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Issue 136 November 2019 the magazine for defence equipment des and support UK Military Flying Training System: Texan takes to the skies Leonardo - your trusted Strategic Support Partner
AUTOMATIC MANAGEMENT, COMPRESSION AND PRIORITISATION OF MISSION CRITICAL INFORMATION OPTIMISES COMMUNICATIONS BANDWIDTH
VEHICLE AND MANPACK JAMMERS COUNTER THE THREAT FROM RADIO CONTROLLED IEDS MAN-WORN RADIOS PROVIDE IMMEDIATE, RELIABLE, SECURE, COMMUNICATIONS PLUS ENHANCED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
THERMAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TURNS NIGHT INTO DAY
FULLY INTEGRATED, VEHICLE MISSION SYSTEMS AND DISPLAYS ENABLE RAPID MISSION ACHIEVEMENT Leonardo have developed and supported Defence’s high-technology capabilities for over 100 years, through collaborative teaming and close cooperation with the Military User, Industry Partners and other leading experts. We have delivered significant cost savings while achieving ever-greater availability, through a mix of design reliability, inventory optimisation and tracking responsiveness. Leonardo have set the benchmark for through-lifecycle support to current equipment, while evolving a pathway towards significant future enhancements.
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Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space Leonardo - your trusted Strategic Support Partner
AUTOMATIC MANAGEMENT, COMPRESSION AND PRIORITISATION OF MISSION CRITICAL took great joy in visiting the Women in Defence Awards INFORMATION OPTIMISES COMMUNICATIONS Foreword BANDWIDTH Glasgow at the beginning of last 2019. These prestigious awards Imonth where I had the honour celebrate the value women bring of addressing the shipyard’s to the defence enterprise and workforce and dignitaries prior it is hugely satisfying to see so many of our staff recognised. There were some impressive "I look forward very much to further empower our workforce images of UK F-35 aircraft to deliver to the highest standard" landing on the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier for the first time, not least an excellent BBC documentary. Meanwhile, her sister ship HMS Prince of to the naming of HMS Spey. Wales continues its sea trials The next-generation River ahead of entering Portsmouth Class ship is the last of five later this year. I and so many Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) staff at DE&S will have taken procured by DE&S and built great pride in seeing these trials on the Clyde for the Royal progressing knowing that they Navy. These brand-new patrol are contributing to the formation ships will play a vital role in of the UK Carrier Strike Group. Britain’s counter-terrorism Elsewhere the first flight VEHICLE AND MANPACK JAMMERS COUNTER THE THREAT FROM and anti-smuggling work and of a Texan T1, the latest and RADIO CONTROLLED IEDS MAN-WORN RADIOS PROVIDE provide essential support final type of aircraft in the UK IMMEDIATE, RELIABLE, SECURE, COMMUNICATIONS PLUS ENHANCED to defence operations. Military Flying Training System SITUATIONAL AWARENESS The culmination of a fleet, marks the achievement successful programme is of Initial Course Capability clearly a day for celebration, for Basic Flying Training. and I listened with interest Our contracts with Ascent as members of the DE&S Flight Training total £3.2 team that saw this contract billion and will see Ascent through to completion, gave deliver top-class instruction, passionate interviews to our infrastructure and support THERMAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TURNS media team at the dockside. across the three Armed Services NIGHT INTO DAY This drive to deliver is what until 2033. Our challenge now makes DE&S staff so special is to work on improving this and is the key motivation that as an integrated capability drives us. I am determined that that meets our Defence and By Sir Simon Bollom, CEO we will strive to retain our highly prosperity aspiration. skilled and motivated people, Members of Situational and attract new people in Awareness, Command and our quest to become world- Control have been on Exercise FULLY INTEGRATED, VEHICLE leaders at what we do – giving in Finland demonstrating MISSION SYSTEMS AND DISPLAYS ENABLE RAPID MISSION the Armed Forces the best how Firestorm – a high tech ACHIEVEMENT equipment and support. targeting system for calling in Leonardo have developed and supported Defence’s high-technology capabilities These qualities were precision air strikes that we for over 100 years, through collaborative teaming and close cooperation with the acknowledged by Anne-Marie have recently updated– can help Trevelyan, Minister for Defence better protect military operating Military User, Industry Partners and other leading experts. Procurement, when she visited in high risk environments. We have delivered significant cost savings while achieving ever-greater MOD Abbey Wood last month. Finally, I want to welcome The Minister thanked you for Mark Russell who officially availability, through a mix of design reliability, inventory optimisation and tracking your “immense expertise and starts as Chairman of DE&S responsiveness. Leonardo have set the benchmark for through-lifecycle support your dedication” and highlighted this month. I look forward to current equipment, while evolving a pathway towards significant future that DE&S staff are playing very much to working with enhancements. a crucial role in Defence. him as I and my Executive On that note I was delighted Committee look to further to see five of our staff have empower our workforce to been announced as finalists in deliver to the highest standard.
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4 desider November 2019 Feature Contents
06 Senior Leader On the cover Comment – David DE&S People A student pilot and their trainer Johnson, Director 16 First Person – Future approach a Texan T1 General Resources Maritime Support Programme, Chris Photo by Corporal Simon Armstrong News Wardle – Crown Copyright 19 Mark Russell – New F-35 and QEC on 08 DE&S Chairman Westlant deployment 23 CEO Awards – Merlin Meet Min DP – Anne- 12 team reflect on progress Marie Trevelyan following their award 14 UKMFTS – Tucano 28 Powerlifting gold – taken over by Texan Indy goes from agony 18 HMS Prince of Wales to ecstasy – Reflecting on a very 30 60 Second Spotlight – successful first month Stephen Mains at sea 32 DE&S People – Annual HMS Spey naming 22 golfing event raising ceremony of the fifth money for charity and final OPV 34 Jobs – Desider’s latest St.Kilda – 27 recruitment pages and Environmentally benefits friendly accommodation opens Feature 20 Women in Defence Celebrating DE&S staff nominated for prestigious award 24 Finland Firestorm Integrated targeting on bold quest exercise www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2019 Twitter: @DefenceES Facebook: @DefenceES LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support YouTube: DE&S
5 desider November 2019 Senior Leader Comment
David Johnson, Director General (Resources), talks to INFORMATION | COMMUNITIES | COMPLIANCE Desider about his role, efficiency savings and DE&S robots
SUPPORTING YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Knowing your supply chain is resilient has become increasingly vital in today’s regulatory environment.
The Ministry of Defence and 11 Prime Contractors are collaborating across or the past year, I’ve been now got the tools to improve dream and be ambitious. Some of the defence and aerospace sectors keeping the Director our planning and work out what the things that the organisation to reduce the cost of demonstrating General (Resources) seat resources we need, and we know If we can take has achieved in the last few Fwarm on an ongoing interim how to prioritise and allocate anything from years have been amazing, and regulatory compliance to both buyers basis. To put it simply, this means them in a more scientific way, we should have the confidence and suppliers. I’m responsible for DE&S’ money. that will make DE&S a better this, it’s that to believe that we can rise to any That includes forecasting and place to work. we should dare challenge. ‘Clive’ shows that we accounting for expenditure, both The biggest highlight from can streamline processes which JOSCAR provides validated supplier for the customers’ funds – the my time in post so far is that to dream and have been with us for many years £10bn a year we spend on behalf collectively we delivered £1.4bn be ambitious. - we don’t have to accept the old assurance information on 19 key of the front line commands – and of efficiency in the equipment way of doing things. areas including Business Continuity, our own operating budget of programme last year. As our Some of the I don’t think we’ll ever run around £1bn a year. In the case previous chairman liked to point things that the out of ideas for new initiatives to Information and Cyber Security, of our operating budget, it also out, that was more than it cost to improve - I know there are lots Counterfeit Materials, Financial Health means getting the money in the run the organisation for a year – organisation of ideas across the functions to first place. In addition to the so we made a hefty profit for the has achieved reduce/improve high volume, and SME Spend. finance elements of the role, I also department. That was a huge team in the last few repetitive manual processes. I have responsibility for DE&S’ effort across all functions and really look forward to seeing how infrastructure at corporate level. domains in DE&S. years have been far we can take this. Outside of DE&S, I’m a non- I'm also excited about the amazing executive director of an education Inventory Improvement Plan trust which runs 10 schools in which is a joint iLog/Finance Wiltshire. It’s been strange seeing endeavour. Among other things, financial reports which are in this involves automating some pounds rather than in millions, of our manual processes. For but I hope I can take some example, we’ve got a robot known Over 6,500 suppliers experience from DE&S and apply as ‘Clive’ which transfers prices have now been it in a very different environment. from CP&F into the inventory invited to register Through our transformation pricing system. This is great and continuous improvement from a finance point of view as with JOSCAR by: over the past few years, we’ve it reduces the risk of errors, but made some real progress. The it also reduces the amount of development of our business tedious manual data entry that planning processes will build people have had to do. on this. Currently, we tend to If we can take anything from For more information about JOSCAR: live from year to year, but we’ve this, it’s that we should dare to E: [email protected] or T: 01865 959110 www.hellios.com 6
Hellios-Desider-full-page-refined-final.indd 1 16/10/2019 13:42 INFORMATION | COMMUNITIES | COMPLIANCE
SUPPORTING YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Knowing your supply chain is resilient has become increasingly vital in today’s regulatory environment.
The Ministry of Defence and 11 Prime Contractors are collaborating across the defence and aerospace sectors to reduce the cost of demonstrating regulatory compliance to both buyers and suppliers.
JOSCAR provides validated supplier assurance information on 19 key areas including Business Continuity, Information and Cyber Security, Counterfeit Materials, Financial Health and SME Spend.
Over 6,500 suppliers have now been invited to register with JOSCAR by:
For more information about JOSCAR: E: [email protected] or T: 01865 959110 www.hellios.com
Hellios-Desider-full-page-refined-final.indd 1 16/10/2019 13:42 desider November 2019 News
Pictured: UK F-35 Lightning jets landing, taking off and hovering onboard Britain’s next generation aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, for the first time (Pictures by LPhot Kyle Heller and LPhot Daniel Shepherd)
8 desider November 2019 News
UK F-35 fighter jets first time on board HMS Queen Elizabeth
"These landings are a moment of celebration and pride for all of us involved in delivering and supporting these mighty warships for the UK"
hese amazing pictures show the UK’s F-35 delivering and supporting these mighty warships for Lightning jets landing, taking off and hovering the UK. They offer an opportunity to look back on all onboard Britain’s next generation aircraft we have achieved together - and to look forward to Tcarrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, for the first time. the same success on board HMS Prince of Wales as Flown by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots, we stay focussed on preparing her entry into Royal the Lightning jets are embarking on the 65,000 tonne Navy service.” carrier to conduct operational trials off the East Coast The F-35B Lightning aircraft operates with cutting- of the USA. edge design and is the first jet to combine radar This follows last year’s successful developmental evading stealth technology with supersonic speed, as trials with Integrated Test Force Lightning jets, where well as the ability to land vertically. forces conducted 500 take offs and landings over their Given its ability to conduct missions both from 11-week period at sea. land and sea, the jets act as a formidable spine to the These trials are aimed at ‘end-to-end’ testing of ‘carrier strike’ capability. The UK currently owns 18 the aircraft and personnel to ensure the aircraft are aircraft, and will have received 35 jets by the end of compatible with the carrier. 2022. The tests involve mission planning, arming the First to land onboard, Royal Air Force Wing aircraft using the ship’s Highly Automated Weapon Commander Adam Curd, said: “This is the first time Handling System, flying missions and debriefing on I have landed onboard an aircraft carrier – for it to be completion. HMS Queen Elizabeth, and in an aircraft as amazing Andy Hewitt, team leader of the Lightning as a UK Lightning, is quite something. Delivery Team at DE&S, said: “This is an important “This is a proud moment not only for me, but the milestone, achieved on schedule and one that the wider team that has brought us to this milestone for Lightning Delivery Team can be very proud of. It maritime aviation and UK Defence.” will make a significant contribution to the body The UK will declare Initial Operating Capability of evidence to enable the declaration of Initial for Carrier Strike by the end of 2020. The first Operating Capability (Maritime).” operational deployment for HMS Queen Elizabeth The landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth are part of 617 Squadron and a squadron of US Marine Corps the ‘Westlant 19’ Carrier Strike Group deployment. Lightning jets is due to take place in 2021. Once fully operational, the UK Carrier Strike Group Commander of the Strike Group, Commodore will be a formidable force around the world, using a Mike Utley, Royal Navy said: “Getting to this point of number of platforms to work alongside our allies. embarking UK Lightning jets into our British-built During this time, the aircraft carrier will be carrier has been a significant joint undertaking by escorted by Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, industry and military – both ours, and those from the submarine hunter HMS Northumberland, tanker United States. RFA Tideforce and Merlins from 814, 820 and 845 “We will take the jets from the successful Naval Air Squadrons, Wildcats from 815 squadron developmental phase we achieved last year through to and Royal Marines from Lima Company, 42 a more operational footing, so we are confident that Commando. the jets, the carrier and our destroyers and frigates Commodore Martyn Williams, DE&S Weapon will function seamlessly together.” Support Head, said: “These landings are a moment of celebration and pride for all of us involved in
9 desider November 2019 News In Brief
DE&S staff praised by Min DP Minister for Defence Procurement Anne-Marie Trevelyan commended staff for their superlative efforts during a town hall at MOD Abbey Wood. During her speech, the Minister mentioned some of the most recent successes DE&S have achieved, including the contract to support the engines of the typhoon fighter jets, the official start of the build for our second class of Type 26 anti- submarine frigates and selection of a preferred bidder for the Type 31 frigates. She said: “Our armed forces are doing good across the world, delivering humanitarian aid, Boxer trials success defending eastern Europe from aggression and protecting the The DE&S Mechanised Infantry communications systems installed waterways of international trade. Vehicle (MIV) Delivery Team has on military vehicles are robust We couldn’t do this without your completed a successful Electro- enough to ensure the platform immense expertise and dedication.” Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) can perform on operations in Looking forward, the Minister baseline trial with Boxer. an external electromagnetic explained that the challenge is to The team collaborated with environment. radically shorten our acquisition the Battlefield and Tactical Will Higham, MIV technical timeline and adopt a mindset Communications & Information lead, said: “Being able to conduct that will allow us to take on more Systems team, the Defence these trials at an early stage in challenges to help "build a future Science and Technology the programme has allowed formidable force." Laboratory, the Electromagnetic us to move towards de-risking The Minister added: “Britain Environmental Effects Authority the programme to ensure the has the means to respond to any and industry partners; RBSL and British Army stand to have a danger, any time and anywhere for KMW, during the trials which highly effective communications the next 50 years. And the teams took place Element Test House in platform when Boxer is fielded.” here at DE&S will continue to play Malvern. The results of the trial will a vital part in bringing that vision The EMC trials, carried out have a beneficial impact on to life.” on a Boxer vehicle on loan the project as it moves into the See pages 12 & 13 for an from the Royal Netherlands Demonstration and Manufacture exclusive interview with the Army, are undertaken to ensure stage. minister.
Key milestone for DE&S project team A DE&S project team sailors conducting these tasks and have reached a key milestone ultimately save lives. in the drive to deliver Jared Pocock, Project Wilton’s unmanned capability for Mine project manager at DE&S, said: Countermeasures tasks in UK “This demonstration is testament water. to Royal Navy, DE&S and industry The Wilton project team, partners working collaboratively consisting of DE&S and Royal to deliver cutting-edge capability. Navy personnel supported by This is a key enabler for Atlas Elektronik UK, successfully maintaining the Royal Navy as the demonstrated operation of an world leader in autonomous Mine autonomous unmanned surface Countermeasures capability and vessel fitted with a towed side scan ensuring the safety of our service sonar controlled remotely from men and women across the globe.” a command and control station This system is the first shore-side. of a number of unmanned This system will ultimately be and autonomous mine able to undertake route survey countermeasures systems which tasks, detecting, identifying, and the Royal Navy has committed prosecuting mine threats. These to delivering across a variety of world leading technologies will operational theatres. substantially reduce risk to the
10 desider November 2019 News In Brief
This is one of more than 1,000 incredible photographs entered into the Royal Air Force’s Photographic Competition 2019, showcasing the “very best of the RAF.” This photo taken by SAC Chris Thompson-Watts was ‘highly commended’ and features two Hawk jets which form part of DE&S’ UK Military Flying Training System (UK MFTS). For more on the UK MFTS see page 14.
DE&S chief takes command of the Movement Coordination Centre Europe Brigadier Nigel Allison, UK can access other nations’ spare head of Defence Support Chain capacity when it needs it most. Operations & Movements Brigadier Allison, pictured (DSCOM) at DE&S, led the UK right with Group Captain Gregory delegation to a flag ceremony pictured left, within his capacity in Eindhoven as Group Captain as the senior UK representative Stu Gregory took command of at the MCCE Steering Board, the Movement Coordination and as the tasking authority for Centre Europe (MCCE). UK’s strategic lift assets, took Established in 2007, the MCCE a leading role in supporting now consists of 28 willing nations Group Captain Gregory in committed to co-ordinating his new role as Director. sealift, air transport, inland He said: “I was delighted to be surface transport, and air-to-air there to represent UK Defence refuelling to maximize efficiency. Logistics. It’s fantastic the UK Through its membership, the continues to play such a key UK can share spare capacity of its role in the MCCE. Not only military air transport and roll-on/ is it better for the operations roll-off capability when other we support, but it's also better nations need it. In exchange, the on the Defence pocket.”
11
desider November 2019 News
Meet the Minister for Defence Procurement: Anne-Marie Trevelyan Pictured: Min DP Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Picture by Dave Jenkins)
"Keep up the good work and keep on top of our suppliers to make sure they’re delivering the best capability possible on time, and on budget"
What are your first impressions of Defence and implementing the Acquisition Review and focussing your portfolio? on complex weapons. And finally, driving forward the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, particularly I am a bit of a poacher turned gamekeeper as I had shipbuilding, supply chain resilience and ensuring the Defence lead on the Public Accounts Committee industry have the right skills, or “human capital,” in before becoming Minister for Defence Procurement, place to support Defence programmes. so I have already looked in-depth at some of the key issues facing the Department from the outside. What do you think the biggest challenge that Defence is extraordinary and complex. It has a DE&S and its employees face in the next 12 unique governance structure with military, politicians months? and the Civil Service at the heart of decision-making. This brings an interesting challenge to the role, as DE&S has successfully achieved an enormous I need to balance the needs and perspectives of amount of transformation in the past few years, but stakeholders with very different responsibilities, over the next 12 months the biggest challenge will who often work within very different frameworks. be keeping abreast of the change of pace and culture. My Ministerial portfolio must be one of the most I mentioned that the Acquisition Review roll-out is interesting across government. one of my priorities, so I hope to see DE&S really embracing that. That’s going to mean big cultural What strengths do you think you bring to the changes at all levels, to increase people’s willingness to role? take risks and to embed the new practices necessary to speed up our procurement processes so we’re I’m someone who likes to tackle a problem. My delivering the capability our armed forces need, as door is always open and I’d always rather that people rapidly as possible. I’m also really keen to see DE&S were honest with me when there’s an issue. I’m continuing to develop their people to ensure we have more interested in working together to help solve a all the necessary skills we need across DE&S and I’d problem than giving people a ticking off. I also think like to see DE&S building and maintaining those because I’m passionate about Defence but not directly crucial relationships with the commercial teams and involved with the armed forces, I make an excellent end users in the front line commands. champion for Defence while still remaining objective. I’ve also really enjoyed the international relations Do you have a message you would like to send to aspect of this role. This side of things is quite new to me, but I’ve loved getting to build relationships with DE&S employees? my counterparts. I’m quite a people person and enjoy finding common ground and putting people at ease. I’ve been hugely impressed by the DE&S workforce and their dedication to supporting our armed forces. What do you think are the greatest challenges They do a wonderful job at delivering really complex you will face? programmes and working closely with our front line commands. So I would say, keep up the good work I think as Defence our greatest challenges are and keep on top of our suppliers to make sure they’re meeting our ambitions for Tier 1 status, and delivering the best capability possible on time, and retaining our position as the lead NATO member on budget. in Europe, within the financial limitations we face. One of my biggest challenges as Minister for Defence What are your interests outside of being an MP Procurement is therefore making the case for and a Minister? changing annualised financial frameworks to give us the flexibility we need to maximise value for money, I’m very lucky to live in Northumberland and I and ensure the most effective delivery. I also want to love walking in the Northumbrian countryside and work with the front line commands to set realistic along the best of our beaches whenever I get to escape London. There’s nothing else like it to clear the head and viable investment plans for next generation and it also reminds me that we are an island nation. capabilities. Any downtime will find me with a tapestry in hand – there is nothing better to clear my mind. What do you see as your priorities for the next 12 months?
I came into the Department with five main priorities and they’ve broadly stayed the same. My top two priorities are submarines and submarines. That’s in-service submarines, and the new build programmes we have underway. Then there’s
13 desider November 2019 News
Military flying training reaches significant milestone as Texan T1 takes to the skies for first student flight Pictured: Student pilots will now be trained on Texan T1 (Picture by Corporal Simon Armstrong – Crown Copyright)
significant milestone was signifying the end of 30 years of UKMFTS programme. It has been reached at RAF Valley with I am absolutely Tucano pilot training.” an extraordinary team effort.” the first flight of a student The new Texan T1 aircraft offers The Texan T1’s will be operated Apilot in the latest and final type of delighted to achieve a technological step change from by 72 Squadron from RAF Valley. aircraft in the UK Military Flying the first student flight the Tucano and is aligned with the This will mean that two-thirds of Training System (UKMFTS) fleet. in a Texan T1. It has 4th and 5th generation combat fast jet pilot training for the Royal The first student sortie marks been an extraordinary aircraft that trainee pilots will fly Navy and RAF will take place at the achievement of Initial Course team effort in their front-line careers. the Anglesey base. Capability (ICC) for Basic Flying It is one of a suite of aircraft Wing Commander Chris Ball, Training (BFT). Commodore Tom Manson, under DE&S’ UKMFTS contract who will command 72 Squadron On October 15, a student took Head UKMFTS in DE&S with Ascent Flight Training which at RAF Valley said: “Under UK to the skies in a Texan T1 tandem totals £3.2 billion. Ascent will MFTS, student fighter pilots will seat turboprop aircraft, equipped deliver instruction, infrastructure train on world-leading aircraft on with the latest digital glass cockpit and support required to provide phase 2 training. They start on the and mission simulation systems. military flying training across the Prefect, move on to the Texan and This follows the earlier February three armed services until 2033. finish on the Hawk T2, making 2019 milestone of Texan T Mk1’s UKMFTS covers training the training process more efficient successful first flight at RAF Valley for Rotary Wing, Fixed Wing, and far more representative of the and being accepted onto the Fast Jet and Rear Crew. As aircraft types they will eventually Military Register. well as delivering the four core fly on the front line. The Texan The Texan T1 replaces the elements of future military flying is the ideal lead-in trainer to the Tucano T1 which has provided the training the contract is sustaining Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer and Basic Flying Training capability approximately 500 UK jobs. both are now operated here at for the RAF since 1989, and which Commodore Tom Manson, Valley.” poignantly made its final student Head UKMFTS in DE&S, said: flight exactly the same day as “I am absolutely delighted to Texan took to the skies for the first achieve the first student flight in time with student pilots. a Texan T1. Training has not only Wing Commander Robbie achieved one of our Command Lees, OC 72 Squadron at Linton, Acquisition and Support Plans said: “The last student on Tucano 2019/20 Strategic Milestones but completed his End Of Course we have also now declared ICC – Test, or Wings Ride, on October the equivalent of Initial Operating 15. He landed at 15:35 local time, Capability - across the whole of the
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OSHK_JLTV_Phs2C-EU_Desider_FullPg.indd 1 10/18/19 12:18 PM Picture: Jack Eckersley desider November 2019 DE&S People
On continuous improvement, collaboration and bell ringing
Chris Wardle is the Solution Design Lead for FMSP, laying the foundations for a more collaborative approach for driving change
What does your role involve? it is essential to the success of the What do you most enjoy about As the Solution Design programme. Whatever its focus, your job? Lead for the Future Maritime the FMSP family have to pull That's easy. It's the complexity of Support Programme (FMSP) I'm together in the same direction to the programme. There are so many responsible for working across get the work done. And we are stakeholders and interested parties, Maritime support to develop a lucky in FMSP - everyone knows so many differing requirements coherent support solution across exactly why we are here, what and competing priorities and so ships, submarines and naval bases needs to be done, and we are all many interfaces and relationships to improve the delivery of support working with enthusiasm and that have to work in order to to the Royal Navy. Our aims are professionalism to succeed. succeed in delivering the benefits improved availability of platforms, How are you helping embed the customer needs. It’s a real better condition of the built estate, change in your area? challenge. improving the lived experience of our staff and sailors, and making There are so many ways. The What do you enjoy doing in the MOD a better customer to current focus on continuous your spare time? industry. improvement allows for some I'm based in the south west and introspection within the team to have a young family there. When What about your role is make us even more effective. But not ferrying the children about exciting, rewarding or the real benefit to wider defence we enjoy the sea and the moors in interesting? is the step-change we aim to equal measure. Being so close to In leading the solution design make in the ability of the DE&S, both we are really lucky and there for FMSP I am genuinely excited Submarine Delivery Agency is no excuse for not getting out about getting the best deal for (SDA) and Navy Command to into the fresh air. the taxpayer and improving manage the relationship with our support to the Royal Navy. The suppliers. We have restated the What might surprise people programme is so wide ranging technical requirement for support about you? in its scope - it covers everything for the first time in nearly 20 years I'm a member of the Ancient from picking stock from and have taken a section of the Society of College Youths. This warehouse shelves to replacing requirement to the competitive society originated in London the nuclear fuel in one of the market for the first time ever. almost 400 years ago and promotes nation's four deterrent submarines. We are also constructing future the science (and art) of church Success of the programme is commercial relationships that will bell ringing around the world. key to the maintenance of the hold suppliers to account better New ringers are always needed UK's continuous at sea deterrent than ever before and also allows at almost any church across the (CASD) whilst at the same time for a more collaborative approach country. If anyone is interested in we are mandated to maintain to driving change. this exciting and friendly pastime, please ask me if you bump into me. listed buildings and scheduled Why did you choose to pursue ancient monuments in naval a career in DE&S? bases. Knitting together these wide ranging and diverse activities I suppose DE&S is my natural into a system of support to deliver home. After 33 years working in a Royal Navy outputs is challenging series of Maritime Support jobs in - and I love a challenge. I meet ships, submarines and at the naval people every day who are bases, the place these things come dedicated to providing the best together is DE&S. Abbey Wood support to our armed forces. is a great place to work. Nowhere else is there such a community of How important to you is people all with the single aim of teamwork? supplying the armed forces with In a programme like FMSP, the best equipment and support teamwork is not just important, we can afford.
17 desider November 2019 News
HMS Prince of Wales powers on with sea trials Pictured: HMS Prince of Wales conducting deck landings on board for the very first time at sea (Picture by LPhot Alex Ceolin)
MS Prince of Wales is An early milestone was the completion of the sea trials.” making positive progress It gave me a great first aircraft landing, which saw a Other activity during sea trials through her sea trials Merlin Mk2 from 820 Naval Air has seen the Forward Aircraft Lift, Hprogramme, which is designed to sense of pride to be Squadron landing safely on the which can take two F-35s up from test the full spectrum of her vast on board HMS Prince ship, whilst the RAF provided the hangar to the flight deck and and complex systems. of Wales as she two Typhoons from Lossiemouth complete its dynamic load trial The aircraft carrier exited exited Rosyth for to assist with testing long and by moving a 105-tonne test load Rosyth dockyard for the first the first time medium range radars. through its full operating cycle. time on September 19 and is Alongside the trials activity, the The installation tests for her undertaking nine weeks of sea Steven Perry, a chief ACA workforce have completed General Purpose Machine Guns trials in the North Sea. engineer at DE&S in excess of 300 compartments on have also been completed and On board are experts from board, all of which have also been they are now cleared for use. across the Aircraft Carrier Alliance checked and accepted by the MOD The propulsion system has been (ACA) including personnel Delivery Acceptance Team. That successfully tested to full power from DE&S, the Royal Navy and leaves less than 350 of the 3,000 driving the ship to a top speed in industry. compartments on board to have excess of 25 knots. During sea trials, the ship’s the final finishing touches applied Once sea trials are complete, company are working alongside before acceptance. HMS Prince of Wales will approximately 400 of their civilian Steven Perry, a chief engineer at enter Portsmouth for the first counterparts to test all 158 DE&S, who is on board currently time where two jetties have essential systems which include working on the sea trials, said: been extensively modified to power and propulsion, radars, “It gave me and my team a great accommodate and meet the communications and essential sense of pride to be on board support requirements of both services supporting global HMS Prince of Wales as she exited carriers. deployment in the future. Rosyth for the first time. The sea HMS Prince of Wales will be During the first few weeks of trials have gone extremely well to commissioned into the Royal Navy trials, several key activities have date. The teamwork between ship’s at the end of the year. taken place – all of which are company, industry and MOD has important steps towards HMS been outstanding. Examples of Prince of Wales entering service this has been the unprecedented in the Royal Navy, alongside her strike rate of compartment sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth. completions and inspections, with This has included the 920ft-long, 100 compartments being accepted 65,000-tonne warship conducting in one week. I am looking forward trials in a Sea State 6, which can to the aircraft carrier’s arrival see waves up to 20ft high. into Portsmouth upon successful
18 desider November 2019 DE&S People
Meet the new DE&S Chairman: Mark Russell CBE
Mark Russell CBE tells Desider about his background, his love of public service and why the role as Chairman at DE&S was too good an opportunity to pass up
Why did you choose a the best part of my professional particularly interesting advising we should be able to fix. Maybe financial career? life. By far. I have loved the variety Ministers on distressed companies overly complex processes, a simple Well, like many who end up and profile of the work and, most where we have usually been trying communication failing or what I in finance, it wasn’t the result of all, the colleagues. Even, at to help find private sector solutions would call “Whitehall nonsenses”. of a conscious decision. At times, I have enjoyed the politics to companies that are facing Given my background and least it wasn’t an ambition I of it all. And I have really liked the liquidity challenges and trying experience, I thought there would had in the playground. I left feeling of public service and that, to avoid public sector bail outs. be areas where I can directly assist university knowing that I wanted at the margins, I might be making Jaguar Land Rover and the care Simon Bollom and the executive to do something in business a difference. home group, Southern Cross, are team while also helping the or commerce. After a period two examples where we engineered DE&S organisation get the most as a very junior member of a What have been your biggest private sector solutions. Another out of our non-executive Board strategy consultancy, I moved to challenges/successes at UK real success was the creation of the colleagues. an investment bank and started Government Investments/the Green Investment Bank, and its to do corporate finance. But, in Shareholder Executive subsequent sale – a rare example What qualities do you expect to hindsight, the financial training There have been organisational of a successful policy intervention bring to the role? has been invaluable in the wider challenges and successes as well as where Government actually made A passion for the mission of business work that I have been work ones. The organisational ones a profit. DE&S, focus in where I engage involved in. have largely been around building and where the Board engages, an a high-performing Whitehall – What attracted you to the DE&S emphasis on teamwork and the Why did you join the based group that mixes colleagues Chairman role? support of colleagues, and a real Public Sector? from the private sector and the For as long as I have been in eye on outcomes. The most interesting piece Civil Service. We have achieved Whitehall I have been interested of work I did while in the this certainly not by paying private in the work of the MOD. From as Finally, what is the best piece of private sector was a government sector wages but by offering early as university Officer Training advice you have ever received? privatisation – the Property demanding and fascinating Corps days I have been a great Probably what a schoolteacher Services Agency. This experience work and creating a working admirer of our armed forces and once said to us – show courtesy led me to explore what might environment and culture that is as continually impressed by what and respect to all, regardless of be available in the Public Sector. good as it gets. There are parallels they do and how they do it. Our the circumstances, and it will be It was then that I found the with DE&S but the very obvious forces deserve the very best we repaid many times over. I have Shareholder Executive, a part of difference is that UKGI is very can provide in equipment, support certainly found this. I would add the then Department of Trade and much smaller – only 120 people – and service. We know this can one other bit of more practical Industry. so we can be very nimble. be difficult and complex work advice that my first boss gave me – Our diet of work has offered – and it needs excellent people if you want something doing, give Have you enjoyed it? some big challenges, but we have to make it happen – but often it it to a busy person. My time in Whitehall has been had a few successes. It has been can be held back by things that
19 desider November 2019 Feature
DE&S employees shortlisted for Women in Defence Awards
Unsung Heroines Ross Hill, Joint Enablers How does it feel to be Occupational Health & Safety recognised as one of the best Environmental Co-Ordinator women in defence? It is an immense honour to be Why were you nominated for nominated for these awards and this award? after many years of working in the I was nominated as an unsung background it is overwhelming heroine because of the work I to suddenly be thrust into the have done to bring mental health limelight. awareness to the forefront of the DE&S organisation, enabling the What advice would you give to Mental Health First Aider training, other women hoping to gain the providing regular presentations same award? and events with personal Look for work that inspires you, testimony, liaising with individuals and don’t give up at the tough and managers, ensuring the fences. If you are not fulfilled in message continues to be cascaded your work, then you need to find in an effective way. something new to challenge you.
Jo Osburn, Head of Maritime allow for a once in a generation Combat Systems (MCS) change to improve what we can deliver to the Front line. Why were you nominated for this award? How does it feel to be The Most Collaborative award, recognised as one of the best for which I have been shortlisted women in defence? for, recognises where an individual I am immensely proud of being has demonstrated creating a nominated and was amazed to collaborative working arrangement be shortlisted for this award, within their organisation or with especially having met some of the another organisation and has other fantastic nominees for this created a positive impact. As category. Head of MCS and the Chair of the Maritime Mission Systems What advice would you give to Enterprise Board, I have brought other women hoping to gain the together 12 leading Combat same award? System Industrial Directors, I would encourage other in addition to a number of key women in defence to seek out new Ministry of Defence customers. opportunities and not be limited Most Collaborative In what is a highly competitive by perceived barriers. Be confident market place, where collaboration in your skills and experiences, has been non-existent, I have expand your learning by trying championed an ethos of new things and if you come up collaboration to bring about the against barriers, think of them as introduction of new technologies merely speed bumps, and find a which bring about the exploitation way to overcome them. of more open combat systems and
20 desider November 2019 Feature
Emerging Talent Jan Riches, DES Warship How does it feel to be Support - Type 23 Power recognised as one of the best Generation Machinery Upgrade women in defence? Project Manager As with my colleagues Jo and Sue, I was amazed/humbled to be Why were you nominated for nominated – and very grateful for this award? the support and recognition of my I was nominated for the work colleagues. I have done as part of the MOD Women’s Network (MWN). I What advice would you give to understand that my nomination other women hoping to gain the outlined my previous co-leader same award? role, the facilitation of formal The award is all about events and managing the Bitesize supporting/furthering D&I programme, as well as support for opportunities in general and for individuals and the Menopause women in particular. We should all Community of Interest. be doing whatever we can to help our female colleagues to succeed. Emily Newton, British Embassy Nuclear & Strategic Deterrent and Threat Reduction
Why were you nominated for this award? I was nominated for this award based on my impact, performance and attitude over the past four years of training to become a Nuclear Professional, becoming the youngest person to pass the Duly Authorised Person Board, allowing delegated inspector responsibilities from the Head of DNSR.
How does it feel to be recognised as one of the best women in defence? Unsung Heroines I am honoured to have been short-listed as there are many exceptional and talented women in defence.
Outstanding Contribution What advice would you give to but was re-categorised by the other women hoping to gain the decision panel to Outstanding same award? Contribution. My advice to others would be to challenge yourself and push yourself How does it feel to be - you are not the best you can be recognised as one of the best when you are comfortable. Invest in women in defence? growing your network and contacts, It has been such a humbling you never know when it might be experience to be recognised by useful. Seek out opportunities to the organisation and nominated do something outside your normal for Women in Defence 2019. role - STEM outreach, secondments, To be subsequently shortlisted, volunteer work. Keep striving. particularly in view of the number of nominations this year, is such an honour and privilege, and is the highlight of my 35 years in the MOD. Congratulations to all our What advice would you give to DE&S nominees who have Sue Temple, DE&S QEC other women hoping to gain the been shortlisted for The Warship Support same award? Be a role model - lead by Women in Defence Awards Why were you nominated for example, work hard , respect all, 2019. The women were chosen this award? gain resilience, learn from your from roughly 500 inspirational I am not aware of the details mistakes and always be positive, nominees from across the behind my nomination but I no matter the challenges you face. do know I was originally in Remember to smile. defence community and will be the Unsung Heroine category attending the awards dinner later this month on 19th November.
21 desider November 2019 News
DE&S team proud to see HMS Spey officially named in Govan Pictured: The last of five cutting-edge Offshore Patrol Vessels procured for the Royal Navy has been formally named on the Clyde (Picture by Beth Squire)
MS Spey, the last of five to provide the UK’s armed forces were then moved to the company’s cutting-edge Offshore Everyone can rightly with the best possible equipment.” Scotstoun site to be fitted out with Patrol Vessels (OPVs) The milestone on the River their systems ahead a series of sea Hprocured by DE&S for the Royal be proud of what we Clyde was a proud moment for trials. Navy, has been formally named. have accomplished. those from DE&S who worked on Construction of the OPVs for The next-generation River The delivery of the the procurement of Spey and her the Royal Navy, alongside the Class ship, equipped with a OPV programme sister ships. Type 26 anti-submarine frigate 30mm cannon and flight-deck is fulfilling a key Charlie Ball, the operations programme, has meant the capable of accommodating a commitment of the manager of the batch 2 River Class Glasgow shipyards’ order books Merlin helicopter, will boost Strategic Defence and OPV project, said: “I was very are full until the early 2030s. Britain’s counter-terrorism and proud to have been able to witness This has protected 1,700 Scottish anti-smuggling work and provide Security Review 2015 the naming ceremony. The whole jobs and supported a further 2,300 essential support to defence Sir Simon Bollom, team attended as it was almost roles across the nation through the operations. DE&S CEO the end of the project. While that supply chain. The 90 metre vessel is a product meant it was bitter sweet, it’s been Defence Minister Anne-Marie of the Batch 2 OPV contract with really great to have been part of Trevelyan, said: “Our Offshore BAE Systems, worth a combined such a dynamic team.” Patrol Vessels play a pivotal £635 million. It was officially DE&S apprentice Daisy Kilduff role in patrolling our coastline, named in Govan, Scotland. added: “This is my first placement protecting our domestic waters Sir Simon Bollom, said: “This and it’s been a really great team to and supporting maritime interests marks an important step toward work for because, even though it’s from anti-smuggling to fisheries the MOD’s vision to establish one project, we had five different protection. a common shared architecture ships that are at different stages of “The naming of HMS Spey is across all Royal Navy warships. build. an exciting milestone for the OPV “It is great to see HMS Spey join “That’s really brilliant because I programme, demonstrating our her sister ships and I would like get to see every single step of the commitment to UK shipyards to thank the team at DE&S, our project. There’s definitely a real while bolstering the Royal Navy’s industry partners and the Royal sense of pride within the team for capabilities.” Navy for working together to what we have achieved.” All the Batch 2 OPVs - HMS ensure this important milestone HMS Spey was officially named Forth, Medway, Trent, Tamar and was achieved. by her sponsor Lady Alison Spey – are planned to be delivered “Everyone can rightly be proud Johnstone. The centuries-old to the Royal Navy by the end of of what we have accomplished. The tradition believed to bestow luck 2021. delivery of the OPV programme saw a bottle of Speyside Distillery is fulfilling a key commitment of whisky being smashed against her the Strategic Defence and Security hull. Review 2015 and is part of the Initially constructed in BAE Government’s £178 billion plan System’s Govan yard, all five OPVs
22 desider November 2019 DE&S People
CEO Commendations DE&S former winners: what it was like to win their awards and where they are now
Jason McHugh reflects on the EOC commendation the Merlin life Sustainment Team was awarded
This is the highest accolade that was very much appreciated. As our Captain said, if you don’t a team can achieve within After the presentation, there was look up, how do you know how DE&S, how did it feel? a lunch provided and a great high you have climbed. opportunity to network with the It was an honour to represent Senior Leadership Team and our Have the team/team members the Merlin Delivery Team, who fellow colleagues. built on their success? unfortunately couldn’t all be present at the ceremony. Having What would you say to other Upon returning to Yeovil, the all worked tirelessly to support teams hoping to be awarded a bright lights of the city were but Why was your team nominated the desire of the customer, it was CEO Commendation? a distant memory. That said, this for this award? rewarding to see that CEO and the award was recognition for the Front Line Command recognise If you have witnessed or are first of three major milestones in The award the Merlin team the dedication it took to deliver part of a deserving team, you need this project. We have all ploughed received, recognised the team’s 6 months earlier than initially to put yourself forward for this on with the demanding schedule role in delivering over and above forecast. award. It is important that we as a and in October 19 delivered outputs. This resulted in 3 Merlin team recognise the dedication and the final Release to Service for Mk4 from Commando Helicopter What are your memories of the determination we have to deliver the Merlin Mk4, this is a major Force (CHF) embarking on Her awards ceremony? on our promises and it is events accomplishment, which enables Majesty’s Ship Queen Elizabeth like this, that make us stop and full operational capability of the in August 2018 with search The award ceremony was held reflect on what we have achieved. helicopter. and rescue capability, alleviated in MOD Main Building and was pressure on the highly attributed attended by many deserving Merlin Mk2 Force, enabling teams who have all given above "It is important that we as a team recognise the aircraft to be deployed and held at and beyond to deliver to the dedication and determination we have to deliver on high readiness for hurricane relief customers’ needs. For some teams, operations, as part of preparations the front line read out the citation, our promises and it is events like this, that make us for Op Caribbean. which was a touching moment stop and reflect on what we have achieved"
23 desider November 2019 Feature
Pictured clockwise from top left: Sergeant Dan Campbell setting up Firestorm, the view from the Firestorm set up, Corporal Paul Morrison feeling the cold assisting with Firestorm setup and the view from Observation Point during live fly phase of Bold Quest 19 (Pictures submitted by Mark Tetchner)
24
desider November 2019 FFeatureeature
Firestorm integrated targeting system shines on Finland exercise
E&S staff travelled to a training exercise in the information between JTAC and aircraft in a Finland to demonstrate how a cutting-edge burst transmission can significantly reduce the risk integrated targeting system can better protect associated to the points mentioned previously.” Dmilitary operating in high-risk environments. Firestorm utilises the Variable Message Format The system, called Firestorm, was taken to data link to enable JTAC to communicate digitally Northern Europe as part of Exercise Bold Quest by with the aircraft overhead, giving targeting and staff belonging to the Tactical Data Link Support general situational awareness information, as well Unit (TDLSU) within the Situational Awareness, as positions of friendly forces from the JTAC to the Command and Control delivery team at DE&S. aircraft. They were sent to the city of Kuopio in the region It also allows the aircraft to send the JTAC of Northern Savonia to be part of the UK’s Digitally information on what ordinance it is carrying and Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) team, where give detailed positional information throughout the their main priority was the support of the UK Joint operation. Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Firestorm This two-way digital exchange can be done without throughout the exercise. saying a word and with minimal ambiguity. The JTAC The Firestorm system, a vital suite of equipment will also carry a video downlink to carry out target updated by DE&S Artillery Systems last year, allows correlation by viewing what the aircrafts targeting specially trained soldiers to communicate effectively pod is looking at and giving the aircrew directions to with aircraft overhead and call in the location of bring the pilot onto the correct target. enemy targets for precision air strikes. Corporal Paul Morrison, of the DE&S TDLSU During Exercise Bold Quest JTACS were located at team, said: “The UKs Firestorm system for ground observation posts across central Finland controlling units has improved the ability of JTACs to identify aircraft in remote, dynamic environments where targets, monitor designation, view datalinks, traditional voice comms could put them at risk and communicate with aircraft and have a greater overall can cause significant delays in air strikes. situational awareness of the battlefield. The most notable upgrade made to Firestorm “However, it should be noted these improvements means the hardware now supports DACAS, where also owe their success to the people who operate the digital calls for fire can be sent as a standard message equipment underpinned by focused air-land training. sent directly to the air platform via data. “I was delighted that TDLSU had the opportunity Wing Commander Jason Wells, a member of to take part on this exercise and believe we added the Joint Air Land Organisation Standards and significant value. Our technical knowledge on Evaluation cell, which worked alongside DE&S in tactical data links and the software tools we had at the DACAS team, said: “Traditional voice comms our disposal allowed us to offer a first-class service to with the aircraft pose several problems to this type of both project teams and users alike.” operation. Exercise Bold Quest featured more than 2,000 “There could be a language barrier, the process of participants from across the globe and tests initial contact and implementation of the air strike and demonstrates the functional and technical can be too lengthy and counter location technology interoperability of ground, sea and air-based can pinpoint JTAC within a metre, which puts them intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and in constant danger while they are transmitting. joint fires systems. “That is exactly why the need for DACAS arose. The capability to have a data link that can transmit
25 desider November 2019 News
DE&S cutting-edge equipment allows UK defence to stay ahead of the curve
Mark Goldsack, the recently appointed Director of the Department of Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation, (DIT DSO), an organisation that supports government to government interaction, growth in defence, security and cyber security, tells Desider about terrific opportunities to enhance defence exports
How does DE&S contribute to by what DE&S procures and exports? supports for our armed forces?
You only have to look at the last I am aware of a number of Security and Defence Spending overseas delegations that have Review to see that DE&S is vital to visited DE&S and come away the success of the export agenda. I impressed. This is not surprising, know from experience that senior as the MOD benefits enormously staff in DE&S play a vital role in as cutting-edge equipment allows explaining the UK programme to our defence to stay ahead of the Navy's and senior military staff curve. From my previous role and offer a range of support to as the Army’s Defence Attaché help us promote exports. Take in India, I watched how India for example the recent successes admired the UK armed forces, in Australia and Canada, where especially the Navy, as it had UK designs for Type 26 have recently launched an aircraft been chosen as part of both carrier, cut steel on Type 26 and countries’ maritime modernisation conceptualised how Type 31 programme. By DE&S staff may develop. It is increasingly explaining our strategy and how clear that the equipment used we wanted to achieve success, by our armed forces is respected both governments understood the by overseas customers and benefits of a UK design. It is clear foreign governments who want to me that detailed and regular to understand its capabilities and cooperation between DIT DSO are interested in how the MOD and DE&S is essential so that procure it. any future designs look at export potential and opportunities. What do overseas stakeholders want to learn from DE&S? defence exports and the defence DSEI must have been an industry. Companies experiencing important event for export Many overseas stakeholders and growth are keen to innovate and opportunities? foreign Navy's want to understand that is a major area of interest in how DE&S procure equipment, DE&S. A thriving UK industry Absolutely. DSEI 2019, which your commercial practices and means increased volumes of sale took over a year to plan, was a your disciplines of getting value and therefore better economies of major exhibition for DIT DSO for money whilst incentivising scale. I am hugely grateful for the and we worked to support visiting industry to continue to offer ongoing support of DE&S to date overseas delegations. Many were innovative solutions. They also and my team and I look forward to looking at equipment being want to know from our armed a closer relationship in the future. exhibited by UK companies, many forces if a platform performs well. in service with our armed forces. I believe the stamp of approval The UK MOD has a proven record from the armed forces using the Working with of procurement and we were capability in the UK is vital for our delighted that delegates from more overseas customers. DE&S we can than 60 countries saw what was help enhance on offer. I was also pleased to see Looking forward, how do so many staff from DE&S at the you see your professional defence exports exhibition. With successful UK involvement with DE&S and the defence design and working with DE&S we progressing? can help enhance defence exports industry and, most importantly, the defence The UK MOD has a proven industry. record of procurement and it is hoped customers will explore the Has your experience been that possibility of working with DIT other countries are impressed DSO and DE&S to help enhance
26 desider November 2019 News
New environmentally friendly accommodation block opens on St Kilda Pictured: New eco-friendly accommodation block Hirta House (Picture courtesy of Qinetiq)
ollowing three years of was an archaeological dig as range safety tracking systems here challenging construction This marks the historical artefacts were found. As on St Kilda. conditions, an a result, there’s been a permanent “This achievement is a result of a key MOD Fenvironmentally and eco-friendly onsite archaeologist with us testament to the commitment accommodation block has opened investment to provide wherever we excavated untouched from our delivery partner QinetiQ, on a remote island. living accommodation ground. We also employed an the National Trust of Scotland The energy efficient and turf- for the staff operating independent environmental and all the contractors who have roofed accommodation block, and maintaining the assessor to ensure compliance with overcome the most extreme which is clad in hard-wearing range safety tracking our agreement with the Trust.” environment in the North Atlantic Siberian Larch boards, is on St systems here on Discussing challenges his staff to deliver this environmentally Kilda – a unique site that is an faced, he added: “In the often sympathetic facility.” important component of the St Kilda extreme weather conditions on the Clea Warner, the National Trust DE&S Weapon Range which Ray Drury, island we had to be exceptionally for Scotland’s General Manager provide capability assurance to TEST team leader careful that construction items North West and Islands, added: the UK Equipment and Support weren’t blown around the island “We’ve been impressed by the programme. or into the sea, as it is a marine way the MOD, QinetiQ and other St Kilda, which is owned by protection area.” partners have been determined National Trust Scotland, is the A formal handover ceremony of to replace the facility with a only UK site designated twice by the new building took place earlier structure that is informed by and UNESCO as a World Heritage Site this year to mark this important compliments St Kilda’s unrivalled for both its natural and cultural milestone in the roll-out of setting.” heritage. updated capability and supporting St Kilda plays host to the bi- The accommodation, erected environmental excellence through infrastructure for the MOD annual international maritime by QinetiQ under the Long Term the introduction of numerous Hebrides Test & Evaluation Range. defence exercise, Formidable Partnering Agreement with Trials, sustainable features including a The ceremony was attended Shield, involving nine NATO Evaluation Services & Targets bespoke sustainability framework. by representatives from Strategic countries which tests integrated air (TEST) project team at DE&S, St Kilda, situated 40 miles Programmes (WECA), the DE&S and missile defence capabilities. is named ‘Hirta House’ after west of the Outer Hebrides, is TEST project team, QinetiQ, the largest island in the St Kilda home to rare birds and plants, a National Trust for Scotland, and archipelago. unique breed of sheep, and even other stakeholders. The new facilities are designed its very own St Kilda mouse. As TEST team leader, Ray Drury, to minimise impact on the such, it was vital that the new who attended the opening sensitive environment, merging infrastructure enhanced the ceremony, said: “This event marks them into the existing context existing site and protected the the result of a key MOD Long far more than their predecessors heritage and archaeology. Term Partnering Agreement and ensuring a sustainable future QinetiQ project manager, (LTPA) investment to provide for the MOD’s presence on the Douglas Binns, said: “When living accommodation for the staff island. The project also promotes excavation began in 2017, there operating and maintaining the
27 desider November 2019 DE&S People
Indy wins gold
28 desider November 2019 DE&S People Picture: Jack Eckersley Picture:
former soldier who took up powerlifting to accompanied by dozens of samosas, macaroni and aid his recovery following a serious injury cheese and pizza.” sustained during a training exercise, has Earlier this year, Indy competed in the All Awon gold at the Commonwealth Championships in England's competition in Manchester. The success Canada. in Manchester saw Indy being selected to represent Indy Dhillon, a Technical Through Life Specialist England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting games in within the Artillery Systems team at DE&S, suffered Newfoundland, Canada. muscular damage to his back on a training exercise in The competition was televised and held in front the Brecon Beacons. of 300 audience members where they watched Indy, During his recovery, his physio suggested he take alongside 15 other people from around the world, up powerlifting to not only aid his recovery, but also compete for first place. to improve his mental health. "Normally, my ritual is to listen to heavy metal Indy, who served in the Army for six years in music before a competition, but I decided to listen to Electronic Warfare and Signalling, found he really classical music; a different approach agreed with my enjoyed his newfound pastime and decided to attend coach,” he said. a competition day in Stafford to see what all the “Doing this made me feel more relaxed this time excitement was about. around. There were no expectations from my coach "I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly or from myself which really helped with my nerves and supportive the competitors were. I've never on the day." experienced this in other competitive sports I've Indy was able to push his own boundaries in the played in the past, so that was really refreshing and competition, and the change in pre-game ritual motivated me to pursue it seriously,” said Indy who is seemed to pay off. 6ft and weighs in at a sturdy 16st 7lbs (105kg). He competed in the under 105kg category, Indy then decided to join the Army Powerlifting achieving the gold medal in the deadlift (335kg) and Union where he was able to train three times a week squat (300kg) and the silver medal in the bench press with a coach, competing in his first ever competition (165kg), coming first in his category overall. in April 2016. From then on, Indy was hooked and Indy, who was the British Army powerlifting continued to compete as much as he could alongside champion, said: "I'm very grateful for the support that normal work life. I've received from my team and with the flexibility “I train four days a week for at least four hours a that DE&S offers, I was able to structure my working day but make sure I have three rest days where I do hours around the extensive training regime that I minimal exercise to ensure I am properly rested,” he had. said. Hoping to carry on his victories, Indy has sights set Needing to take on 3,500-4,000 calories might on the British Championships next year. seem a struggle for Indy as a vegetarian, but he "I'm in my rest period now, but with my new coach manages it though one protein shake, dairy, soya and, I'm already looking forward to training for my next currently, a couple of mince pies a day. competition, which will hopefully be at the British Indy said: “I have been a vegetarian all my life, but Championships in 2020," he said. the choice nowadays is so much better. I try not to eat From there he hopes to make the GB squad for the badly but I have to admit I do enjoy a paneer curry World Championships in 2021.
29 desider November 2019 DE&S People
60 second spotlight Since his gift experience of a tandem skydive flight, Steve has completed 450+ skydive jumps
Stephen Mains Job:
Technical Through Life Support (TTLS) Deputy Manager, Merlin DT, Leonardo’s Helicopters Yeovil.
Your route into DE&S?
This is my second spell with DE&S starting in March of this year by external recruitment with prior service of 7 years at Boeing Defence and Babcock International. My first engagement with MOD was 22 years in Logistics/ Engineering/ Bulk Aviation Fuel Manager/Aircraft Support, with the majority of that time at Westlands, now Leonardo's as DE&S Quality.
Your claim to fame?
From my MOD career, I signed off the very first Apache the countryside. outskirts of Glasgow, I am Helicopter for Ground Run, Flight taken back by the beauty of and acceptance of contract What are you most proud of? Edinburgh, its culture, it's history back in the late 90's. I also met and its smell of the brewery. the comedian Billy Connolly at It really must be watching my my uncles funeral as they were four children developing into What would surprise people school friends, and what you see adults and the pride I have from about you? with Billy, is what you get. their own achievements in the world of photography and the On my 50th birthday, I was Your advice to anyone? arts. presented with an experience of a tandem skydive and since I would say mindfulness of others If you were sent to a desert then qualified as a licensed and invest your time on passing island, what three things freefall skydiver with 450+ jumps on your skills to the best that you would you take with you? in the UK, Spain, Portugal and can in your field of expertise. In Cyprus. I recently qualified as short, taking pride in developing My phone, Blade Runner DVD a Military Trained Parachutist people to the best of their and the motorhome. (Round military Parachutes) Do you or capability. with the Pathfinder Group UK, What irritates you the most? gaining my Military Dutch “B” someone you Wings in the Teague, Holland. I What do you do when you’re There is quite a number now know deserve their away from work? now take part in jumping from as I have aged, but tabloid WW2 Dakota aircraft as part 60 seconds in the I recently invested in a small journalism is at the top of that of the demonstration team to spotlight? motorhome and now live life for pile and I made the decision a commemorate events such as few years ago to give up reading the weekends travelling around Operation “Market Garden” Email the South West of England, newspapers and I feel a better in Arnhem as part of the 75th [email protected] taking in the scenery of Lyme person for that choice. Anniversary this year. This Regis, Dulverton, Salisbury, activity is open to male, female, Poole and the North Devon What is your favourite place civilian and service personnel coast. The sites are absolutely in the world? regular or reserve and requires a stunning with idyllic villages in Although brought up on the only a five-day course in Holland.
3030 Register today desider November 2019 DE&S People
Boosting team morale, whilst raising money for charity
An annual golf day held by staff at Defence Munitions Glen Douglas in honour of a colleague Eight members of the Royal Ambleside, Coniston, Eskdale, who sadly died in 2016 has raised more than £1,000 Air Force from across Typhoon Buttermere, Keswick, Glenridding and for charity. business were joined by a German via Striding Edge back to Ambleside Michael (Mick) Currie was a dear friend and respected Air Force colleague (based at with all personnel having their colleague of the Scottish facility and staff were keen to Warton within the UK International opportunity to lead and polish up on find a way to pay tribute to the larger than life character. Eurofighter Support Team) to compass and map skills. Expedition George Ferguson, one of his many pals at DM Glen complete the challenging Ex-Haute Leader Sqn Ldr Will Thurrell, said: “A Douglas, came up with an idea and the annual Michael Route. This adventurous training fantastic six days which have helped Currie Golf Day was born. event consisted of a 72 mile walk to integrate new members into the The competition sees staff, friends and Mick’s family over 6 days through the beautiful team and enhance morale whilst gather and play to honour his memory and raise money Lake District. With daily ascents of reinforcing core skills and ethos.” for the Beatson Cancer Charity Well Being Centre in up to 1055m the aim was to develop Project OfficerWarrant Officer Carl Glasgow. mountaineering skills through a mix of Proctor, added: “For a group of which The charity funds the development of pioneering leadership, effective communication some only met for the first time, the treatments, ground breaking techniques and innovative and teamwork. The circular route team work was outstanding and so and novel research that will contribute to changing afforded fantastic scenery and the challenge next time will be Camino the face of cancer treatment on a local, national and hospitality of the youth hostels of de Santiago, Spain” international scale. It also exists to enhance the experience, treatment, outcomes and well-being of current and former cancer patients and their families or carers. George, who has organised all the logistics for the golf day for the last four years, is seen here presenting a cheque to Karen Harrower from the charity.
A DE&S graduate battled Tewkesbury in four consecutive agonising pain to complete days, covering an average of 47 an epic 200 mile run between miles a day. Leeds and Bristol to raise This titanic effort was money for a mental health aimed at raising money for charity. the Campaign Against Living Tim Griffiths only started Miserably (C.A.L.M), a charity running when he arrived at offering men support when DE&S nine months ago and they’re down or in crisis. was encouraged by his team to So far, Tim has raised almost go on lunchtime runs of about £1,400, far exceeding the £750 three or four miles. the graduate project manager in Overlooking 5km or 10km Land was aiming for. events, Tim’s first ever race of The run, however, did cause choice was an ultramarathon Tim significant pain in his calf measuring 33 miles in which muscles which slowed him he finished 20th out of 440 down and he finished at MOD competitors. Abbey Wood at 10.45pm. And recently he ran from https://www.justgiving.com/ Leeds to Bristol, with stops in fundraising/tim-griffiths7 Buxton, Wolverhampton and
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the MOD Lottery Innovative designs July MOTTO winners by DE&S graduates £10,000 Colin Thompson, London This summer the UK Naval field with specialised contact lenses. £2,500 Richard Hayes, RAF Conningsby Engineering Science and The lenses would have thermal £1,000 Christina Bond, Winchester Technology forum (UK NEST) invited imaging ability and artificial intelligence DE&S engineering graduates to which would differentiate between £500 Steven Healing, Folkestone spend a day at the Commandos’ civilians, enemy soldiers and hostages £250 David Warner, Wolverhampton Training Centre at Lympstone near just from the way they move. £100 Angela Witham, Tidworth Exeter. Explaining the concept, Chad said: Jane Wallace, Cottesmore There, approximately twenty-five “We can use that information to let graduates gained an understanding Royal Marines know who they need to Ron Cranston, RAF Sealand of what it takes to become a Royal target and who they need to save.” Sarah Gray, Portsmouth Marine - finding out more about the He added: “The event was a Nick Carter, Bristol current equipment used and learning great opportunity for us to see what about the challenges faced on real-life commandos do and helped me Jonathan Stocks, Huntingdon operations. to understand what I need to give Andrew Widd, Menwith Hill They were tasked with planning a Marines to help them succeed on a Brett Ceazar, Corsham mid-21st century assault by Royal mission. It also gave me with a wider Marines on an enemy missile site appreciation of what we do at DE&S Richard Bell, Cheltenham perched on a clifftop. The task in hand and it was great to work with other James Spendley, Bramley resulted in a multitude of innovative young people who are as keen to Anette MacKinnon, Stirling and futuristic ideas. shape the future of the way we work DE&S Graduate, Chad Swaby had for the better.” Matthew Bassett, Portsmouth the idea to help commandos in the Victoria Hickman, RAF Cranwell Jessica Hopkinson, Exeter Amy Whyte, London Martin Allaway, London Laura Howell, Bristol Andrew McCulloch, Yeovilton Paul Maclellan, Faslane Pat King, Bristol
DM Glen Douglas welcomes left homeless by gales that reached winds and rolled down the hillside.” 94-year-old Billy back on site. top speeds of 134mph. Sadly, Billy had to leave his role in A retired policeman who started Angus said: “Billy recalled dealing 1969 to care for his ill wife and later working at Glen Douglas on the day with officers seriously injured during became a local registrar, marrying the Defence Munitions (DM) facility the great storm when their Land Rover numerous couples in his own home in opened in 1966 was welcomed back was blown off the road by the high Arrochar. on site more than half a century later. William ‘Billy’ Ross arrived at the DM Glen Douglas as a Senior Police Officer (SPO) 53 years ago following a promotion to Inspector. In September this year, at the request of the current SPO Sergeant Angus Livingston, the 94-year-old returned to DM Glen Douglas as an honoured guest and was treated to a tour of the site by current Head of Establishment Gavin Fitzsimmons. One of Billy’s most vivid memories of his time at Glen Douglas was from the great storm which hit the area in January 1968. Described at the time as central Scotland’s worst natural disaster, 20 people were killed and 700
33 desider November 2019 Recruitment Case Study Charlotte Ball, Operations Manager within DE&S, gives her insight into some of the benefits of working for the organisation
Name: What do you most enjoy about your job? Charlotte (Charlie) Ball I love working at Abbey Wood, I think the environment promotes a positive working culture. Job Title: The flexibility around my working hours is also Operations Manager invaluable. My previous career meant that Christmas, summer holidays and bank holidays were the worst How long have you worked for DE&S? times of the year, working at Abbey Wood now means 16 months that they are the best.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? What’s your ambition? This is my second career having spent 22 years in To become a respected Counter Fraud Specialist, transport and logistics management. I was looking hopefully within the MOD. I’m fascinated by crime and criminology, particularly white-collar crime. for a complete career change, something that held I believe that one of the fundamental principles of more reward and something which had meaning to being a Civil Servant is honesty and I am passionate me. My late dad served as a Grenadier Guard in the about promoting awareness of fraud within the late 1960’s and I know that he’d be ecstatic with my MOD. It’s such a hidden crime but one that costs the new choice of career. economy a staggering amount of money each year and there is always a victim who suffers because of it. What does your role entail? A plethora of things on a daily basis. It’s the job of What’s your greatest achievement to date? the team and I to deliver the Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Completing my degree and Master’s studies whilst Vessels to the Royal Navy. From organising Ship working full time and undergoing major surgery, and Staff training, to presenting our support solution the great friendships that supported me. to the customer, no day is ever the same, or boring. The OPV programme is fast paced, with a packed Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a schedule and I’m learning and experiencing the great place to work? lifecycle of a ship from concept to delivery in possibly There is very little I dislike about working for DE&S, the shortest timescale, with the ambition to hand over I would certainly champion the flexible working, all 5 ships within the next 2 years. working environment, and the great friendships to be made. What are the opportunities to develop and progress within your function? What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? The Learning Pathway for the Operations Managers Our delivery team have a social secretary who within the Integrated Logistics Function is evolving organises regular team get-togethers. As an operating but provides direction at all levels. Opportunities to centre, Ships Acquisition also arrange an annual network and bond with colleagues are extensive and “Team Bumble”. You also never know who you’re if you don’t know the answer you can find someone going to meet each day. who can quite easily.
34 Recognition Bonuses & Bonuses & SIX GREAT REASONSTO Pension For more infoandjobopportunities v www.des.mod.uk Working Flexible Flexible 35 Development Professional Professional WORK FORDE&S Holiday isit: Facilities
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