forward of next year, before she sails down to manufacturing the missile tubes. to seeing HMS Prince of Wales Portsmouth for final fitting-out and then Work on the Common Missile becoming structurally complete over to the United States to collect the Compartment (CMC) for Successor next year and HMS Queen Elizabeth jets that will fly off her,” he said. currently supports around 100 jobs setting off for sea trials shortly after.” “After that, she’ll be ready to go out at Babcock at Rosyth. anywhere to sail the seven seas to defend While in Rosyth, Mr Fallon also us against our enemies.” met personnel who have moved into To the end of October, the MOD has new temporary accommodation at paid around £5 billion to Babcock at MOD Caledonia which has been Dedication Rosyth and to BAE Systems on the Clyde provided for the Queen Elizabeth’s and to the wider supply chain – boosting crew. A total of 302 new cabins are jobs and the local economies. being provided, with all expected to plaque As well as visiting HMS Queen be occupied by Christmas. Elizabeth Mr Fallon also took the Mr Fallon said: “Scotland is a opportunity to visit key defence vital part of the UK’s defence and companies in Scotland to highlight the will benefit from the £178 billion contribution MOD investment is making this government is investing in to its economy. new ships, more planes, and new Over the next decade, the MOD submarines. plans to spend around £8 billion on “By putting national security first conventional warships for the Royal we are securing thousands of highly

Above: Rear Admiral Henr y Parker, Captain Simon Petitt and Angus Holt

A dedication plaque which will sit under the Aft Island on HMS Prince of Wales was presented in December. Rear Admiral Henr y Parker, Captain Simon Petitt and Angus Holt, HMS PRINCE OF WALES Deliver y Director, positioned the engraved steel plate on the flight deck. The plaque which features the three emblems of the Royal Nav y, Royal Air Force and British Army will be welded into place prior to the island being lifted onto the vessel’s flight deck at Rosy th Dockyard. The Aft Island was built in Govan and arrived in Pictures:E Systems BA Rosy th on December 18. A similar tri - ser vices plaque was also positioned beneath the Aft Island of HMS QUEEN ELIZ ABETH.

desider January 2016 23 PEROCC: Pearson Engineering Route Opening and Clearing Capability

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Key milestones for the deterrent programme

The rare sight of two nuclear submarines passing within metres of each other was witnessed at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth. HMS Vengeance and HMS Vanguard have reached important stages that will extend their life as the backbone of the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent

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desider January 2016 25 FEATURE

reinvigorated HMS Vengeance has left undergo sea trials before returning to fleet highly skilled jobs in Plymouth, which is Devonport after undergoing a £350 duties with the Royal Navy. very important for the local economy and for Amillion refit and refuel programme. Cdre Mike Robinson, Head of In-Service Devonport as a Naval Base. Everyone from The three and a half year renovation Submarines at DE&S, said: “This has been a engineers to logisticians play a crucial role involved over 2.75 million man hours and very good day for us. It is impressive to see here. We are a huge family contributing to included an equipment overhaul as well as HMS Vengeance leaving in such a very good the national effort.” capability upgrades, such as the installation state. I would like to take recognition of the As HMS Vengeance left, waiting nearby for of improved missile launch and upgraded hard work and professionalism of all those her planned period of maintenance was HMS computer systems. who have been involved in this project.” Vanguard. The £200 million contract was Following her successful refit she will Naval Base Commander Devonport, Cdre signed with Babcock and is expected to take Ian Shipperley said: “The refit programme for around four years, securing more than 2,000 HMS Vengeance went really well, supporting jobs and involving over 100 companies. The contract will involve the replacement

Rare sight: HMS Vengeance glides past HMS Vanguard which was awaiting its renovation

26 desider January 2016 FEATURE

of the nuclear reactor core, which powers the 16,000 tonne vessel. Submarine and missile launch systems will also be overhauled and new capability added to the submarine sonar equipment, upgrades to computer and communication systems and equipment and machinery replaced. HMS Vanguard and HMS Vengeance are part of the UK’s four Vanguard-class submarines, designed to carry the Trident ballistic missiles which together form the backbone of the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.

Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne: Pictures: Ed Low “As well as securing 2,000 highly skilled jobs at Devonport dockyard, this contract forms part of our £178 billion plan to ensure our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and typifies what has proven to be a very successful programme of refuelling our fleet of nuclear submarines. “The protection and defence of the whole of the UK is the primary responsibility of Government and the recent Strategic Defence and Security Review confirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life.”

Rear Admiral Keith Beckett, Chief Strategic Systems Executive:

“The highly sophisticated ture: Ed LowPic nature of the work involved in the deep maintenance of these vessels is testament to the experience and skills of the workforce in Devonport and those in the supply chain across the UK.”

desider January 2016 27 FIRST PERSON

Picture: Andrew Linnett

28 desider January 2016 FIRST PERSON Successful teams, role models and horses

A brief outline of your career. the Tornado team have continued to you have to be more professional, but I joined DE&S through the Royal Air support a really high-tempo operational I think you have to be as professional Force, after around 20 years’ service as a piece, our customer performance has as the rest of your colleagues, male RAF engineer, where I did several tours, 100% green consistently. As far as I’m or female. At the end of the day, you including the Gulf Wars and Northern concerned the Operating Centre (OC) just have to do a good job. DE&S is a Ireland. Gulf War I was probably the has absolutely starred, achieving some meritocracy, it’s not about being male or most memorable for me, because I major capability milestones along the female. deployed as the Deputy Chief of Staff to way, Lighting II being a good example of the Joint Helicopter Force Commander. delivering several key milestones on the way to IOC. What would you do to encourage more We had several squadrons of helicopters female engineers to join the Armed and 1,100 people, and I was responsible Forces? for all of the engineering, logistics and What legacy would you like to leave for life support. I take part in a lot of events aimed Combat Air? to encourage more women engineers I worked on the VC10 transport Aside from business as usual, my to join. We are getting our message aircraft as a junior engineering officer focus over the last year has been around across, but for me it is as much about and as the Engineer Branch and Trade the Transformation process. I want to retaining them as it is about recruiting, Sponsor looked after recruiting, training leave behind a more cohesive OC. What because as much as we can be equal and development of engineers in the I want is to transform Combat Air so it about how much time someone gets off Air Force. I was also Head of Media and has the confidence and resource to do its as parental leave, the woman still has to Communications at High Wycombe. The job. We already do a very good job, but bear the child. There is more we can do last six years of my career I have spent we can do it more efficiently and more to facilitate military and civilian female in DE&S. effectively. So my aim is to deliver, if not engineers returning to work at DE&S. a completely transformed OC, one that is on the path to a new business structure, What does your role involve? a new organisational model and a What are your views regarding the future? What is coming next? I look after several different confident and highly motivated team. departments: combat aircraft including Transformation is starting to take off, Tornado, Typhoon and Lightning II, we are about to begin Spiral 1. People How do you see your role as gender are keen to get on with it, so managing training aircraft and unmanned air champion and why is it important to DE&S? systems. My portfolio crosses all four expectations and ensuring we don’t run front line commands and Strategic It is important to DE&S because we all before we walk is a challenge. I would Plans in the MOD, and key industrial need role models and we have several hate to see us rush into it and fail; it is partners. When it all comes together, women in the Senior Leadership Team. going to be quite a cultural change. What it is exhilarating, and I can walk away I think it makes a difference to the happens next, is that we need to push thinking that was a good day’s work. The dynamics of the Management Board, but Transformation outwards, towards our biggest bonus for me is developing the more importantly to inspiring others. It industrial suppliers and customers. team. When I see someone else learning is recognition that we got there through merit, not through a quota system, and it and pitching something that goes down What do you do in your spare time? well, that is very satisfying for me. proves that anything is possible. I have recently bought half a horse – I mentor males and females, because before you ask, both halves are expensive What are your team’s key achievements? it is about getting the right person at the and dangerous. So I spend most of my They have had a few lately. They right point in their career. Particularly weekends outside, either on the horse or have been able to bring together some in the engineering environment, there is on a bicycle, both of which I fall off with significant deals over the last 12-18 a tendency to believe that, as a woman, monotonous regularity! months. We have managed to develop significant contractual changes around Typhoon support, saving serious sums of money, the UKMFTS team is in the “At the end of the day, you just have to do a good job. final stages of a ground breaking service delivery contract. There have also been DE&S is a meritocracy, it’s not about being male or numerous deliveries on operations from female.” AVM Sue Gray, Director Combat Air the Unmanned Air Systems team and Read more about the drive to inspire femail engineers on page 34

desider January 2016 29 NEWS

OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE (OIP) TENT DEMONSTRATION DAY

Royal Ar tiller y Barracks polycotton-canvas composition, A new GS Canvas will be was the setting for a tent but this historical specification has Ademonstration day that saw become more difficult to source and selected by the end of 2016 13 companies exhibit the latest the Project Team has had to look for products to a group of Tri-Ser vice alternative solutions. stakeholders. A Prior Information Notice The Tent Demonstration Day invited Industr y to demonstrate at the barracks in Larkhill was their products and groups of MOD organised by Modular Domestic representatives viewed each option Accommodation (MDA) Team from Industr y separately. Some from DE&S Operational Suppor t suppliers demonstrated their tent Programmes. being erected from scratch. It was put on to help stakeholders During the day, the attendees understand the Commercial Off The were given the oppor tunit y to ask Shelf options available for replacing questions and look closely at each the canvas in the tents which form, solution, noting the strengths and amongst other things, field kitchens, weaknesses of each. dining facilities, headquar ters, The comments have been collated workshops and hospitals. and analysed by the MDA team to Nearly ever y Unit comes into gain an understanding of the User contact with this vital equipment perspective when formulating the which forms the building block for Per formance Specification with the deployed domestic and working Customer for the new contract. A accommodation. new GS Canvas will be selected by General Ser vice (GS) Tentage has the end of 2016. been in ser vice for over 50 years The Project Team would like to and its design has remained similar thank Capt Oliver Pope and SSgt throughout its life, with only minor Ben Robinson of the Expor t Suppor t changes to the materials, par ts and Team, UK TI Defence & Security tent configurations. Organisation at Larkhill for their help It is still used all over the world and suppor t hosting the Demo Day. and is required to protect its contents Thanks also to the Industr y teams, in a diverse range of environments. some of whom came a ver y long way The skin of the tent has to enlighten the audience on modern traditionally been made from a tentage solutions.

30 desider January 2016 DE&S PEOPLE

Victorious MOD Abbey Wood Field Gun Team targeting new members

he MOD Abbey Wood Field Gun Chris’s talents extend far fur ther and per formance which proved to be so Crew beat all the odds to put on his vast contacts book allows him impressive in Birmingham. Tan incredible show and triumph to ensure the smooth running of the The team also take par t annually at the International Militar y Tattoo in crew. at the prestigious Royal Nav y Field Birmingham. “Per forming in front of a big crowd Gun Tournament for the Brickwoods The renowned competition sees is always special,” he told Desider. Trophy at HMS Collingwood in crews race against each other on a “You are always ver y aware of Fareham, Hampshire which is held fl at track with an antique field gun, them and you want to put on a show. in June. disassembling and reassembling it It’s a great buzz.” And now the MOD Abbey Wood as required, before dragging the gun The trophy the crew was Field Gun crew, whose number home and firing it - all in the shor test competing for was in memor y of one trainer for next season will be time possible. Rober t Pascoe, an engineer and Field Lieutenant Tom Sheehan, are looking The MOD Abbey Wood Field Gun Gun crew member at R AF Cosford, to recruit more members for the crew was complimented by members who fell to his death during a hiking June competition so they can build on of MOD Corsham’s crew in Wiltshire, accident in 2013. their success. and competed under the name MOD Lieutenant Rebecca French is Crew member Leading Hand South West. both the Field Gun crew of ficer Vaughn Scott said: “Being par t of this They had just five days together responsible for making sure all team is really special. The feeling of to train in preparation for the logistics are taken care of and a togetherness is wonder ful – like a showpiece event but despite this track judge, helping the crew strive second family. they excelled against crews who had for per fection and judging the “It’s all about working together to spent far longer together. crews they are up against during achieve your goal. You could have the And in front of more than 8,000 competitions. per fect 18 specimens star ting but if spectators, won the Saturday night She added: “The Tattoo was an they didn’t work together they would race against teams from the Army amazing experience and a memor y fail. and R AF, and triumphed over the that we will stay with us. Rober t “Crossing that line together as a weekend on aggregated timings. (Pascoe) was known by a few of the team is a great feeling and a massive Buffer Chris Clark has been team so it was also ver y poignant.” achievement.” involved in Field Gun competitions for The Abbey Wood members of To get involved email Rebecca more than 20 years. The buf fer’s job team, spent six weeks training French at [email protected] is to ensure the Victorian gun used together, dedicating around eight is maintained and repaired, although hours a week to honing their

The origins of Royal Navy Field Gun lay in 1899, in the Second Boer War, and in particular the 119-day Siege of Ladysmith. The British Army was besieged by Boer fighters in Ladysmith, 100 miles inland, but the Royal Navy courageously transported and then manhandled six field guns over rough terrain to help save the day. Since 1907, this teamwork, leadership, and moral and physical courage has been commemorated in the form of annual Field Gun competitions. Although the Royal Tournament ended in 1999 the equally historic Royal Navy Field Gun Tournament, first held in 1907, continues to be held annually at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire. Pictures: Sponge Beat tie / SBS PhotosPictures: / Spongetie Beat

Above: The MOD South West Field Gun Team

desider January 2016 31 DE&S PEOPLE

organisation simply because of their perception unless we changed our image.” Ian says his job as a champion is to offer suppor t to the inspirational LGBT team already in place at DE&S and who established the net work, and in turn to make sure DE&S are in Picture: Mark Hawke Mark Picture: a position to both attract and retain the best talent available. “I believe there really is a need for us to suppor t groups within our organisation that may not have a loud a voice as they would wish to have,” Ian added. “A s a straight ally and advocate for the LGBT communit y I now want more people to come for ward and follow my lead. There are clear moral and business reasons to do more to suppor t and to promote inclusion of the LGBT community.” On Thursday, Februar y 11, between 12 and 4pm, LGBT is holding a meeting in the Terrace Room in CFB at Abbey Wood encouraging people across the organisation to consider becoming straight allies and learn more about why LGBT diversity and inclusion should matter to ever yone. Matthew Pritchard-Evans, DE&S Ian Craddock LGBT Champion Pride co-chair said: “Being a defence an Craddock was deeply and their friends, families and co­ and militar y organisation, DE&S has concerned to hear that members workers. a tougher job than most to promote Iof the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or It was a meeting that Ian found to diversit y and inclusion against Transgender (LGBT) community were be hugely inspirational, and following misconceptions from the past; surprised DE&S would even consider which he was keen to become the especially in the LGBT communit y. employing them. The married father­ first DE&S LGBT Champion. “It is fantastic to have a champion of-three is now an LGBT champion “One of the main reasons I wanted in Ian, who is willing to stand up as and determined to help change to do this was a stor y Matthew told a straight ally and visually promote preconceptions. me about people at Bristol Pride LGBT diversity and inclusion; both A s Head of the Helicopters 2 team festival,” Ian told Desider. within DE&S and in the outside Ian has regular meetings with the “There was a DE&S stall there communities. DE&S HR team and a few months encouraging people to join the “Prospective employees inevitably back they highlighted a lack of a organisation but people were judge a shop rather more than by diversit y and inclusion champion for expressing surprise that DE&S would what’s in the window than by the LGBT issues. be interested in employing members sentiments privately expressed by He arranged to meet Matthew of the LGBT communit y. the shopkeeper and so visual role Pritchard-Evans who is a co-chair of “That concerned me and made me models are the key.” the DE&S PRIDE net work, a net work realise that we might not be able to established for LGBT employees attract some talented people into the Very busy time for BFPO

he British Forces Post Office and Ships in support, the Ministry (BFPO) was kept busy over the of Defence provides its Enduring TChristmas break with more Families’ Free Mail Service, which than 600,000 packages being sent allows friends and family to send by friends and family to military letters and parcels up to 2kg, and personnel over the festive season. roughly the size of a shoebox, to their Defence Minister Michael Fallon loved ones at no cost. helped kick off the flurry at the beginning of December when BPFO, Colonel Tim Blackmore OBE, Head of in partnership with 32 (The Royal) BFPO, said: “Christmas is a very busy Squadron RAF, loaded 20 bags of time for BFPO, and the team work Christmas mail onto a BAe 146 exceptionally hard during the festive aircraft, which was also tasked with period to keep families connected, flying Mr Fallon to Cyprus. wherever they are in the world.” For those deployed on Operations Above: Defence Secretar y Michael Fallon

32 desider January 2016 DE&S PEOPLE

60 SE C ON D SP OTLI G HT

Name? James Hennessey

Job? I currently work for Soldier Training and Special Projects where I am a project manager for the placement of a cat B support arrangement for Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment. Picture: Andrew Linnett

Your route into DE&S? Prior to joining DE&S I spent 24 years in the Army. The first 12 were spent with the Royal Engineers, the second 12 were spent filming people up as an Army photographer. I initially joined DE&S in 2010 as a photographer but my post was cut after the SDSR. Luckily I had the opportunity to rebrand myself as a projects manager.

Your claim to fame? Whilst working in Media Operations I was tasked to capture some video footage of the Prince Williams’ final exercise at the end of his officer training in Sandhurst. I got shots of him storming a building through a window and was really close to the action.

What irritates you the most?

Some say I am always irritated/ Below: James gets on grumpy. The thing that really annoys with his ironing me is people walking too slowly and getting in the way.

Your advice to anyone? Don’t walk too slowly.

What do you do when you’re away from work? My main hobby outside of work is diving and taking images whilst diving. The best place I have dived is Egypt and I plan to return there next year. If you were sent to a desert island, what three things would you take with you? What are you most proud of? Cider, sunglasses, and sun cream. Gaining a silver medal in the Cambrian Patrol. (A continuous 36­ hour, long range patrol exercise which What is your favourite place in the Do you or someone you is run annually within the Cambrian world? Mountains of Mid-Wales which is Antwerp in Belgium is where I bought know deserve their 60 considered one of the most arduous an engagement ring for my wife. Our and prestigious military events). favourite restaurant is also there. seconds in the spotlight?

Your secret? Email [email protected] If I told you It would no longer be a secret.

desider January 2016 33 LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

L e a r n i n g a n d d e v e L o p m e n t DESG Graduate Scheme representatives visit Welbeck Defence College embers of DE&S’ Defence and produced a variety of different Engineering and Science design solutions. MGroup (DESG) have visited The DESG team was represented Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College by the DESG Manager Judi Hunt to talk to current students about and two current graduates, Sian what the DESG Graduate Scheme Griffiths and Aaron Jones, who had can offer and to raise the profile of also been through Welbeck and are career opportunities within DE&S. under taking their first placements The students benefitted from an in DE&S. insight into DE&S from a graduate Judi Hunt, DESG Manager said, point of view and gained a deeper “The DESG of fice takes current Above: understanding and appreciation graduates on the Welbeck visits to DESG Manager Judi Hunt and two current graduates, Sian into the type of work they could look add to the variety of information Griffiths and Aaron Jones for ward to. the students receive. Aaron The students designed a and Sian were able to use their at Welbeck DSFC, students then attend an helicopter landing pad that was own experiences to relate to the approved universit y under the Defence Technical at a minimum 10cm off the floor students, tailoring their responses Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS), where they benefit using a range of materials, stable to what they would have found useful from a bursar y, under take summer placements within enough to allow a remote controlled to know at the star t of their careers DE&S and attend drill nights at their DTUS Squadron. helicopter to land on and within a set within DE&S. In so doing they have Upon successful completion of their university degree budget. The tasks was similar to one helped encourage others to fur ther they then progress onto the DESG Graduate scheme, they may be presented with whilst consider what career oppor tunities where they will under take 4-6 placements over a t wo working for DE&S, but scaled down the DESG scheme and DE&S can year period before re-grading into a C2 post within to allow for time and classroom size offer them.” DE&S. constraints. They were enthusiastic After achieving their A Levels Rachel hopes pinnacle achievement will inspire female engineers ncredibly less than 6% of the and absolutely fascinating. It really an outreach engineering workforce in the UK helped me form an understanding of programme that Iis female. DE&S engineer Rachel what I wanted to do.” goes into schools Ashley is doing her best to change Determined to follow her dream and colleges. that. of becoming an engineer Rachel Rachel said: A s one of the youngest women to took A-levels in maths, physics “It’s impor tant be elected a Fellow of the Institution and chemistr y before under taking people get out of Mechanical Engineers Rachel is a degree in aeronautical and there and change keen to get more females interested mechanical engineering at the the perception of in the profession. Royal Militar y College of Science in engineering as At just 36 Rachel was elected to Shrivenham – now called the Defence being all about the pinnacle position in recognition of Academy. getting grease on her contribution and achievements in After graduating, Rachel, a your hands. the field of engineering. married mother of one, star ted with “The last Rachel said: “It was a proud Airbus but soon moved to the MOD time I did that I moment. I felt my achievements had and has been with the depar tment for was probably at been recognised by my peers.” 12 years. Birmingham airpor t as a teenager. Above: Rachel, a DE&S Air Command She said: “The diversity of the I have had a really interesting and Rachel Ashley and Control Programme Suppor t career at the MOD is what attracted varied career. Function Team Leader, fell in love me. A s an engineer it is a really “A lot of girls are put off science with engineering as a teenager interesting place to work. because people don’t see science as when she did work experience at “In my current role it’s about a topic for girls but that’s not true at Birmingham Airpor t aged just 14. making air traf fic control and air all. Therefore it’s impor tant for there “I managed to get some work defence systems as good as they can to be role models who can go and experience in their engineering be and as user friendly as possible.” talk about their careers and explain depar tment and was on the frontline A s well as working as team doing science doesn’t mean you have where they made sure faults were leader of systems engineers, Rachel to be a doctor - there are lots of other fixed on planes,” Rachel said. is passionate about promoting interesting careers out there, and I’m “It was pretty cool work experience engineering through STEM – not just saying that!”

34 desider January 2016 LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

L e a r n i n g a n d d e v e Lo p m e n t DE&S Safety Day at Kineton

efence Munitions (DM) Kineton rose stayed thankfully dry. Specific safety was a pertinent reminder to all staff. to the challenge to do its bit as part areas which were covered during the day A very positive day was concluded with Dof the inaugural DE&S Safety Day were: transport safety, asset unloading, a prize giving and a closing address from on 28th October 2015. A full and tailored storage house safety, a ‘spot the safety the HoE who thanked everyone for all the day of events was put on for the 250 DE&S error’ within an Ammunition Process effort that had been put into delivering the military and civilian staff at Kineton. The Building (APB), the Design Development day and for all taking such a encouraging aim was very much to demonstrate our & Prototyping (DD&P) of safety equipment approach. He specifically gave mention commitment to safety throughout the and an explosive demonstration. This to the fact that every element from across organisation: promoting safety culture to latter event really drove home the power the Station had been represented and our staff and emphasising the theme of of the ammunition natures that are participated in the day, which assured him the event, “Everyone’s role in safety’. handled daily at Kineton. Lunch was taken of DM Kineton’s commitment to safety. First up to outline the context were in the Station ‘HUB’ restaurant which The DE&S safety Day was an unequivocal opening addresses from DM Kineton lived up to its name with an extra thirteen success at DM Kineton that reinforced Head of Establishment (HoE), Lt Col mini-displays for staff to visit during their the message across the Station of the Mike Dempsey and the Chief of Materiel lunch break. The stands culminated with importance of safety and everyone’s role (Land) Lt Gen Sir Chris Deverell who an excellent Road Safety demonstration within it and a day that had exceeded was also present supporting the event. from both the DM Kineton Ministry everyone’s expectations. Following on the staff were split into two Defence Police and the Defence Fire and groups and then rotated throughout the Rescue Service; with the Christmas period stands for the remainder of the day that looming ever closer the demonstration DE&S Safety Day at Crombie M Crombie celebrated a Safety feedback session. The day was a success variety of themes covered really brought Day with talks and practical and raised over £100 for charity in the home the message that Safety impacts on Ddemonstrations covering various process. One employee even arranged everything we do whether it be inside or topics, such as personal, occupational, for the production of an appropriately outside of work.” IT and even cycling safety. The event themed cake. Alexander Brodie, Head of culminated in a raffle, prize giving and Establishment at DM Crombie, said: “The

Information Management Ways of Working Back in the Spotlight

undreds of DE&S staff benefited explored was Defence Connect – a Keypaq, Admis and EPM from a three day exhibition at new MOD wide application - which 2010. In particular they HAbbey Wood which encouraged allows staff/service personnel to focused upon e-Solutions, employees to focus their attention on easily find each other, connect, the DE&S online directory, Information Management. interact, and share their work. And those present were The second annual Information Staff also saw a ‘Live Lounge’ also given a flavour of what Management Ways of Working demonstration of how various tools of is to come in the shape of an (IMWOW) event was staged by the the Defence Gateway such as Defence Office 365 demonstration, and Chief Information Office (CIO) in Connect and MODBOX can be used, housekeeping tips that will November. put on by staff from the Support in the long term help staff Some information hub (i-hub) Enablers Operating Centre (SEOC) prepare for the transition to teams organised their own tailored i-hub. the new IT system. activities to directly support staff Another application explained was I-Hubs who got involved in their areas, while the main Defence Share which allows for rapid, included the Information event promoted key information flexible collaboration with all Industry Management Team from management activities within DE&S, Partners and external organisations, Submarines - Strategic plus demonstrations of new and not just those that have connectivity Weapons which ran a mini emerging capabilities in the field. into MOD networks and can be used IMWOW in Rowan building In addition staff received advice on to share official/sensitive information. at Abbey Wood and saw an their responsibilities towards current In addition the CIO Management increase in the completion legislation, rules, policy and guidance Information Systems Team promoted of mandatory IM training as on information management and data the tools used within DE&S for a result. protection. Risk, Requirements and Project Elsewhere one application Management; ARM, Predict!, Doors,

desider January 2016 35