Desider November 2018 Feature Contents

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Issue 124 November 2018 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support

Putting the 'S' in DE&S: new contracts for RFA fleet Over 100 years invested in leading UK technology.

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UNMANNED ELECTRONIC WARFARE ‘HERO’ RUAS PROVISION

STATE-OF-THE-ART SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

AESA MULTI-MODE RADAR FULLY-INTEGRATED MISSION SYSTEMS

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Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space Forewordt’s been another busy month in air defence capability, securing DE&S and it’s great to receive 100 jobs in Belfast and ensuring Ifurther positive feedback our armed forces have a potent over the past few weeks from defensive ability. the Chief of Defence Staff and Last month I know the A400M Defence Minister Stuart Andrew Atlas team were delighted to see the aircraft deliver UK aid to Indonesia, which had been "It’s great to see employees spreading the word that DE&S is devastated by an earthquake and tsunami. A very proud a great place to work, giving their time to inspire hundreds of moment that was facilitated by DE&S’ Defence Supply Chain young people about job opportunities with us" Operations and Movements (DSCOM) team at MOD Abbey about the excellent work we Wood. deliver. More than 15,000km away Some of this month’s in New York, there was huge achievements include the excitement when the HMS signing of contracts with British Queen Elizabeth anchored firms to support the UK’s Royal in the city’s harbour during a Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships and break from F-35B flight trials. the Royal Navy’s Survey and This incredible aircraft carrier Hydrographic Fleet. Expected to is a spectacular capability and be worth more than £1 billion, I am also immensely proud these contracts secure more that DE&S continues to play than 700 jobs at shipyards a key role in supporting the across the country. The deal is Royal Navy getting back into also expected to deliver savings the business of Carrier-borne worth more than £100 million for operations. defence. Closer to home, it’s great In addition, we have signed to see employees spreading a £23 million agreement to the word that DE&S is a great provide Royal Navy and Royal place to work, giving their time Fleet Auxiliary ships with new to inspire hundreds of young state-of-the-art radios that are people about job opportunities more secure and easier to use, with us at South Gloucestershire ensuring those on board can and Stroud College last month, concentrate on performing their while a daring team of DE&S roles to the very best of their graduates and apprentices By Sir Simon Bollom, CEO ability. successfully completed the The Apache Capability Three Welsh Peaks Challenge Sustainment Programme is as part of the Prince’s Trust progressing well with the news Million Makers competition. that the final two Apache AH And finally, congratulations to Mk1 helicopters from storage DE&S business manager James will be transported to the Gregory, who recently won a United States later this month. World Strongest Man title in This programme to replace Finland. You are clearly a force the current Apache fleet with to be reckoned with! Well done. the latest Apache AH-64E is a huge endeavour and the team’s foresight to use parts from the current fleet rather than buying brand new variants is expected to save the MOD in the realms of £175 million. And the Minister for Defence Procurement has also announced a £93 million deal to modernise the British Army and Royal Marines’ very short-range

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desider is distributed free to DE&S employees 13 and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV. UK. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.

This magazine is produced on Cocoon Silk 100gsm which contains 50 per cent recycled and de-inked pulp from post consumer waste and Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed 20 forests.

4 desider November 2018 Feature Contents

06 Senior Leader On the cover Comment – Director DE&S People RFA Fort Victoria during a counter- Combat Air, Air Vice- 16 First Person – Project piracy operation in 2010 Marshal Keith Bethell Director for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Photo by LA(Phot) AJ MacLeod Programme Marcus News Bruton 08 Apache Capability 24 Poppy Appeal’s a Sustainment family affair Programme milestone 26 DE&S graduates and DE&S oversees 12 apprentices conquer spectacular Mk8 Welsh Three Peaks naval gun firing trials Challenge 13 Huge ships support contract boosts 28 60 Second Spotlight industry and jobs – Training manager at Defence Munitions 18 Multi-million deal to Crombie John Leitch enhance very short- range air defence 29 James Gregory wins capability World’s Strongest Man title in Finland 20 Employees inspire secondary school 30 DE&S People – Edward pupils about DE&S Smart awarded Lord- Lieutenant’s Certificate 21 Team pride as A400M for Meritorious Service Atlas delivers aid to Indonesia 32 Jobs – Desider’s latest recruitment pages and 22 Type 26 will be housed benefits in Devonport Feature 14 Behind the scenes at the F-35 landing trials on HMS Queen Elizabeth www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2018 Twitter: @DefenceES Facebook: @DefenceES LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support YouTube: DE&S

5 desider November 2018 Senior Leader Comment

Air Vice-Marshal Keith Bethell, Director Combat Air, talks to Desider about pride in Project Centurion, his plans for upgrading military flying training and RAF 100

n my role, I’m lucky to be at Marham in June when the first need to increase our offering for the heart of developing and four aircraft landed. International Defence Training to implementing some of the Another success I hope to be My aim is meet our international obligations Imost exciting and cutting-edge celebrating is Project Centurion, to be able linked to our equipment capability and programmes in the upgrade to introduce three exports and, more broadly, our DE&S. This includes fast jets, new weapon types onto Typhoon, to empower relationship with Partner Nations. Unmanned Air Systems and as well as a major upgrade to the people to But despite my focus on military flying training. aircraft Mission Systems. We’re equipment and capability, DE&S Thinking back on this year, the currently on track to deliver that do their job is a people organisation. The only highlight that leaps out at me is the in December too. It’s been a huge without undue asset we have is our people and the RAF 100 celebrations, particularly accomplishment for my team intellectual property they bring, the event held in London on July and is probably my proudest hindrance, and we need to look after them. 10. My wife and I were lucky achievement to date – the reason restriction or My aim is to be able to empower enough to attend the Westminster I say that is because I was Head people to do their job without Abbey service and watched the of the Fast Air Support Team constraint undue hindrance, restriction or Buckingham Palace parade and when we came up with Project constraint. There’s a whole raft flypast on a big screen in Horse Centurion as a concept. of talent here – why wouldn’t we Guards Parade. It’s a huge improvement in the want to ensure they can operate to Knowing most of the aircraft in capability of Typhoon. Despite the best effect? the flypast came from the Combat all the obstacles we’ve had to We’ve been through a massive Air portfolio was a source of great overcome, it’s a fantastic example change programme over the pride. Almost every aircraft was of the whole force in action last two years and we now need represented, including the three (DE&S, RAF and industry) and a to focus on how we ensure our new F-35s. This was the first time remarkable effort from the team. culture is aligned to the new ways these aircraft had been seen in I’ve been there from start to finish of working we have introduced. public in the UK and something and we’ll hopefully get it over the Cultural change is hard and I’ll never forget. line this year. doesn’t happen overnight. We need In December 2018, we hope Moving into 2019, my main to constantly streamline how we to have achieved the F-35 initial priority is upscaling our flying do business to make life simpler operating capability. This is a training system to improve for our people, so we can continue culmination of over 20 years of training capacity and cope with supporting the Front Line effort from thousands of people the increased demand. However, Commands for the next 100 years. within DE&S over that time. It we don’t only need to meet the was a great privilege to be at RAF demands of UK defence. We also

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Key technology, advanced manufacturing, highly skilled teams – every day, we bring our operational excellence to play a critical role in the development, production and sustainment of the F-35. Contribution where it counts.

Pictured clockwise from left: One of the Apaches from storage on a Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) low loader at RAF Brize Norton, Apache being off-loaded from an RAF C-17 at Huntsville International Airport, Apaches being towed along the perimeter road at Huntsville International Airport to the dismantling facility two miles away, Apache being off-loaded from the low loader at RAF Brize Norton, further picture of the Apaches under police escort at Huntsville and an Apache in Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) temporary hangar at RAF Brize Norton (Pictures by Captain Craig Peaple and Duncan Metcalfe)

8 desider November 2018 NNewsews Apache programme reaches significant milestone

"Apache CSP is a high value programme to deliver battle-winning capability to the British Army and it is good to see the team making such good progress" Colonel David Potts, Apache Delivery team leader

he final two Apache AH Mk1 helicopters from The first four Apaches in storage were transported storage will be transported to the United States to the US aboard C-17/Antonov aircraft in later this month to be stripped of parts that February, a move coordinated by the Apache CSP Tcan be used on the new AH-64E variant. in conjunction with DE&S’ Defence Supply Chain The aircraft, at the Attack Helicopter Force’s Operations and Movements (DSCOM) team. Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, have been in DSCOM’s efforts in finding aircraft to transport the storage as a cost-saving measure so they could be Apache aircraft to the United States from RAF Brize harvested for parts for the current AH Mk1 fleet. Norton is thought to have saved in the region of $2 The Apache Capability Sustainment Programme million (£1.5 million). (CSP) is replacing the Apache AH Mk1 Attack The first Apache AH-64E are expected to be Helicopters with the latest Apache AH-64E through a delivered to the UK in summer 2020, with the 50th Foreign Military Sale with the US Government. and final aircraft due to arrive in 2024. Full operating As part of the production process for the AH- capability is expected later that year. 64E, some parts, including the fire control radar, the Duncan Metcalfe, transportation lead for Apache targeting and sighting system and main rotor hub CSP, said: “Transporting the final ‘in-storage’ Apache from the AH Mk1, will be removed and updated to the US is a significant milestone in the Apache CSP where necessary at the Boeing sub-contractor facility programme. in Huntsville, Alabama. “I would like to thank the efforts of those at Using parts from the current Apache AH Mk1 DSCOM who have ensured we made significant rather than buying 50 ‘brand new’ AH-64E variants savings on transporting the aircraft to the US and to is set to save the MOD up to $250 million (£175 staff at RAF Brize Norton whose support has been million). critical in terms of keeping the programme on track.” Mk1 parts that are needed to maintain the Apache Colonel David Potts, the Apache Delivery team AH Mk1’s capability through to end of service in leader, said, “Apache CSP is a high value programme 2024 were removed by Leonardo Helicopters, the to deliver battle-winning capability to the British prime contractor for the original Apache AH Mk1, Army and it is good to see the team making such before the aircraft left the UK. good progress. I know the Attack Helicopter Force is The harvested parts will then be transported to the watching this programme with eager anticipation.” Boeing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where they will be remanufactured into the UK’s AH-64E aircraft, which comes with a new airframe, engines, rotor blades and avionics systems.

9 desider November 2018 News In Brief

New contract for Engineering services signed DE&S and the Aurora Engineering Partnership – formed by QinetiQ, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, and BMT – signed the Engineering Delivery Partner (EDP) contract in October. The EDP contract provides a streamlined, structured and efficient mechanism for securing engineering products and services, and temporary specialist engineering support to the business where internal resource is not available. This will help DE&S reduce the costs DM Beith celebrates 75 years of engineering services, while ensuring the UK’s armed forces Defence Munitions (DM) bus tour to help them appreciate receive the best equipment and Beith have held a Families the sheer scale of the site, which support. Day to celebrate the site’s 75th occupies almost 1,000 acres. As with our existing anniversary and to help raise In addition, other displays partnerships, Programme awareness of DE&S in the local included a sniffer dog Delivery Partner and Commercial community. demonstration, Scottish Delivery Partner, the new Established in 1943 as an Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire arrangements ensure that this MOD munitions depot during and Rescue, owl exhibit, police is the default route to market the Second World War, DM Beith equipment and DM Beith’s own when internal options have has facilities to store, maintain, vehicle displays. been exhausted or for urgent modify, refurbish, produce and Opening the event, Head of requirements. test weapons for all the armed Establishment Stephen Brown The EDP contract delivers services. presented two of the DM Beith significant benefits including Earlier this year the site opened Depot Charities – Erskine Care improved value for money and its doors to more than 500 family Homes for veterans and North enabling a step-change in the way members, friends and employees Ayrshire Cancer Care – each with services are delivered. It means to showcase the important work a cheque for £650 (one pictured DE&S can easily access some of that is done there. above), which had previously the best engineering resources Visitors were invited to enjoy a been fundraised by staff. in the country, which will help to provide a better service in providing equipment to the armed forces.

Wildcat supporting F-35B trials A Wildcat helicopter from carried out using state-of-the-art RNAS Yeovilton has been night-vision technology, with embarked on HMS Monmouth the pilots and aircraft handlers escorting HMS Queen Elizabeth successfully guiding the aircraft in the US as her historic F-35B onto the flight deck. fighter jet trials continue. The cutting-edge aircraft Wildcat Flight 213 from the has also successfully carried Somerset base, better known as out Shipborne Rolling Vertical call sign ‘Blackjack’, is enhancing Landings (SRVL). capability as the Type 23 frigate’s SRVL, an innovative ‘eyes in the sky’. manoeuvre unique to the UK DE&S Wildcat team leader, fleet, allows jets to land onboard Captain Mark Langrill, said: with heavier loads, meaning they “Wildcat will be an important part won’t need to jettison expensive of the Royal Navy’s new Carrier fuel and weapons before landing. Strike Group, and it is exciting to see 213 Flight’s aircraft operating *See page 14 for more on the so successfully with HMS Queen trials Elizabeth.” F-35B aircraft recently conducted their first night flying trials off the aircraft carrier, which is fitted with specially-designed LED lighting on her flight deck. The night-time trials were

10 desider November 2018 News In Brief LPhot Kyle Heller

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived in New York last month, taking a break from F-35B flight trials and marking the start of an historic visit to the US city. The largest ship in the history of Great Britain’s Royal Navy, which has been home to more than 1,500 military and civilian personnel for the past two months, anchored in New York Harbour under the gaze of the Statue of Liberty for a week before returning to the North Atlantic to resume trials.

Type 26 frigate announcement Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that one of Britain’s new cutting-edge Type 26 frigates will be called HMS Birmingham, becoming the fourth Royal Navy ship to bear that name. The 6,900-tonne frigates will be world-class anti-submarine warships and will provide cutting- edge protection for the likes of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, with the ability to conduct a whole range of other operations anywhere in the world. The Defence Secretary said: DE&S success at policy awards “Three of our nation’s ships DE&S employee John Izzard John’s was one of 14 awards have proudly borne the name has been recognised at a presented, reflecting the Birmingham. Those ships won five prestigious award ceremony for important, challenging and varied battle honours. Today, in honour his outstanding contribution range of defence business handled of this great city, we will be naming in advising ministers on a wide by PSP professionals across the one of our eight Type 26 global range of issues. department. combat ships HMS Birmingham.” John (pictured right) was Formerly with DE&S HMS Birmingham is the fourth presented with a Parliamentary Secretariat, John has now moved of the UK’s eventual eight Type 26 Award at the Policy Strategy and on promotion to a PSP post in the frigates to be named, with HMS Parliamentary (PSP) Awards at DE&S Approvals Support Team. Glasgow, HMS Belfast and HMS Main Building on September 26. Mark Bailey, Head of DE&S Cardiff the first three to be built. The awards were created in Secretariat, said: “We are very The frigates will begin to enter 2017 to recognise and reward proud that John was presented service in the 2020s. All the ships excellence in the PSP profession, with a Parliamentary Award are being constructed by BAE and commend the achievements for his work in delivering well Systems on the Clyde in Scotland, of teams and individuals received and quality advice to where the project is guaranteeing demonstrating outstanding Ministers, utilising his extensive 20 years of work and safeguarding contributions in their respective knowledge of Secretariat work, over 4,000 jobs. areas. built up over 16 years.”

11 desider November 2018 News

UK Naval gun demonstrates firepower during DE&S trials Pictured: A Mk8 naval gun firing a 4.5 inch shell during trials (Picture courtesy of Babcock)

ne of the most powerful was extremely rewarding. surface fleet, will remain at sea weapons in the Royal These tests will ensure “To feel the thump of a 4.5 inch armed with this formidable Navy’s arsenal has proven shell being fired first-hand was weapon for years to come.” Oits mettle during spectacular tests these warships, the a good way to finish the last 12 Carried out in partnership with overseen by DE&S staff. backbone of the months of work.” QinetiQ over a five-day period at Newly-released footage shows surface fleet, will The Mk8, which arms the Royal the MOD Eskmeals Range, the a Mk8 naval gun firing a 4.5 inch remain at sea armed Navy’s Type 23 Frigates and Type firings were tested against various shell out to sea from shore in a with this formidable 45 Destroyers, is based on a design ranges, altitudes and accuracy display of the weapon’s stopping weapon for years to which has been in active service criteria. power. for nearly half a century. The Results from the successful come The trials, carried out at a modern, semi-automatic variant trials will now be fed into the Cumbrian range through a £41 Lt Cdr Daniel Gatenby, Royal can rapidly fire high explosive programme as the five-year million contract with Babcock Navy Offensive Surface rounds against land and sea targets contract continues. signed in May 2016 to improve Warfare officer with pinpoint accuracy. the gun and extend its service life, DE&S provided the full gun involved the first land-based firing system for the test, inspected and of a fully-turreted 4.5 inch gun re-certified the barrel and breech Bonus content at since 2001. involved in the firing and worked www.des.mod.uk Overall, work to fulfil the with suppliers to ensure the firings contract is sustaining 35 jobs were carried out in a safe and across the supply chain, including effective way. 25 at Devonport and 10 at Barrow- Lieutenant commander in-Furness. Daniel Gatenby, Royal Navy DE&S International Guns, Offensive Surface Warfare officer, Missiles and Rockets Project said: “Royal Navy Frigates and Team Service Delivery Manager, Destroyers are at sea every day Matthew Norris, said: “DE&S is in defence of the UK’s national dedicated to delivering essential interests and security, supported improvements to ensure this by DE&S and their partners across weapon remains available for industry. Royal Navy operations into the “These tests will ensure these future, and being part of these tests warships, the backbone of the

12 desider November 2018 News

New £1 billion deal for Navy operations support Pictured: RAF Tideforce, one of the ships supported under the contracts, arriving in Cornwall for customisation in August (Picture by Charlie Perham)

E&S have signed new measures to ensure continued In addition to the four already contracts expected to be value-for-money. signed, a further three contracts Agreements following worth more than £1 billion Richard Burge, FISS project under the FISS project are a competition include Dwith British firms to support manager at DE&S, said: “The expected to be signed within the contracts expected to military ships for the next decade. team are incredibly proud to next year. The news is the latest The contracts, which will secure have delivered a crucial maritime development in supporting the be worth: over 700 jobs at shipyards across engineering support solution to nation’s military ships, after the the country, will support the UK’s our customer within a challenging MOD unveiled a new model in million with Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships time frame. October 2017 worth around £1 Cammell£357 Laird in Birkenhead and the Royal Navy’s Survey and “This could not have been billion to support the Royal Navy to support the RFA’s Fort and Hydrographic Fleet. achieved without the dedication fleet and sustain over a thousand Wave class tankers. The deal, secured by the Future to the cause by our small team and British jobs. in Service Support (FISS) team our excellent working relationship DE&S acting Chief of Materiel within DE&S Commercially with industry. We are especially Ships, Neal Lawson, said: million Supported Shipping and delighted that much of our activity “Through the placing of these also£262 with Cammell Laird announced by Defence Minister has been considered 'best practice' contracts and making changes in Birkenhead, to support Stuart Andrew, covers 17 ships and and is being shared amongst the to the way we provide support the RFA’s new fleet of four will improve how spares, repairs DE&S community.” under this agreement, we will be 39,000-tonne Tide class and maintenance work are carried able to deliver significant financial tankers. out. benefits.” The successful companies will Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels work on the ships at dockyards supply all Royal Navy ships, from £239 million with around the UK to ensure they The team are incredibly the Queen Elizabeth class carriers A&P in Falmouth to support are serviced and fitted with the proud to have to destroyers, frigates and patrol the RFA’s Bay class landing latest equipment and systems, delivered a crucial vessels, with fuel, ammunition, ships as well as the casualty ship RFA Argus and Royal whether they are undergoing a food and spares, wherever they maritime engineering Navy ocean survey vessel refit, undertaking training or on support solution to are in the world. They also HMS Scott. operations. our customer within a undertake disaster relief, counter- The deal is expected to piracy, counter-narcotics and challenging time frame deliver savings worth more than humanitarian operations around A million £100 million for defence, with Richard Burge, FISS project the world. contract£150 with UK Docks Ltd agreements including delivering manager at DE&S Hydrographic vessels conduct on Tyneside to support the improved support and greater oceanographic survey duties and survey ships HMS Echo and efficiency in ways such as new safeguard the integrity of the UK’s Enterprise and the ice patrol support solutions and improved territorial waters, while the Ice ship HMS Protector. performance targets. The whole Patrol Ship, HMS Protector, is the contract is underpinned by MOD’s sole capability in the ice. a robust set of performance

13 desider November 2018 Feature

Pictured clockwise from top left: The first F-35B lands on QNLZ (Jaime Howard is in a white boiler suit at the front), two F-35Bs approach the aircraft carrier, Royal Navy Commander Nathan Gray in his F-35B, F-35B Lightning jets on board QNLZ, an F-35B departs the carrier, the view from the 'Flyco' as Commander Nathan Gray makes the first ever F-35B Lightning jet vertical landing on board QNLZ, Andy Duthie and Jaime Howard pictured on board the aircraft carrier during trials (Pictures by PO Arron Hoare, Lockheed Martin and LPhot Kyle Heller)

14 desider November 2018 Feature A monumental moment in military history F-35 carrier trials: DE&S employees share their experiences of witnessing a historic moment in Defence

n September the first F-35B Lightning fighter jets Jaime added: “Without a doubt, standing on the landed on the deck of the HMS Queen Elizabeth deck of QNLZ as the first jet came in made me feel (QNLZ) aircraft carrier and made headlines very lucky to be part of Naval history and is one of Iaround the globe. the proudest moments in my career. The incredible spectacle was an unashamed “There was enormous pressure for everything to Fast Facts demonstration of force and marked the beginning go well, as it is such a high-profile programme, and of more than half a century of ‘Carrier Strike’ successfully refuelling that first aircraft was a huge The first F-35B landing operations while also being a statement of Britain’s moment. on board the carrier took determination to promote peace and prevent war. “Many people had spent years on these place in mid-September. The first deck landing took place off the east coast programmes and I consider myself incredibly of the US, where QNLZ and F-35B aircraft have been fortunate to reap the rewards of their efforts Royal Navy Commander undergoing flying trials at sea. and witness these trials – a once in a lifetime Nathan Gray and RAF Seeing the most advanced fighter jets on the planet opportunity.” Squadron Leader Andy take their place on the largest warship in British Lieutenant Commander Lee Garth, of UK F-35B Edgell were the first pilots history was a proud moment for the nation and Ship Integration, within the DE&S Lightning to land their stealth F-35 signified a major landmark for all DE&S employees Delivery Team, was also lucky enough to be on Lightning fighter jets on board the carrier. who have contributed to either the extraordinary board for the trials. F-35 or Carrier programmes. He said: “Prior to the jets arriving, there was a The landings marked the Some from DE&S were lucky to experience the noticeable sense of anticipation throughout the start of more than 500 drama first hand and play a role on the historic day. whole ship. take-offs and touch- Two of those people were Commander Andy “Having witnessed some of the last UK fixed wing downs set to take place Duthie and Warrant Officer Jaime Howard of the launch and recoveries more than eight years ago, I from the mammoth DE&S QNLZ Strategic Class Authority Warship was excited to step on to the flight deck just as the warship during an 11- Approving Authority Aviation Systems Team. two F-35s entered the circuit above the ship. week period in a range of Their job was to make sure the aircraft carrier was “Being part of a very exclusive group of people weather conditions. compatible with the F-35B, which for Andy meant who were able to be on the deck during the first focusing on the effect of the first and subsequent landing felt very special.” The return of ‘Carrier landings on the flight deck surface, while Jaime’s Commander David Downie, NAVAIR Liaison Strike’ to the UK comes attention was on ensuring the jets could be refuelled Officer, Lighting Delivery Team, DE&S, added: eight years after a fighter once they had landed. “Being onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth as the first jet last landed on a British Andy, manager of the team, said: “Both the carrier F-35B aircraft embarked on the ship was a proud carrier. and F-35 programmes have been 20 years in the moment for me, as it marks the return of Fixed Wing making, so being there when these two phenomenal Carrier Aviation to the UK. The historic flight trials platforms came together was very special, and I felt “It was history in the making and I feel come more than 100 years after the UK’s HMS honoured to have had the opportunity to witness this fortunate to have the sort of job that gives me these Argus became the world’s first hand. opportunities – this is one of the best things about first carrier capable of “Watching the first aircraft was an exciting working for the Royal Navy and DE&S. safely launching and and anxious experience, and following those first “During the flying trials, we’ve been able to gather recovering naval aircraft. recoveries, as I checked the flight deck surface some invaluable data about the performance of coating and realised it had performed extremely well, both the aircraft and ship. This will help us work up was an emotional moment. towards full 'Carrier Strike' capability for the UK.” “I had worked with an exceptional team of HMS Queen Elizabeth remains set to be deployed Bonus content at academics, scientists and engineers who had done on global operations from 2021. Britain now has 16 everything to identify risk and solutions – but until out of the MOD’s plan to buy 138 F-35 Lightning jets www.des.mod.uk the trials start you just don’t know. over the life of the programme as part of its world- “It was our responsibility to see that these systems leading fleet of military aircraft. worked so that the trials could flow seamlessly and we achieved that, making all our hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile.”

15 Picture: Beth Squire desider November 2018 DE&S People

On teamwork, his career and being fired up by delivery

Marcus Bruton is the Project Director for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP). He leads the team responsible for delivering a £1.5 billion upgrade to the capability

What does your role involve? What is your view on not only in the jobs I have done, giving me huge responsibility I’m the Project Director for the transformation? at a very young age, but also in Warrior Capability Sustainment Thosewho know me are the interesting work that I have Programme, leading a team probably bored with me banging done. I can honestly say I have of 40 people to deliver a £1.5 on about implementing a matrix enjoyed every moment of the 28 billion upgrade to the Warrior management organisation years I have worked in Defence Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). in DE&S. In my opinion the procurement. The Warrior IFV is a critical organisation was allowing the component of the Army’s needs of the individual – in What do you most enjoy about capability and to build upon and terms of career development your job? sustain that capability beyond – to override the needs of the Projects are, by definition, going 2040 is key. organisation to deliver its outputs. to have problems and I really We need people to gain experience What about your role is enjoy creating high-performing in different areas but it needs teams to solve these problems. exciting, rewarding or to be done in a controlled way interesting? I recently started the project which benefits the organisation intern programme with UWE WCSP is challenging, but first and foremost. Implementing (see Desider January 2017) and dealing with difficulties is when we a balanced matrix has gone some the questions I asked were really really test ourselves. I’m a deliverer way to redress that. Putting simple – can you communicate? by nature, and getting on and together the suite of project Can you plan? And what do you delivering this key capability to the artefacts is another great step do when you get knocked down? Army is what really fires me. I was forward to more efficient and Building a focused, highly- asked by Director Land Equipment effective delivery. This is allowing performing team is quite an to come and run WCSP and teams to spend their time planning unbelievable feeling. Watching after nearly 20 years of running – thinking about what products how that team becomes a single programmes and portfolios I’m are needed and what work is entity to deliver the project is back to running a project, which required to deliver them rather probably the best in-work feeling to me is coming home as I haven’t than saying 'I’ve got this much there is. had that challenge for a long time. money, in this profile, how do I deliver the project'. I also think What do you enjoy doing in How important to you is that rewarding success drives your spare time? teamwork? people to focus on what is needed. I have extensively researched Teamwork is the critical my family tree and have come to component of project Why did you choose to pursue the sad conclusion that my family management. Successful projects a career in DE&S? has only moved 20 miles in just can only be delivered by teams After studying electronic under 400 years. Personally, I that work in harmony, all pulling engineering at university, I realised like to travel and have spent time together in the same direction I wasn’t a very good design travelling around Australia, as well making the whole greater than engineer but I was a good team as South and North America. I the sum of the parts. A project leader and planner – I had never also enjoy watching my son’s rugby manager can’t be the expert in all heard of project management and matches, F1, reading and drinking the functions required to deliver just applied to join the MOD as red wine. a project, so a team of people part of the milk round. I fell into with different skills and different MOD (Procurement Executive) What might surprise people characters is needed. The project by accident and realised that this about you? manager orchestrates those was exactly what I wanted to do. I almost became a Bristol City different skills and characters into DE&S and its predecessors have Councillor. I was pipped by 110 delivering the outcome desired by been really good to me in terms votes. the customer. of educating and upskilling me,

17 desider November 2018 News

£93 million missile project secures more than 100 Belfast jobs Pictured: STARStreak, fired from the Stormer armoured vehicle during trials, one of the very short range air defence capabilities that will have an enhanced support package under the new contract (Picture courtesy of Thales)

multi-million-pound deal Adrian Birch, Short Range Air to ensure this project continues to modernise and boost Defence team leader at DE&S, to support our troops for years to the British Army and The team worked said: “I have been incredibly c om e .” ARoyal Marines’ very short-range exceptionally well impressed by the hard work put in Northern Ireland plays an air defence capability has been with industry to by the team to secure a contract important role in UK defence, secured by DE&S. ensure we continue to modernise this vital capability providing over 4,000 regulars The £93 million Future Air while also supporting jobs is and reserves to the armed forces, to provide the armed Defence Availability Project the region. The team worked supporting over 600 industry jobs (F-ADAPT) contract, awarded to forces with the very exceptionally well with industry and is renowned for its defence Thales UK, will secure more than best equipment at the to ensure we continue to provide manufacturing industry. 100 jobs in Belfast and provide the very best price the armed forces with the very best Industry has committed to more UK armed forces with a potent equipment at the very best price.” than double its revenue from the defensive ability. Adrian Birch, Short Range The announcement was made aerospace, defence, security and The project will enhance the Air Defence team leader at by Defence Minister Stuart space activities in the region to High Velocity and Lightweight DE&S Andrew during his visit to over £2 billion a year. Northern Multi-role Missile systems, which Northern Ireland’s capital last Ireland companies are part of are designed to intercept a wide month. the overall Ministry of Defence range of air and surface threats The Minister said: “Defence equipment and support plan to such as enemy drones, helicopters investment benefits every corner spend £180 billion over the decade and armoured vehicles. of our United Kingdom and to 2026-27, which will enhance The upgrades include thermal Northern Ireland is no exception. prosperity across the UK. imaging, which ensures the High This £93 million deal will Velocity Missile system can be secure over 100 local jobs and used 24 hours a day, and 'friend demonstrates the ingenuity and or foe' identification, which will skill of Northern Irish industry.” maximise intelligence on potential DE&S Director Weapons threats and targets. Richard Smart added: “The The F-ADAPT will ensure F-ADAPT is crucial in that this critical capability is safeguarding our Very Short- maintained during peacetime Range Air Defence capability and training but can also be rapidly the team at DE&S has worked deployed for operations into the collaboratively with industry to 2020s. deliver the enhancements needed

18 INNOVATING FOR OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGE

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Employee spread the word of DE&S at careers fair Pictured: DE&S STEM ambassador Luke Sullivan (centre) helps pupils programme their robots (Picture by Beth Squire)

E&S employees gave “It was enjoyable seeing them their time in a bid to I hope they go away grow very quickly in confidence inspire hundreds of and I hope they go away both Dschoolchildren about the amazing both inspired about inspired about engineering and opportunities available at the engineering and with with more idea of the exciting organisation during a two-day more idea of the things we do at DE&S.” careers event. exciting things we Ella, 12, of Marlwood School Ambitions 2018, held at South do at DE&S in Alveston, said: “I found the Gloucestershire and Stroud DE&S stand really fun. I enjoy College (SGS), was attended by Luke Sullivan, DE&S using computers and liked the more than 75 companies looking STEM ambassador challenge of having to programme to reach Year 9 pupils. the robots. I think engineering More than 2,000 pupils from is definitely something I will secondary schools in the Bristol consider pursuing.” area attend the event looking In addition to the stands, a to be excited by what career careers evening was held where opportunities the city can offer. STEM ambassadors from DE&S The DE&S stand, manned by could engage with families Science, Technology, Engineering wanting to know more about the and Maths (STEM) ambassadors, organisation and the apprentice allowed pupils to try their hand schemes available. using Lego Mindstorms to John Walker, head of careers programme two robots to work and school services at SGS, said: in harmony and swap places on a “This is not a traditional careers set grid. fair – it is designed to be far more DE&S STEM ambassador interactive and engaging so as to Luke Sullivan said: “This was the capture student’s imaginations. brainchild of the engineering “It allows students to engage group’s chief technician Robert directly with industry and helps Bates and it was certainly a hit. them make informed decisions “The pupils took to it really well about the career path they and there was a nice balance of may wish to follow, as well as learning how to programme but giving organisations like DE&S also working as a team with the the invaluable opportunity to person programming the other showcase the exciting roles they robot to ensure they didn’t crash. have on offer.”

20 desider November 2018 News

DE&S team and equipment play key role in getting humanitarian aid to Indonesia Pictured: UK and Indonesian aid is loaded onto an RAF A400M aircraft in Jakarta (Picture by Corporal Stephen Harvey)

vital delivery of aid to Morton, of DSCOM Operations, Indonesia was orchestrated said: “DSCOM provided strategic by the DE&S Defence Being able to movement support to Operation ASupply Chain Operations and provide help during a Rakeful, the humanitarian aid Movements (DSCOM) team based humanitarian disaster disaster relief in Indonesia, at MOD Abbey Wood. to those desperately requiring us to re-prioritise the The island of Sulawesi was hit in need is a privilege high tempo ongoing Defence by a devastating earthquake and and one this activity. tsunami that resulted in more “Being able to provide help incredibly motivated than 800 people losing their lives during a humanitarian disaster and leaving more than 1.5 million team thrives on to those desperately in need is a affected, the Red Cross estimate. privilege and one this incredibly After MOD direction to deploy Lieutenant Colonel motivated team thrives on.” an A400M, DSCOM re-prioritised Ceri Morton, DSCOM A400M is ideal for Operations the high tempo ongoing Defence humanitarian missions, as the activity so that the aircraft was able aircraft can carry large amounts to transfer aid to the international of supplies over 4,000 nautical relief centre at Balikpapan as part miles at an impressive speed and of Operation Rakeful on three is capable of using short and consecutive days between October unprepared runways. 5 and 7. James Dowson, the A400M The RAF aircraft, procured by Delivery Team Leader, said: “The DE&S and based at RAF Brize entire team takes great interest Norton, transported more than and pride whenever A400M 43 tonnes of Indonesian supplies, undertakes such duties. This was a in addition to the 17.5 tonnes of significant humanitarian mission UK aid. and it’s rewarding to see the On board were 1,280 much- aircraft again playing a key role in needed shelter kits and 288 underlining the UK’s commitment hygiene kits, as part of the to helping others in times of need.” £3 million pledged by the Department for International Development to the relief effort. Lieutenant Colonel Ceri

21 desider November 2018 News

Devonport will home Type 26 frigates Pictured: Computer generated image of the future Type 26 ship for the Royal Navy (Picture courtesy of BAE Systems)

ll of the Royal Navy’s dangerous times, with threats ships will benefit from the latest next-generation Type 26 Ships have set sail intensifying both on and beneath advances in digital technology. frigates will be homed in the water. Plymouth should be in Support, including deep ADevonport, the Defence Secretary from Devonport’s no doubt that it will be right at the maintenance, of the Type 26 Gavin Williamson has announced. dock to defend our heart of Britain’s fight for a safer Frigates will be delivered through The eight 6,900-tonne frigates, great nation for world by homing these formidable the DE&S Future Maritime which will replace the current hundreds of years, warships.” Support Programme which is anti-submarine warfare Type 23 and I can reveal that Devonport has been supporting currently in its assessment phase. frigates, will start being delivered the truly world-class the Royal Navy since 1691, with The formidable anti-submarine to the Royal Navy from the mid- Type 26 frigates will the vast site covering more than warship will include an embarked 2020s. 650 acres with four miles of helicopter, powerful sonar The Type 26 frigates will be follow in their wake waterfront. detection systems, ship and world-class anti-submarine Gavin Williamson, Defence The base employs 2,500 people, helicopter-launched torpedoes and warships and will provide cutting- Secretary supporting around 400 local firms a design which makes the Type edge protection for the likes of and generating around 10 per cent 26 extremely difficult for enemy the UK’s nuclear deterrent and of Plymouth’s income. It is a key submarines to detect. the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft part of defence’s huge footprint in The announcement follows carriers, with the ability to conduct the South West, where the MOD last month’s news that Canada a whole range of other operations spends £5.1 billion with industry – had selected the Type 26 Frigate anywhere in the world. more than in any other part of the as the preferred option for the Defence Secretary Gavin country. Royal Canadian Navy’s future Williamson said: “The largest The first three Type 26 ships Canadian Surface Combatants – Naval Base in western Europe, have already been ordered for £3.7 the procurement project that will Devonport is the lifeblood of billion from BAE Systems’ yards replace the Iroquois and Halifax Plymouth and is as synonymous on the Clyde and have been named class warships with up to 15 new with this city as it is with our as HMS Glasgow, HMS Cardiff, ships beginning in the early 2020s. famous Royal Navy.” and HMS Belfast. The Defence Australia also recently decided “Ships have set sail from Secretary has also announced that to build nine of the British- Devonport’s dock to defend our a further Type 26 will be named designed Type 26 warships in a great nation for hundreds of years, HMS Birmingham. deal which could be worth up to and I can reveal that the truly The flexible design of the £20 billion. world-class Type 26 frigates will frigates will enable these follow in their wake. capabilities to be adapted to “We are living in increasingly counter future threats, and the

22 O © 20 desider November 2018 s h k 1 o 8 O s

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Supporting the Poppy Appeal is a family affair Pictured: Adam, Alan, Sue and Gemma all support the Poppy Appeal (Picture by Jack Eckersley)

he Poppy Appeal raises tens their time to help out with the themselves and changed our of millions of pounds each It’s just a great charity main Poppy Appeal activities in world. year to provide lifelong Bristol. Sue, who served in the RAF Tsupport for the armed forces that does so much Alan, who served in the RAF between 1978 and 1981, said: community – and it’s those like good – that’s a big between 1980 and 2006 and toured “There is the opportunity for the Hodson family that make it enough reason for me the Falklands and Iraq, said: “I teams at DE&S to sponsor a poppy happen. to get behind it guess I see it as giving something for the memorial garden. I hope Sue and husband Alan both back and, having served in the there will be plenty of support.” served with the RAF and their Adam Hodson military myself, I may need their This year Sue hopes to raise children, Gemma and Adam, services one day – you just never more than £20,000 for the Poppy spent their childhood growing up know. Appeal at MOD Abbey Wood. For on RAF bases around the country. “My father did National Service more information contact Now they all work at DE&S. in the RAF and they helped him [email protected] As such, they are well get a mobility scooter – without acquainted with military ways and, which he would find it very when the opportunity to support difficult to cope. It’s a charity that the Royal British Legion presented really does matter.” itself three years ago, they were all Gemma said: “I think having keen to get involved. grown up in the military Three years on Sue is the lead environment it was just something for the Poppy Appeal activities that I really wanted to lend my at DE&S, Gemma runs sporting support to.” challenges to raise money – Adam added: “It’s just a great including this year’s inaugural charity that does so much good – Abbey Wood Games and Adam that’s a big enough reason for me runs the popular annual football to get behind it.” tournament. Last month, Air Marshal Julian Meanwhile Alan, while Young, Chief of Materiel (Air), supporting the others, busies launched this year’s ‘Thank You’ himself with extreme cycling Poppy Appeal campaign, which is events, on occasion with Gemma, marking the end of the First World to raise money and awareness of War centenary and saying thank the charity, and they all give up you to all who served, sacrificed

24 Project Manager Graduate Commercial FIND YOUR FUTURE Engineer Finance Business Manager Business Manager Communications Communications Project Controller Project Controller Human Resources Human Resources Security Security des.mod.uk A new home for careers at DE&S desider November 2018 DE&S People

DE&S and SDA apprentices and graduates hit the heights during epic hiking challenge Pictured: Team DEStinct make their way up Cader Idris during their Welsh Three Peaks Challenge (Picture by Peter Attrill)

team of DE&S and around the country. Submarine Delivery Their efforts in Wales have It was incredibly cold Agency (SDA) graduates seen Team DEStinct, as they have Aand apprentices have returned chosen to be known, raise more at the top of Pen Y triumphant having conquered the than £3,000 for the cause. Fan and we had little Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. Team member Ieuan Wilcox, or no sleep but we The 21-strong group headed an apprentice in finance, said: “I were determined to off from MOD Abbey Wood found completing the challenge finish the challenge at 1.30am on October 19, and very rewarding. I met some and showed the reached the summit of the final great people and it was a huge strength of mind and mountain at 1.30am on Saturday – confidence boost. just 24 hours later. “It was incredibly cold at the top team spirit to get over The challenge saw the intrepid of Pen Y Fan and we had little or the finish line explorers successfully reach the no sleep but we were determined Ieuan Wilcox, Team summit of Snowdon, Cader Idris to finish the challenge and showed DEStinct and Pen Y Fan – a total walking the strength of mind and team distance of 17 miles (27.4km) and spirit to get over the finish line.” an ascent of 2,334 metres (7,657ft). DE&S graduate Liam Roche- The team took on the feat as Lamerton added: “Reaching the part of the Prince’s Trust Million top of the final mountain – Pen Y Makers challenge – an innovative Fan – was a huge relief and gave us entrepreneurial fundraising all a real sense of achievement. challenge aimed at helping them “I found it incredibly develop essential business skills challenging to go without any hot for their domain – whether that food so for Bex, a member of the be project professional, finance, Prince Trust’s team, to deliver us a engineering or commercial. homemade chilli before the final The competition challenges peak was incredible. It gave the teams of employees across UK whole team a real boost.” organisations competing to raise Team DEStinct have until at least £10,000 or more over a December 31 to raise the £10,000 period of six months. Collectively, required. teams are aiming to raise £1 You can still donate at www. million to transform the lives justgiving.com/teamDEStinct of disadvantaged young people

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Organised by the Society of Maritime Industries www.maritimeindustries.org desider November 2018 DE&S People

60 second spotlight "I was once trampled by a bull at the Pamplona bull run. I was seeing stars for about 20 minutes"

whisky table and drinks set, and recently returned from two John Leitch days wild camping around Ben Job: Macdui (the second highest mountain in the UK, located in Training manager, Defence Aberdeenshire), with some wild, Munitions Crombie and rather invigorating swimming in Loch Etchachan thrown in for Your route into DE&S? good measure.

I applied externally for the What are you most proud of? Defence Munitions (DM) training manager position after my wife My wife when she gave birth to found the DE&S job advert online our son Barnaby and my 24 years and said: ‘this would be perfect service with the Corps of Royal for you’. I had been involved in Engineers. In that order obviously. training throughout my 24-year military career and finished my If you were sent to a desert time as a training manager, coach island, what three things and mentor and counter terrorism would you take with you? search instructor at the Defence Explosive Ordinance Disposal, As an ex-military engineer I’m Munitions and Search Training afraid it would be disappointingly Regiment. Therefore, applying for practical. A metal pot (with lid), the DM training manager position a large ball of green string and a seemed a natural transition. Now Leatherman multi-tool. based at DM Crombie in Fife, this new position ticks all the boxes. What irritates you the most?

Your claim to fame? People making assumptions or people not thinking things I once met HRH Prince Harry through and considering others. when I delivered his Mines Also, untidiness, in the military Awareness and Counter you learn to keep things ‘squared Improvised Explosive Device away’. brief prior to him deploying to Afghanistan. A very down to earth What is your favourite place in individual. the world?

Your advice to anyone? I have been lucky to do a far bit of foreign travel, but I Firstly, travel as much and as always consider Edinburgh as widely as you can. Experiencing my favourite place. With great new places and foreign cultures architecture, pubs, entertainment really does give you a more and places to be I always relish a considered outlook on life. trip into the city, and Edinburgh Do you or Secondly, always seek to achieve never fails to make me love it. something, no matter how small – Despite all of the places I have someone you it gives you a sense of success – been, Edinburgh somehow know deserve and finally, and most importantly, always comes out on top. (as I learnt in the military) maintain their 60 seconds a sense of humour – it will get you What would surprise people in the spotlight? through anything. about you? Email What do you do when you’re I was once trampled by a bull [email protected] away from work? at the Pamplona bull run. I was seeing stars for about 20 Woodwork projects, tinkering in minutes. the man shed and hillwalking. I'm currently making a mahogany

28 desider November 2018 DE&S People

DE&S’ James lands World Strongest Man title E&S employee James Gregory event and it cost me the title.” has returned triumphant James, who stands 6ft 2inches tall from Finland having beaten and dead lifts 300kg, the equivalent Dthe globe’s most muscular athletes to of three fridge freezers, maintains his secure a World Strongest Man title. phenomenal strength by spending four James, a business manager within hours a day in the gym and consuming information management and IT, is around 4,000 daily calories – made up now the United Strongman World’s of steak mince, chicken, rice, sweet Strongest Man in the under 105kg class potato, egg whites and oats. following his triumph in Helsinki. “That said, the first thing I reach for He beat strong men from a host of after a tournament is over is lasagne nations including the USA, Canada, and cheesecake”, he admits. Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Norway James first started going to the gym and Ireland to land the prestigious title. when he was 16, purely to bulk himself James can now add the accolade up for rugby. to his British Natural Strongman “The first time I went in the gym Federation (BNSF), England’s Strongest I bench-pressed 120kg and a few Man title, and his three podium eyebrows were raised – I guess I was finishes at the BNSF Britain Strongest just naturally strong”, James said. Man. It was only about five years ago that He said: “The events in Helsinki he first got a taste of the sport when he included zercher carry, power stairs, attended Strong Man Sunday at Trojan deadlift, log press, wrist roller, front Fitness in Ashton and, egged on by hold and sand bag carry. mates, he went to try out the different “To win the competition on the strong man events. power stairs was a massive Nowadays his prowess in the sport relief as last year I made also sees him traveling the world – a mistake in that this year alone he has competed in the United States, Finland, Hungary and Spain – where last month he competed in Barcelona at the Arnold Strongman series (devised by Arnold Schwarzenegger) and met the great man himself. “Being at DE&S gives me an amazing work-life balance that is giving me the opportunity to fulfil my potential and still spend quality time with my family”, he said.

Picture: Jack Eckersley Picture: 29 desider November 2018 DE&S People Volunteering success and a worthy bowls champion

Edward Smart, of the DE&S Weapons Operating System team, has been awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service. The RAF Cadet Flight Sergeant received the prestigious accolade from Dame Janet Trotter for his DE&S Ship Acquisition employees two community centres at Cockleshell leadership, enthusiasm and commitment to the Air have undertaken two highly and Crossley in Portsmouth, which are Training Corps. successful community volunteering operated by the Royal Navy and Royal As part of his citation, Edward, a member of 1329 events. Marines Welfare department. (Tetbury) Detached Flight Squadron, was recognised Staff volunteered as they wanted The centres provide accessible for escorting 19 cadets and staff from nine different to show DE&S gives back to its local support services that strengthen squadrons in Bristol and Gloucestershire on Exercise communities and because they wanted and enhance the resilience and Mountain Storm in Canada last summer. to support the wider Government resourcefulness of Naval Service The exercise later won the esteemed 2017 principles of corporate social personnel, their families and Shackleton Trophy for the most successful, responsibility. communities. imaginative and adventurous expedition. As part of their ongoing volunteering Staff worked in groups to clear His citation also highlighted Edward’s time partnership with the Scouting and improve the outside areas of commitment to the Air Cadets since becoming an Association at Woodhouse Park, staff both centres – cutting back bushes, adult instructor in 2011 and applauded him for leading (pictured) returned to Almondsbury rebuilding a BBQ area, painting and more than 20 Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award to prepare and paint two large bunk planting new flowers. expeditions, having been a DofE Gold Award holder rooms, part of a rolling programme Pat Browning, Type 26 Project himself. of work in which the team have to manager, said: “It was a great day. Finally, it marked his efforts in getting a regional maintain the property and grounds. The community centres offer such cadet team into the International Four Day Marches in In addition, staff in the Type 26 team valuable services and facilities to Naval Nijmegen, Holland – the largest multiple day marching undertook a Community Investment Service personnel, their families and event in the world. Day alongside their BAES colleagues at communities.” His sister Fiona Smart, who works in DE&S Corporate Communications, said: “Seeing Edward presented with his award was an incredibly proud moment.”

A DE&S employee based at failed to dampen Jamie's' Defence Munitions Beith has performance and he won the become the 2018 Scottish title by a convincing 21 shots Civil Service Bowling to 16. Association (CSBA) singles His Beith & District CSBA champion. teammates also tasted Jamie Campbell, who works success, with the trio of Adam within the Spearfish (Torpedo) Grant, Joe Reid and Duncan Fuelling Facility, is a member of Meldrum picking up the triples Beith & District CSBA in North title and the same threesome Ayrshire. with the addition of Robert He won the prestigious title Bogle picked up the fours title. on August 24 at the Parkside As a result of their Bowling Club in Edinburgh, triumphs they will represent which is beneath the Scotland at next year’s British spectacular setting of Arthur's Championships. Seat, next to the Scottish A spokesman said: Parliament. “Congratulations to Jamie from The miserable conditions all at Defence Munitions Beith.”

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the MOD Lottery July Patricia picks up MOTTO winners £10,000 Colin Clarke, Gosport prestigious award £2,500 Peter Robertson, Andover MOD LGBT+ Sh..OUT network network has made many contributions, £1,000 George Gibson, Beith committee member Patricia Hughes such as influencing policy change, travelled to London to help receive providing informed knowledge to £500 Adrian Hall, Yeovil a team commendation from the project teams, participating in external £250 Jessica Darby, ABW MOD Chief Operating Officer, David events to promote careers in the MOD, £100 Christopher Mason, Tewkesbury Goldstone. running conferences and working Patricia, Ajax operations manager with external organisations such as Ian Etheridge, Whitehall from Land Equipment’s Vehicle Stonewall and industry to share and Alan Evans, Glasgow Support Team, is also a member of promote best practice. Joanne Durant, ABW DE&S Pride – one of the organisation’s “A more diverse and inclusive numerous Diversity & Inclusion workforce is generally more productive Alistair Gibbs, ABW networks. and stronger”, Patricia, pictured Ross Franklin, Anglesey The MOD LGBT+ Sh..OUT network second from left, said. Lisa MacKenzie, Corsham committee works hard to promote “DE&S actively promotes the Pride positive and inclusive practices within network, encouraging membership Tracey Taylor, Salisbury DE&S, wider MOD and the local across the workforce. We are not just Elizabeth Martin, Andover communities. for those who identify as LGBT+, but Alan Church, Ramsgate Patricia says in the past year the also for people to sign up as allies.” Nick Morris, Andover Dennis Collin, Plymouth Caroline Mayall, ABW Jacqueline Worsdell, Portsmouth Rebecca Groves, ABW Lynne Smith, Corsham James Moreton, Fareham John Hayter, ABW Emily Brushett, Feltham David Clancy, Aldershot

Last month's missing word was: Marham

G A L L Y F E D I N B U R G H I T K N Y N A H W I A F L S W B U K N C W Word Search I O I E S Q D R O R I A V Q M D A Z Apache Deliver Poppy Appeal K B I P G N R O E L I S T I S O R F Atlas Edinburgh School I O M P T N H E D P M G L L F N T S Birmingham Firepower Service H W H A M C R C E A O E A Y A E N E Bowls Frigate Teamwork Careers Hiking Trials D L G Y S A A K H I S W D T Y S O R Champion Indonesia Volunteer I S M P C T H G G T K Z E X E I C V Contract Milestone Wildcat B W D P U O N C O L N Q H R L A W I Find which word or name is missing from this T W K O O I M N R E E T N U L O V C wordsearch. I X J P M D E L I V E R D J G M S E Note - they may appear vertically, E R T R I A L S U E H C A P A E A N horizontally, diagonally, forward or backward. G A I W A X W E V R K D K T S Y D C

M B R D B Z W Q S X V R T M D V H C

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the ability to plan and deliver change at pace, the management of major incidents and the delivery of IT services across the estate. Case What are the opportunities to develop and progress within your function? There are many opportunities to develop and progress within the Information Management/IT function with roles across the IT delivery lifecycle. Whether you have explicit knowledge, skills and experience of IT strategy, design, transition or operations, a keen interest in Continual Service Improvement or the provision of KIM services there Study are opportunities at every level. Richard Evans, Head of IT Service What do you most enjoy about your job? Delivery and Supplier Management That there’s a genuine commitment and desire from the DE&S CIO senior leadership to stabilise and at DE&S, gives his insight into modernise ageing IT infrastructure for the good of the business and its people, as well as a desire some of the benefits of working for to provide an improved IT service and support environment for our customers across DE&S, the the organisation MOD and Defence.

What’s you ambition? Name: To continue to deliver the organisational change Richard Evans required to provide improved IT services to our customers. I also want to address the key IT Job title: infrastructure challenges, stabilise our operating Head of IT Service Delivery and Supplier environment, improve performance and increase Management resilience.

How long have you worked for DE&S? What’s the greatest achievement in your role to Seven months date? It’s early days but there are big challenges in the IT Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? infrastructure environment which my team and I are I left the Army in 2013 following a period as the taking significant steps to address. We have recently Project Management Office lead within the Battlefield delivered a revised Disaster Recovery Plan for Abbey and Tactical Communications and Information Wood, which marks significant progress in our ability Systems Delivery Team. Whilst filling this role I to plan for and manage disaster recovery events. completed the Defence Acquisition Management MSc at Cranfield University and joined Babcock Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a International Group as the Head of IT Programme great place to work? Management Office. I became aware of the Head Having served as member of the armed forces, a of IT Service Delivery and Supplier Management civilian within defence industry and now a Civil opportunity within the DE&S Chief Information Servant, I believe I have the breadth of experience Officer (CIO) team. The challenge was simply too to confirm that DE&S is a great place to work. There good an opportunity to miss. are huge and diverse opportunities at all levels of the organisation and every day is spent either building or What does your role entail? supporting capability for our armed forces. The Head of IT Service Delivery and Supplier Management role is diverse and includes elements of What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? service management, supplier management, service There is an excellent gym at Abbey Wood for the operations, project delivery and knowledge and minimal cost associated with Civil Service Sports information management (KIM) support. Activities Club membership. In addition, DE&S CIO are at range from the support of the IT infrastructure across the vanguard of smart working, which allows staff to Abbey Wood, the delivery of the Information Services work more flexibly, whether that be from home or Plan and the provision of KIM services across DE&S. remotely. I firmly believe that these changes will help It requires effective customer communication, attract new talent to DE&S.

32 Picture: Jack Eckersley Picture:

WORK FOR DE&S For more info and job opportunities visit: www.des.mod.uk

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Here are six great reasons to work for DE&S

Bonuses & Pension Flexible Recognition Our Alpha pension is Working conservatively valued at 21% Annual bonus and one- of your salary. Most private Balancing work and life, off payments based on companies only offer 6-12% various working patterns performance for going above and beyond

Professional Holiday Facilities Development 25 days rising to 30 days after We provide a modern, 5 years safe and convenient work Choose a career path that’s environment right for you

For even more reasons see our 'Little Book of Big Benefits' at www.des.mod.uk

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Future Vacancies

Commercial Managers & Commercial Officers DE&S Yeovil £30,000 - £44,000pa (Commercial Managers) £19,000 - £34,000pa (Commercial Officers) Professional II (Commercial Managers) Senior Admin Specialists (Commercial Officers) Estimated timeline: Launching mid November 2018 Post type Permanent Job Description: We are looking for a number of experienced Commercial Managers and Commercial Officers to join our team. Based at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, you will be providing support for a range of commercial projects relating to our helicopter capability, including commercial arrangements for equipment, in-service support and technical advice.

Commercial Officer DE&S Waddington £19,000 - £34,000pa Senior Admin Specialist Estimated timeline: Launching mid November 2018 Post type Permanent Job Description: We are looking for a Commercial Officer to join our Air Support Operating Centre, in the Air Intelligence Surveillance Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance programme based at RAF Waddington. You will provide support to the contract of the Sentry availability service, which is aircraft with airborne early warning and control system equipment, as well as various supporting contracts.

IT Administrator DE&S & SDA Bristol £17,000 - £23,000pa Admin Specialist Estimated timeline: Launching January 2019 Post type Permanent Job Description: We will be recruiting a number of IT Administrators throughout IM&IT, who will provide accurate and timely administrative support to various areas of DE&S and SDA. You will regularly interact with and support colleagues within their specialist areas, in addition to engaging with internal IT and IS users. WORK FOR DE&S For more info and job opportunities visit: www.des.mod.uk