Jan 2013 Issue 56

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

Ocean heads for calmer waters

DE&S teams shine in annual acquisition awards See inside

Support goes Bringing pilots Apprentices play Latest Astute Typhoon looks right to the end ‘home’ safely a starring role is on the way shiny and new Our UK employees are proud to provide kit for Britain’s armed forces. We design, manufacture and maintain ghter jets, armoured vehicles and naval vessels including the Typhoon aircraft, Scimitar light tanks and the Astute Class of . But we’re prouder still of the contribution and sacri ces made by our armed forces every day. Thank you.

REAL PRIDE. REAL ADVANTAGE. armed forces every day. forcesevery armed Thankyou. contribution andsacri ces madeby our submarine. Butwe’re prouderstillofthe light tanksandtheAstuteClassof including theTyphoon aircraft, Scimitar vehiclesandnavalarmoured vessels manufacture andmaintain ghter jets, kit forBritain’s forces.We armed design, Our UKemployees areproudtoprovide

REAL PRIDE. REAL AD V ANT A GE. des Steve Moore [email protected] [email protected] Ralph Dunn [email protected] Dick Naughton © Crown Copyright desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)207 +44 Fax: 1819. 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 EC1R 0NE London Lane, Anthon Linton Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Deputy Relations: Public Head, Assistant expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care inthose the While editor the takes defence industries. including MOD, the outside readers to available made be sponsor. and the can also equipment Copies capability relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the by cleared be must advertorials for content All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily not are advertised, Printing: Printing: from well-managed forests. Stewardship Councilcertified material post consumer waste andForest cent recycled andde-inked pulpfrom Silk 90gsmwhichcontains 50per This magazineisproduced onCocoon FEATURES 28 26 22 20 is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees employees DE&S to charge of free distributed is

Let's hearitfor thegirls! Two nationsjoininweapon systems testing Teamwork keeps DE&Sontop DE&S makes sure thepost always getsthrough Christmas mail Bernard Gray for dealingwiththeannualdelugeof DE&S, have beenpraised byChiefofDefence Materiel Postal workers attheBritishForces Post Office, partof talent occupying thetop three spots. recorded byDE&Swiththeorganisation's young engineering out ontop inthelatest MODawards whichhave seenafirst Abbey Wood's young female apprentice engineers have come underway inFlorida of theirfuture strategic weapon systems looks setto get – for theUKandUSto carry outcomprehensive testing A new facility –theStrategic Weapons System Ashore facility and Technology handed outbytheMinister for Defence Equipment,Support DE&S take themajorityofawards intheannualprizes Excellence inacquisition,alliedto goodteamwork, helped - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 0117 or 9130257 30257 -9352 - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 0117 or 9130537 30537 -9352 desider, – Ten Alps Media, 40 Bowling Green Green Bowling 40 Media, –Ten Alps ider - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 0117 or 9134342 34342 -9352 :

and the products and services and services and the products

19 16 14 13 11 9 8 4 NEWS

Ocean headsfor refit Class Outputdelivers class output Cleared to land! Support goesrightto theend Typhoon clocks upamajormilestone More stocks ofthe'weapon ofchoice' Support for thosewhosupport Astute isa'jewel inthecrown'

vessel leaves leaves vessel have proved successful as the first first the as successful proved have vessels countermeasures mine Navy's Royal the for periods docking for arrangements Revised to return to the to gripswiththechallenge ofhelpingUKF-35pilots Testing onaflightsimulator atBAESystems willget helicopter's outofservice date in2016 maintenance to the90-strong fleetuntilthe A supportcontract for theSeaKingwillprovide 1,600 flyinghours on anRAFTyphoon after theaircraft clocked up The first 'major'maintenance hasbeen carried out campaign the Libya during effective proved bomb the after replenished been have choice', of 'weapon RAF's the IV, Paveway of Stocks more than20years biggest upkeep periodcarried outinDevonport for The 'slargest warship hasbegunthe maintenance of Auxiliary the Fleet Royal global for companies UK five to awarded been have million £350 nearly worth extensions Contact class in fourth the for acontract awards DE&S as forward leap a huge as praised been have class Astute The

out inthedockyard dockyard for more than20years at Devonport atthebeginningofa15-monthrefit. The Royal Navy’slargest shipedgesslowly into dock s ’ Ocean cover image Queen Elizabeth Queen

upkeep periodisthebiggest ofitskindcarrier Audacious

class carriers Sandown

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Picture: Babcock Insider january 2013 Bernard Gray

Chief of Defence Materiel ‘A huge amount of work has been undertaken by the Materiel Strategy team since it was formed 18 months ago’

I would like to offer you all a medal winners are from DE&S. warm welcome back to work The majority of the other award following a very well-deserved winners also came from DE&S Christmas and New Year break. – my congratulations go to all of We are at the start of what I them. believe will be an extremely My visit to BFPO’s main important year for all of us in sorting office also gave me DE&S, the year during which great pleasure. I saw how I anticipate major decisions staff dealt with the increase in on the road to the future for a Christmas mail, how they had changed and improved DE&S developed improvements to will be taken by Ministers. their own working processes As you all know, a huge and I was able to thank them Picture: Mike Vallance/BAE Systems amount of work has been for their dedication to the very undertaken by the Materiel important job that they do, Strategy team since it was which rightly attracts some public attention on the run-up to formed 18 months ago and an The Astute class has been described as Initial Gate Business Case has the holiday period. the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Royal Navy’s been prepared for consideration I was also pleased to Submarine Service by DE&S’ Director of by the Investment Approvals note the award of the main Submarines. Committee. build contract for the fourth The fourth submarine in the class of Once the Committee has submarine in the Astute class, seven – Audacious – is already well under reached its decision I will be Audacious. Getting to contract construction at BAE Systems in Barrow, in a position to explain to you has been a considerable . the next steps in the process piece of work for all those Rear Simon Lister, Director of developing an improved involved, both in DE&S and our Submarines, said: “These submarines contractor and marks another represent a huge leap forward in management structure for technology and will operate all over the DE&S. step forward for our submarine programme. world with the Royal Navy. The Initial Gate Business “They provide the optimum capability Case recommends that we I very much enjoyed a submarine can offer in land strike, move into a formal Assessment welcoming MOD Permanent strategic intelligence gathering, anti- Phase which will allow us to Secretary Jon Thompson to submarine and surface ship warfare, and compare a Government Owned DE&S headquarters at Abbey protection of the strategic deterrent. Contractor Operated (GOCO) Wood and listening, along with “The Astute class will become the jewel model (which remains the DE&S a large number of DE&S staff, in the crown of the Submarine Service and Board’s preferred option), with to a presentation he gave on boasts much greater firepower and more advanced and communications than an “as is” and a DE&S+ option. Defence Transformation. A number of questions to Jon ever before.” Among the last events that I Rear Admiral Lister was speaking attended before the Christmas were understandably about progress on the Materiel as DE&S awarded a £1.2 billion contract break were the MOD Apprentice for Audacious. The contract with BAE of the Year Awards 2012 and Strategy, which remains a Systems will safeguard 3,000 jobs at a visit to BFPO as it dealt with major focus of your interest and Barrow. the annual deluge of Christmas concern. The full contract includes previous mail for service personnel on Finally, as we stand at the money spent across the programme duty overseas. start of the New Year and look and covers the design, build, test and I was delighted to open the ahead to the challenges and commissioning programme. opportunities it will bring, I First steel was cut in 2007 and Apprentice of the Year event construction of Audacious is advanced and to see so many successful would like to thank you all for your continued professionalism with all its pressure hull units now apprentices starting on their assembled in the company’s main careers with the MOD and I was and commitment. Together we achieved a great deal in construction hall. particularly pleased that the The first two boats, Astute and 2012 and I look forward to our MOD Apprentice of the Year gold Ambush, are currently undergoing sea continued achievements this medal winner and both silver trials to rigorously test their systems. year. news 5 Astute class – ‘jewel in the crown’ of Royal Navy’s Submarine Service

Astute has conducted deep dive trials and Above: build work on Audacious is well advanced at BAE Systems in Barrow. successfully fired Tomahawk land attack Below: Astute and Ambush are pictured together for the first time during trials last month missiles and Spearfish torpedoes. Ambush’s ability to dive and surface has been successfully tested as has her propulsion system, and the third boat, Artful, is reaching the final stages of her construction at Barrow. It has also been confirmed that a further £1.5 billion has been committed to the remaining three submarines in the class. This has enabled early build work to start on boat five – Anson – and long lead items to be ordered and bought for the as yet unnamed boats six and seven. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “This £1.2 billion contract marks an important step forward in the progress of the Astute programme and moves the Royal Navy closer to adding more of these highly advanced and powerful attack submarines to its fleet. “I am also pleased that the MOD is committing more than £1.5 billion for boats five, six and seven. This funding demonstrates our commitment to a key o Featuring the latest nuclear-powered technology, the Astute Royal Navy capability and also to the submarines never need to be refuelled and can circumnavigate the world submerged, manufacturing the crew's oxygen from seawater as submarine industry in Barrow which will they go. play a vital role in Astute for decades.” BAE Systems Submarines Managing o The 7,400 tonne submarines will be quieter than older submarines, Director John Hudson added: “This is a and can operate covertly and remain undetected despite being 50 per significant milestone for the company cent bigger than the Royal Navy’s current Trafalgar class submarines. as it provides increased stability for the o remainder of the programme. Hundreds of suppliers around the country are contributing component parts, including Rolls-Royce, Derby (nuclear plant); Thales “More than 5,000 people are employed UK, Cheadle Heath, Templecombe and Glasgow (visual system and at Submarines with more than half of sonar); and Babcock, Bristol (weapon handling and discharge system). these directly involved in the Astute programme, many in highly skilled, o The £1.5 billion that has been committed to Anson and Boats 6 specialist positions, so the announcement and 7 is broken down as: Boat 5 (Anson) currently committed £646 is hugely welcomed.” million; Boat 6 Approval currently committed £498 million; and Boat 7 Approval currently committed £328 million. 6 news

Warm welcome: Bernard Gray and Jon Thompson take an Resources overview of Abbey Wood must be managed more carefully – Abbey Wood hears

MOD Permanent Secretary Jon battle-winning MOD will do things Thompson has addressed DE&S staff Armed Forces, differently. My at a town hall session at Abbey Wood but it also wants aspiration would focusing on Transforming Defence and us to be much be to simplify the challenges faced in the coming year. more responsible and reduce The MOD has made some positive about the way bureaucracy,” he changes over the past financial year to that we manage said. better manage its resources – including our money,” he In answer planning for an equipment programme told staff. to questions that commits less resources than the He on the possible totality of those available – because summarised Government that is a prudent and risk appropriate the major Owned Contractor approach. transformation Operated model for Mr Thompson explained that the ten- initiatives the future operation year Equipment Programme announced underway of DE&S and the by Secretary of State Philip Hammond across the MOD DE&S+ model, last May had confirmed spending and explained Mr Thompson totalling £156 billion, including around that civilian explained that no £4 billion of risk provision and had left a headcount had decisions had been further £8 billion of headroom , mostly in already been made and that he the later years, to commit to projects at a reduced by anticipated the next later date – an adaptable approach one fifth and stage being the “What we have to recognise is that military headcount by five per cent. He consideration of the Materiel Strategy the country wants us continue to deliver also told staff that there was too much Initial Gate Business Case by the MOD bureaucracy Investment Approvals Committee and in the MOD. Ministers. “We have In answer to a question about the an extensive difficulties the MOD faces in recruiting range of and retaining staff that it was a simple centrally- fact that in general MOD would not be defined able to compete with outside industry policies and on salary packages for some specific processes. In skills – and people who entered the public my view we services generally recognised this if they are over- had such skills. However, he explained specifying that the MOD had to ensure that staff too much were motivated and engaged in ways and we other than pure reward. have to Mr Thompson was introduced to the expect that town hall session by Chief of Defence different Materiel Bernard Gray, who thanked him parts of at the end of the session. TTSBL_English_C31351.009_297x210_Jan13_Desider_v1_concepts 12/12/2012 10:24 Page 1

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NEWSREEL Contract aims to see submarines keep their technological edge Reform makes A contract to support and maintain a new Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and big progress sophisticated combat system across the Royal Navy’s Technology Philip Dunne said: “The UK’s submarine submarine fleet has been awarded to BAE Systems. fleet is second to none and plays a key role in Defence Secretary The £46 million Design Services Arrangement protecting our waters and interests both at home and Philip Hammond (DSA) contract will ensure that the system, used to abroad. has welcomed Lord navigate vessels as well as gather intelligence and “This latest commitment to maintain and develop Levene’s first annual defend against attacks, is maintained and developed this vital technology throughout the fleet will ensure review of progress over the next decade. that we can continue delivering first class capability on Defence Reform. Currently different combat systems are used for many years to come.” Lord Levene has across the fleet. This new contract will help drive Rear Admiral Simon Lister, Director Submarines congratulated the adoption of a Common Combat System across all at DE&S, said:“Command Systems on board our MOD on strong current and future Royal Navy submarines, with submarines contain many vital technologies and it progress and says considerable benefits to training, maintenance and is very important that our submarines retain their he believes the updating costs. technological edge, now and in the future. This programme is being The contract will safeguard around 30 jobs at the contract will help secure that position for the MOD run with urgency. BAES sites in Ash Vale in Surrey, and Weymouth. and UK industry.” Mr Hammond said: “I acknowledge there is more to do. I am confident though that by April Keeping the Navy we will have gone on the move: a long way towards RFAs Mounts Bay, achieving the aim Wave Knight and of the programme; Cardigan Bay a smaller, more professional MOD better at supporting the Armed Forces.”

British sorties from Gioia

Around 2,050 operational sorties were made by British aircraft from Gioia del Colle, Italy, during operations over Libya, Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan has revealed. Transporting, equipping and running ground support in Gioia del Colle cost Support for those who around £2.7 million. This excludes £5.6 million of air Contracts guarantee fleet auxiliary transport costs. These costs do not support maintenance for another five years include normal funded flying hours. At its peak, 22 Contract extensions Shipping team and the five comprises fuel tankers, stores British aircraft were worth £349 million have been companies to deliver enhanced ships, a forward repair facility, at Gioia del Colle. awarded to five UK companies performance and value for a medical facility and landing for the delivery of global money while sustaining key ships. Paul named maintenance to the Royal Fleet ship repair and maintenance Minister for Defence, Auxiliary. capabilities in the UK. Equipment, Support and Paul Everitt is the The contracts will secure five In the last four years Technology Philip Dunne said: new Chief Executive more years’ support for the ships availability of ships has “These of ADS, the which sustain and replenish the increased from 81 per cent in ships are crucial to the work of Aerospace, Defence and Security Royal Navy around the globe. 2008 to 95 per cent in 2012 and the Royal Navy – without them it organisation, on the Original contracts placed has shown zero cost growth simply could not operate.” departure of Rees in 2008 were scheduled to run against the original approval. Head of Commercially Ward. Mr Everitt for five years with an option to Extensions are expected Supported Shipping at DE&S, said “These are extend further, subject to value to sustain up to 800 jobs in the Commodore David Preston, strategic sectors for money and performance UK across the five companies added: “These contracts of the UK economy reviews which were completed involved – A&P Group (Ship represent the best value for and their success is important, earlier this year. Repair Facility) in Falmouth, money and each of the companies particularly during The extension is testament to in Birkenhead, has a proven track record in challenging times, in the strong working relationship Lloyds Register in Bristol, supporting the RFA worldwide – delivering jobs and and partnering approach over Trimline in and this ability to support the Navy prosperity.” the last four years between DES Hempel UK in Cwmbran. wherever they are deployed is Ships’ Commercially Supported The flotilla of 13 ships critical to UK defence.” news 9

NEWSREEL Ocean heads for refit A pleasant surprise

A project to improve the airfield at Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands has won an environmental award. The £18 million Project Shackleton by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, contractors Colas and consultants Mott MacDonald relaid surfaces and replaced cabling and lights. Runway scrapings were used to resurface civilian roads, pallets Navy’s largest ship will spend 15 months in Devonport were donated for community projects and 54,000 tonnes of local aggregate was used instead Reverse thrust: HMS Ocean is helped into 10 Dock at Devonport on 12th December of importing it. The scheme has earned a civil engineering HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy’s Equipment, Support and disaster relief missions. This environmental largest warship, has begun the Technology Philip Dunne said: extensive refit programme is quality award from biggest upkeep period carried “HMS Ocean plays a crucial essential in ensuring that this Ceequal – an awards out in Devonport for more than role supporting operations as magnificent ship is able to organisation for 20 years. we saw during the Olympics continue in her role supporting civil engineering, infrastructure and The , which and the Libya campaign and and protecting the UK’s interests landscaping. provided security and a home it is essential that we continue across the globe.” for military personnel on the to invest in the upkeep of this The upkeep is the first on Thames during the London formidable vessel." an amphibious ship under full Olympics, will receive a £65 His thoughts were echoed by implementation of the Surface Name change million upgrade which Ship Support Alliance In line with DE&S’ will see her return to the (SSSA) Class Output Land Equipment Fleet in 2014. o DE&S’ Surface Ship Alliance and Management (COM) Operating Centre's The contract has Amphibious Platforms Team Leader, Kevin approach, under which revised organisation been awarded to Barry, said: “This is a hugely complex project, Babcock leads support of design, the Joint and both technically and from a project management Babcock, securing 300 all amphibious vessels. Battlefield Trainers, perspective, and it is testament to the dedication of Simulations jobs in Devonport. More all those involved that we have successfully reached Babcock Warship and Synthetic than 70 contractors are this stage of the process. Support Managing Environments also set to be involved Director Mike Whalley team (JBTSE) has in the project securing o “There will be some significant challenges ahead said: “This is a substantial become the Land another 300 jobs across but I look forward to this team effort being continued refit and noteworthy Equipment Training the UK. into the implementation phase, and to successful for its sheer scale, as and Simulation delivery of this highly capable warship back to the During the 15-month well as representing an Systems Programme Fleet in 2014.” (TrgSimSP). refit, upgrades and important milestone as improvements will the first to be undertaken be made to her radar, gun, Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews, by the Babcock-led Amphibious command system and living DE&S’ Chief of Materiel (Fleet), COM team. Apa to quarters. Around 1,200 metres who said: “Since entering service “The project will be a highly of new pipework will be laid and HMS Ocean has delivered complex and challenging APA, the second of around 100,000 litres of paint comprehensive support to one, with the team focused three Ocean Patrol will be applied. countless military operations on delivering Ocean fully Vessels built by Minister for Defence, as well as humanitarian and refurbished, with improved BAE Systems in a capability and performance, procurement with advice and input safely, on time, and at optimum from DE&S, has n HMS Ocean will use 10 Dock which, as part of the continual value for money.” been handed over improvements being made at Devonport, will become the HMS Ocean played an to the Brazilian centre of deep maintenance for capital ships. integral role in the Libya Navy. First of class All the main stakeholders will share the same building campaign launching Apache Amazonas was at the dock, which has several conference rooms with attack helicopters from her handed over to teleconferencing facilities. DE&S staff will be able to drop in deck to attack Libyan ground Brazil last June, with the third, Araguari, and log onto their relevant networks. defences. expected to be The building was opened by Commodore Graham Little, delivered this April. Commander of the base, and Mr Chris Tomkins of Babcock. n Class output success: page 19 10 news

DE&S is looking at future uses for the four Type company will be made in accordance with 22 which were decommissioned as part of transparent and objective evaluation criteria which Type 22s – a the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. will be issued at the Invitation to Tender stage. The Disposal Services Authority (DSA) is Only bidders that have completed and passed inviting expressions of interest in tendering for a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be sent an new lease the ships – the former HMS Chatham (pictured), Invitation to Tender for the vessels and allowed Campbeltown, Cumberland and Cornwall – for access to view the vessel. either further use, recycling or sinking as an The vessels are moored at and of life? artifical reef. will be sold from there. The DSA intends to award at least one vessel The DSA is planning to host viewings on to a UK ship recycler; this is in part to secure weekdays between 25th February and the 15th detailed knowledge of the UK’s capacity to recycle March. vessels. The closing date for expressions of interest is Any decision to award to a UK ship recycling 5pm on Wednesday 23rd January.

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Flying training joint venture takes another step forward NEWSREEL Ascent Flight Training is inviting proposals The new capability will deliver assets for for providing fixed wing training aircraft and elementary, basic, multi-engine and fixed wing Meteor launch support in the latest stage of the UK Military rear crew training for the RAF, Royal Navy and from Typhoon Flying Training System. Army Air Corps. Ascent, a joint venture between Lockheed Consortia have 90 working days to respond The Meteor Beyond Martin and , will manage to a specification that includes supplying Visual Range Air- procurement for training service, including the aircraft, infrastructure and support to 2030 and to-Air Missile has been successfully new aircraft, in 2015. beyond. launched from a Typhoon. This builds on an earlier series of flight trials, carried out by BAE Systems on behalf DE&S stocks up on the of the Eurofighter programme, where unpowered missiles were used to demonstrate ‘weapon of choice’ safe separation on the missile. This work begins full integration of the Meteor missile with all Typhoon systems.

Pershore gets Right: a the go-ahead Tornado GR4 is armed Vehicles from with Paveway DE&S’ Specialist IV at Gioia Vehicle (SV) del Colle, programme can Italy, during now be tested operations at Pershore, over Libya in Worcestershire. 2011 General Dynamics UK’s Platform Test Services laboratory has been accredited by the UK Accreditation Service for electromagnetic compatibility testing of communications A DE&S team has replenished systems fitted to stocks of an RAF ‘weapon of military vehicles. choice’ which proved highly This will help effective during the 2011 air delivery of the campaign over Libya. Specialist Vehicle The Free Fall Weapons team, fleet. The SV programme, which part of International Guns, will provide the Missiles and Rockets (IGMR), next generation of will buy additional Paveway IV armoured vehicles precision bombs from Raytheon to the British Army, UK in a £25 million contract. precision attacks against a wide in December 2011 arrived into can now be formally The weapon with a 500lb range of targets. Aircrew also UK stores in an impressively tested at the warhead will be carried by have the ability to reprogramme short timescale and in response laboratory. Tornados in Afghanistan and the weapon during a mission, to MOD requests to expedite the will also provide a key capability offering capability to attack a delivery of capability. to be carried by Typhoon. wider range of targets. “We look forward to taking Raytheon deal Around 450 jobs will be IGMR leader Steve Ranyard delivery of these new weapons Raytheon sustained at Raytheon UK's said: “This latest order is a and the balance of the original will supply an plants. It will secure 300 highly significant achievement forcontract in the coming months.” undisclosed number skilled defence sector jobs in Raytheon UK and Free Fall Bob Delorge, chief executive of a new GPS anti- Glenrothes, , and 150 in Weapons. However, I am well Raytheon UK, added: “Paveway jam antenna system Harlow, Essex. aware that it could not have IV is well recognised as being the for deployment in It will also sustain jobs at been achieved without excellent RAF’s precision-guided bomb of operational theatres Raytheon’s subcontractors – teamwork across the supply choice, with accuracy, flexibility, on a number of different vehicles. Portsmouth Aviation, Exelis in chain and I would like to thank and reliability being some of the The contract, an Brighton, Chemring in Ardeer our stakeholders for their key characteristics of the system. urgent operational and Thales in Basingstoke. contribution to this. This contract will help sustain requirement, is a Paveway’s global positioning “The first deliveries from hundreds of highly skilled staff first of its kind for system technology gives the UK the PWIV replenishment while delivering an outstanding the company. the capability to conduct 24-hour contract placed with Raytheon operational capability.” 12 news

Team to lead information careers in Government

Claire Fry, MOD Head of Andy Nelson, Government The purpose is to provide a profession for Information Chief Information Officer, and common language to describe Technology, and Commodore attended by CIOs from central the IT Profession across Jamie Hay, head of DE&S’ and wider government as well Government. It is a tool that can Information Systems and as industry. be used by IT Professionals and Services programmes group, Claire Fry, pictured, said: their managers when looking joined senior information “There is a significant amount at career choices. DES ISS will technology leaders in of work going on across pilot the framework before it is Westminster Hall on 1st Government to develop the IT introduced across the MOD this November, the first time profession. This makes the spring. senior leadership of ICT across profession a very positive place Roadshows and further Government has met at a single to be in the future. Events like information on the career event. this clearly recognise the IT framework will be announced Speakers included Cabinet profession as critical to the soon. Office Minister Francis Maude future delivery of services More information from Jane and Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of across Government.” has taken the lead on the Wharton, DES CIO-Exploitation- the Civil Service. The DE&S Information new Government IT Career DepHd; Anita White, DES CIO- The event was hosted by Skills team, working for Claire, Framework. InfoSkills-Plans

LEADERS ACROSS DE&S are being brought up to speed on Delivery Main Board messages about safety DE&S following an event at Abbey Wood. leaders The event was led by Chief of Materiel (Fleet) and Chair of focused get to the DE&S Safety Board, Vice Admiral Andy Mathews and Chief work on of Materiel (Joint Enablers) and – safety Safety Board member Mr Pete processes Worrall. It gave senior managers the chance to shape plans for the future driven and work on turning revised safety messages into behaviours. Vice Admiral Mathews spoke about progress on DE&S’ continued development of the appropriate and proportionate processes and following them properly. He introduced Safety messages: from Vice eight key messages Admiral Andy Mathews, above, and sparked debate on and Pete Worrall, below the extent that these messages describe the way business is Image copyright of BAE Systems conducted within DE&S. Mr Worrall led THE WORLD the session on safety management in LEADING DEFENCE practice, linking safety messages to how DE&S & SECURITY EVENT does business. The session included lessons + Over 1,400 companies To find out how to join the learned from real life events. + Unrivalled visitor base world’s largest integrated defence & security exhibition The message from + Access new markets leaders was clear: staff Contact Us Today - should make time for + High number of Official T: + 44 (0)20 7384 7770 safety, take a step back, Delegations F: + 44 (0)20 7384 7773 take heed of lessons + Networking learned, and be brave E: [email protected] and share lessons – all + Engaging content www.DSEI.co.uk/desider to ensure that key safety messages are embedded IN ASSOCIATION WITH OFFICIAL PUBLICATION PLATINUM SPONSORS to ensure delivery of safe equipment. news 13

NEWSREEL ‘Shiny and new!’ Clyde job numbers up

The number of jobs at Clyde naval base is forecast to increase from around 6,700 now to around 8,200 by 2022, Defence Minister Mark Francois has told Parliament. This is primarily due to an increase of around 1,500 in Royal Navy jobs at the site, of which around 630 will transfer from Devonport with the Trafalgar class submarines. There are no plans Typhoon ZJ932 looks resplendent at the end of the Retrofit 2 to transfer MOD programme, the upgrade of early Tranche 1 aircraft. civilian jobs from The aircraft was the final single seater to be returned to the RAF by Devonport. Mr BAE Systems after a series of equipment enhancements, as announced Francois added in December’s desider. that the move of Air Commodore Keith Bethell, leader of DE&S’ Fast Air Support submarines to Clyde team, is pictured receiving a framed photograph of the aircraft from would not lead to Martin Ely, a BAE Systems aircraft electrician who has worked on the R2 significant changes programme over the last six years. in Devonport civilian numbers, or total number of civilians employed by the Typhoon clocks up major MOD. Card sharp

A new discount maintenance milestone card for the Armed Forces, families and veterans has been the first ‘major’ maintenance “A great deal of joint RAF/ ensure this complex front-line introduced. More has been carried out on an DE&S and BAE Systems fighter aircraft is available for than 50 high street RAF Typhoon after the aircraft planning and preparation went operational duty and that the businesses have clocked up 1,600 flying hours. into this, and I know that the RAF’s flying timetable remains pledged generous Work was carried out as timely roll-out is the result of on schedule. This achievement is discounts. The part of the Typhoon Availability considerable effort and a strong a good example of how this hard Defence Privilege Card will provide Service (TAS) awarded to BAE culture of constantly improving work is delivering results.” money off items Systems in 2009. effectiveness and efficiency.” The first set of maintenance ranging from The maintenance programme Martin Taylor, Combat work known as ‘primary’ is children’s toys, itself involves a complete Air Support Director at BAE undertaken at 400 hours, followed winter knitwear, strip-down of the aircraft to Systems, added: “The completion by a ‘minor maintenance’ which mobile phones and enable detailed inspections to of the first RAF Typhoon aircraft is carried out at 800 flying hours. food. So far around be performed by the specially to undergo a major maintenance The Typhoon Maintenance 24,000 members of the Armed Forces trained engineers. is a significant milestone for us Facility at RAF Coningsby community have Any repairs and under the TAS contract. has a further three aircraft in joined the scheme. modifications are also performed “The team is continually undergoing major maintenance. on the aircraft at this time before improving processes and BAE Systems ensures the the aircraft is prepared ready to procedures, as part of the support contract provides Safety audit return to duty. contract deliverables, to enough aircraft to meet the The first aircraft to complete daily needs of Engineering the programme was ZJ921, A joint TAS team gets to the front line. and technology which has now been returned to work on Typhoon Personnel work company Frazer- 3 Squadron at RAF Coningsby side by side in Nash has been awarded a contract in Lincolnshire. ZJ921 was also aircrew and as independent one of the aircraft to fly out to ground crew safety auditor Gioia del Colle in Italy, to support training; depth for the Merlin over Libya. m a i n t e n a n c e Life Sustainment Gp Capt Simon Ellard, and servicing Programme. deputy head of DE&S’ Fast Air of aircraft, Frazer-Nash will Support Team, said: “TAS takes t e c h n i c a l provide an audit of the programme to yet another step forward with s u p p o r t ensure compliance the delivery of the first aircraft and spares with the appropriate to have completed a major management. safety requirements. maintenance. 14 news Advertisement Support runs to the end

Simplifying CRC

The announcement of plans to simplify the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) energy efficiency scheme from 2013 is welcome news to the New deal will take Sea Kings defence industry, the MoD and its suppliers. to their final days of service

As a major energy user, the MoD is set to benefit from significant Main picture: a Mark 7 Sea King is pictured above the clouds. Insets: above, a Sea King Mk3 in RAF search and administrative savings rescue colours; below, a Royal Navy Mk4 in as well the abolishment DE&S’ Sea King project such arrangement to support helicopters around the UK, 24 of the performance team has secured a deal the planned rundown and hours a day throughout the year. league table, leaving more time to focus with AgustaWestland – the withdrawal of an aircraft from “By working together with on new best practices helicopter’s Design Authority – service. our industry colleagues we have in environmental which will support the 90-strong In signing the contract achieved what we set out to do sustainability. Royal Navy and RAF fleet until amendment, the Helicopter and can build upon the success its out-of-service date in 2016. Operating Centre’s Head of of SKIOS to date in order to At Interserve, we are The three-year £258 million Commercial, Les Sigrist, and manage the aircraft through working with the MoD deal settles firm prices for the AgustaWestand’s Commercial its final years and take it out to help reach this goal, third and final period of the Sea Executive, Tim Park, paid tribute of service in a controlled way taking a partnership King Integrated Operational to the co-operative working of without adverse impact on the approach to reduce Support (SKIOS) arrangement the MOD and industry teams front line.” estate-related energy and shortens its duration as a which has contributed to the The versatile Sikorsky- spending. result of the Strategic Defence success of SKIOS and enabled designed Sea King first entered By focusing on the and Security Review taking the the new deal to be signed ahead service with the Royal Navy practical day-to-day aircraft out of service two years of schedule. in 1969. No longer used in its savings but assessing earlier than originally planned. Sea King Leader, Capt Tony original anti-submarine role, the impact at an estate-wide SKIOS, which pioneered the Gray RN, said: “Pricing Period aircraft is still the mainstay of level, we are ensuring integrated operational support Three is challenging as it search-and-rescue in mainland resources are assigned concept within the Helicopters involves balancing requirements UK and the Falkland Islands, to the areas with the Operating Centre, is an aircraft and risks to secure best value provides the lift capability of the greatest need for availability contract by which for money while maintaining Commando Helicopter Force, energy and utility cost through-life support is largely defence outputs, not least the and operates in the Airborne reductions. delivered. It will be the first provision of search-and-rescue Surveillance and Control role.

For example, we have The Head of the Army has praised DE&S for its work in providing been able to implement And there’s high helicopters to the front line. energy saving measures General Sir Peter Wall closed a review of DE&S’ helicopters before the onset of praise for DE&S programme at Abbey Wood on 4th December by saying he was grateful to the autumn and winter DE&S for providing such a crucial capability. heating season, ensuring He was joined by Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Vice cost reductions are made Marshal Carl Dixon, who added that his organisation enjoyed a strong where they will have the relationship with the Helicopters Operating Centre and that helicopter most impact. capability has made great strides in recent years as a result. The review took place as responsibility for capability sponsorship moves from Main Building to the Army under Defence Reform. The Rotary Wing Army Equipment Board was hosted by Chief of Materiel Joint Enablers, Pete Worrall, and Director Helicopters, Adrian Baguley, both picutred, left, with Sir Peter. The Army Board and DE&S agreed where the programme challenges www.interserve.com lie and determined to continue work on maximising capability and increasing spending efficiency. Sir Peter explored all elements of the £1.4 billion Helicopters Operating Centre with discussions ranging from safety modifications assessment phase work, to current delivery of Category A projects and the construct of the availability-based contracts. news 15

Small businesses have been handed From left: the chance to pitch their innovative ideas Robin Little of to the biggest defence companies – thanks DE&S Defence to the MOD’s first Marketplace event. Supplier Organised by the Centre for Defence Relations Enterprise (CDE), the event last month team; Jonathan Byrne, Head of gave small and medium-sized enterprises CDE; Minister a unique opportunity to engage with big for Defence business and offer up ideas and technology Equipment, that could be used by the Armed Forces in Support and the future. Technology DE&S staff joined SMEs at the Queen Philip Dunne; Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London Richard Brooks, alongside academics and researchers from Programme the Universities of Bristol and Lancaster Director, MOD Science and who also had products to pitch to industry Technology representatives. Programme. Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Tech nolog y, Mike Kurth, Managing Director of P h i l i p Boeing Defence UK, added: “We see the Dunne said: Defence does business Marketplace as a fantastic opportunity “Marketplace to engage with small and medium-sized provides a enterprises that have relevant innovation shop window in MOD’s Marketplace and technology for potential work in the for small and future.” medium- CDE is committed to finding new ideas sized enterprises in the most practical We remain committed to providing our and making them a reality. sense, helping those which have received Armed Forces with the best equipment Since 2008 CDE has received more than research and development funding from available, which is why we will continue to 4,000 proposals for funding, resulting in the MOD to access their full potential for invest over £400 million a year in science around 600 contracts valued at more than commercial applications in the UK defence and technology.” £35 million. sector and the export market. “Encouraging this technological o Supporting Marketplace were key defence and security companies in the UK including AWE, innovation is vital to our national security BAE Systems, Boeing, BT, Cobham, Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, HP, KBR, Lockheed and the country’s economic growth. Martin, Marshall Aerospace, MBDA, QinetiQ, Raytheon, Roke Manor, Rolls-Royce, Serco & NPL, Thales and Ultra Electronics. BRITISH INGENUITY. PROVIDING NEXT GENERATION DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE TO HM FORCES...

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Creating an effective workspace environment 16 news

Cleared to land!

A room with a view – the Flight Testing on simulator gets to grips with Brize gears Control Office on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth has been helping UK F-35 pilots return ‘home’ up for at the centre of trials with RAF A400M and Royal Navy personnel. When the short take-off Above: view from the control office on board a carrier as an F-35 A £15 million and vertical landing (STOVL) Lightning II comes in to land. Below: the office has a commanding view environmentally- variant of the F-35 comes in to of the aircraft's arrival friendly hangar has land on the deck of the UK’s next opened at RAF Brize carriers it will be vital that pilots Norton to give RAF are well-versed in the skills of maintenance personnel landing on a moving deck. facilities to house the Pilots have been visiting next generation of large military aircraft. the BAE Systems simulator The Defence at Warton in Lancashire to Infrastructure familiarise themselves with the Organisation (DIO) deck they will land on and the worked with industry office – Flyco as it is known – partner Pride to deliver from where personnel will guide the new two-bay hangar with 5,000 square them in. metres of floor space “We are very supportive here and 16 metre-high in trying to help the customer doors. The hangar come to terms with what the will accommodate the change to the STOVL version C-130J Hercules and means in terms of bringing that on the aeroplane so we have to we are saving millions of dollars can house the A400M aeroplane back into land on the stop using our wheelbrakes of potential design change aircraft, set to replace the Hercules from 2016. Queen Elizabeth carriers,” said alone. in the future. It is immensely It complements a Pete Wilson, BAE Systems’ lead “And we can’t afford to come important work and that’s why six-bay base hangar, a test pilot for the F-35 STOVL down too shallow because if the we are here in this world class two-bay hangar and 12 aircraft. stern of the ship comes up high simulator facility." older hangar buildings “We are reverting back to towards the flight path we could In a busy year the team has used for parachute a manoeuvre called Shipborne hit the back of the ship and that’s met its milestones. “Every month training, defence Rolling Vertical Landing which also disastrous.” we have a certain number of test movement training, storing equipment, means we are going to bring the Mr Wilson added: “The points we have to execute which spares, and housing F-35B into land on the deck at work we are doing is extremely means flying the aeroplane a lot training simulators. about 60 knots. important as a risk reduction and we have managed to surpass Pride is a joint “It’s a complex engineering measure; what we are getting the testing point requirement for venture between problem to try to solve because is an insight into the future so the year, which is a significant Interserve Defence we don’t want to come down too we are able to simulate the air achievement,” said Mr Wilson. and Southern Electric steeply – that could break the around the ship, the lights which One objective of the trials Contracting, created to manage DIO’s South aeroplane. are embedded in the deck and has been to come up with a set East Regional Prime “We don’t want to come the procedures and radio calls of requirements that define Contract. Valued at down too fast because we would we are going to use. which tools and techniques are around £380 million, the not be able to stop and would “We are solving problems required by the Landing Signals contract is one of five run off the front of the carrier and putting design in place now Officers in the Flyco, helping regional prime contracts which is clearly a disastrous when it is cheaper and easier in the safe recovery of the in place in the UK. situation. We don’t have a hook than it would be later. I would say approaching aircraft. news 17 Corsham takes on a transformation LTPA challenge T&E begins here the head of the MOD’s that does not mean that we transformation has challenged are lowering our defences,” he staff to engineer a digital said. Are we on revolution as part of the He outlined the key tenets changes to the organisation. of transformation – battle- Dr Roger Hutton, Director winning armed forces; a Transformation and the smaller, more professional your radar MOD’s ‘Digital Leader', visited MOD; and a hard-headed Information Systems and approach to money – and Services staff at Corsham on focused much of his talk on the 4th December. need to change behaviours to for T&E? He urged staff to envisage a improve business. different, digital future for the He said: “The Levene The Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) is an innovative collaborative approach to provide Test and Evaluation, Training and support services to the MOD.

The LTPA is a framework agreement under which the majority of your fixed costs associated with Test and Evaluation are centrally funded.

If your project has a T&E requirement call now, or visit the website to find out if the costs of your trial are covered under the LTPA. MOD, closer to the experience Report highlighted much of information technology in that was good about our the home and on smartphones. organisation, but also that Dr Hutton said his visit our leadership in running the to Corsham had given him a business needed to improve, better understanding of the that our people had tended to complexities facing those defend their own areas rather managing IT in defence, than think about what they Air particularly keeping systems could contribute to defence as secure from outside threats. a whole, and that we had failed Land He gave an example of to keep pace with the most how he now prefers to use his modern business practices.” Sea own laptop and smartphone to Dr Hutton went on to talk work on unclassified material, about the radical change that which, for many people, is a new financial delegations to large proportion of their work. Top Level Budgets represented, "We need to pay greater and about the new smaller, heed to user needs, and make more strategic, stronger Head greater use of simple, off-the- Office that was in the process shelf digital solutions, where of being created.

Civilian numbers on the way down

The number of civilian staff employed by the MOD was 70,360, according to the latest figures on 1st October 2012. This is a reduction of 19,610 personnel from the Strategic 0800 015 0594 Defence and Security Review baseline figure of 89,970 personnel on 1st April 2010. The figures were reported to Parliament by Minister for www.LTPA.co.uk Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Mark Francois. www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. 18 news

DE&S helps Top Gun Tom complete ‘mission possible’

It’s not every day Pumas are part of movie shoots – or that DE&S gets closely involved. Actor Tom Cruise flew in a Puma helicopter from The Oval to Trafalgar Square early on 25th November filming footage for the Hollywood star's new film All You Need Is Kill. The aircraft was fitted with cameras and associated equipment. Use of the helicopter was down to the Puma Force and the Puma 2 Gazelle team (P2G PT) who were proud of their contribution. P2G team leader, Gp Capt Malcolm French, said: “I am most grateful for all the efforts of the project team who gained a Release to Service to allow the aircraft to enter the Thames Valley Avoidance Area. This was a unique task achieved within a tight timescale.” Cruise on: Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible actor Cruise left, is pictured at the door of the RAF Puma as is no stranger to the military after it embarks on its early his stint as a fast-jet pilot in Top Gun. morning flight over central But he and the film company were London. delighted with the footage taken Above: Trafalgar Square is from the Puma and impressed with deserted during filming the professionalism of the aircrew.

Munitions ideas – the Radio wave auction is set hunt is on to be a Government first The search is on for innovative research proposals The MOD is planning to auction to provide wireless access to Technology, Philip Dunne, said: which would allow munitions to be some of its radio spectrum in the broadband services. “We welcome this opportunity examined without first direct sale of its kind by a The spectrum being sold by to free up much-needed having to be Government department. the MOD is all below 15 Gigahertz spectrum. We hope that the sale destroyed. Radio spectrum refers to (GHz) which is regarded as the will help drive the roll-out of A current the radio waves over which all most useful and valuable part of new generation networks and method used by the wireless communication takes the radio spectrum because of its universal access to broadband, Defence Science place, including radio, television, wide range of applications. both of which are vital to the UK’s and Technology Laboratory radar, satellite, mobile voice and Almost half of all spectrum prosperity.” (Dstl) uses x-ray data. Under plans announced below 15GHz is held by the public The sale follows the equipment. today, the MOD intends to auction sector and is used for a broad announcement made in the These allow around 200 Megahertz (MHz) of Government’s 2010 Spending Dstl’s weapons its spectrum usage rights. • The MOD has identified two bands Review that at least 500MHz of experts to inspect The MOD’s announcement public spectrum below 5GHz munitions for for sale: between 2.3 and 2.4GHz and comes as market demand for will be released by 2020 for new damage not visible between 3.4 to 3.6GHz. MOD’s plan is to the naked eye. extra spectrum is mounting, to sell spectrum from both bands in mobile communications uses. The Centre fuelled by the sharp rise in the use one combined auction The spectrum to be sold off is for Defence of spectrum-hungry devices such being cleared of military users to Enterprise (CDE) as smartphones and tablets. range of services including contribute towards this target. hopes industry The sale will give private defence, emergency services, Preparations are expected to and academia will operators the chance to buy transport and science. The MOD start at the end of this year with provide further more spectrum to support the holds around three quarters of the auction completed by the solutions, as a result of this call. introduction of fourth-generation all publicly-held spectrum and summer of 2014. Ahead of this, It will be mobile services to people in cities, one third of all spectrum below the MOD intends to produce an launched at towns and villages across the UK. 15GHz. industry brochure this spring Harwell on 8th Alternatively the spectrum could Minister for Defence and to host an industry day early January. be used by fixed line operators Equipment, Support and in the summer. news 19

DE&S beefs Class Output team delivers up cyber training class output Training for DE&S staff on protecting information has been updated to Grimsby blazes a trail for new include cyber security threats. support arrangements Threats to data security and integrity DE&S and Babcock have united in praise of new of DE&S systems support arrangements as HMS Grimsby emerges and those of industry from a six-month docking period. partners are likely to The Sandown class minehunter has left Babcock’s increase. And with DE&S’ with enhanced operational unique role sharing capability. She is the first Sandown refit under the information across Surface Ship Support Alliance (SSSA) Class Output teams, industry and Management (COM) phase 2 arrangements, which front line troops, it is see Babcock take the lead on the team. vital staff are up-to- Captain Jonathan Fry, date with their cyber leader of DE&S’ Frigates and awareness. Training has Mine Countermeasures team, been recommended said: “I am delighted that HMS by senior staff to be Grimsby is back at sea in such Shipshape: completed by March. a good material state and HMS Grimsby with significantly enhanced will Sir Stuart Peach, return to the capability. Commander of Joint Fleet early “The Sandown class Forces Command, this year said: “The connected delivers a vital element of after her nature of our modern the Royal Navy’s operations refit at Rosyth, world and our need worldwide, and the high the first under to communicate quality support delivered by new across organisational the COM and Rosyth dockyard arrangements boundaries and great is fundamental to its success.” between distances makes us His thoughts were DE&S and more reliant on IT. Babcock “For all its echoed by COM leader Paul advantages this Holdsworth. “The challenge exposes us to real for the COM and the wider cyber risks and SSSA is to provide an effective threats, which through-life support service,” he HMS Grimsby’s support period joint responsibility in sharing are constantly said. was completed on schedule, expertise, knowledge, and developing. The “The goal is to optimise platform safely and to the quality skills.” threat is present but is often unseen. Do availability for the available budget standard. HMS Grimsby boasts many not underestimate to meet Fleet commitments. “This demonstrates one of improvements, including a the cunning of those “The close working relationship the fundamental advantages first-of-class replacement of the that are out to get, between the ship’s staff, MOD, that underpins the SSSA – entire fire detection system. deny or disrupt our Babcock Rosyth operations information.” and production teams and the DE&S Chief Sandown COM has ensured Information Officer And Portland is readying for action too David Ball added: “We are very conscious of the risk to our Type 23 HMS Portland, reputation if we pictured left, is back in Devonport do not protect the and ready for sea trials after her often commercially 50-week refit by Babcock at Rosyth. sensitive information A total of 19 major system and that is the lifeblood or capability upgrades have been our business.” completed, including installation Updates will of anti-submarine warfare Sonar be to the Defence 2087. Information The work, delivered on time and Management budget, is another success for Class Passport and Output Management under the Protecting Surface Ship Support Alliance. Information Level Commander Sarah West, the 1 training. The new frigate's commanding office, said: training is also “In tandem with the MOD and available as a stand- Babcock, the crew has spent many alone module for long months working hard to return existing Passport HMS Portland to fighting form. holders. Both can be “It is an exciting moment accessed through the returning a warship to sea after Defence Learning refit – we know thatHMS Portland Portal. is in great shape for regaining full HMS Portland, pictured during work at Rosyth operational readiness.” 20 postal services

Workers make sure Bernard Gray addresses workers at BFPO Forces’ post gets through

Christmas efforts cap a busy year of support to operations by British Forces Post Office

Pictures: Andrew Linnett

ostal workers in DE&S have been praised by Chief of Defence Materiel PBernard Gray for their work in dealing with the annual deluge of Christmas mail. British Forces Post Office (BFPO) based at RAF Northolt deals with hundreds of thousands of letters and packages on their way to UK personnel based at home and overseas, including ships and submarines. Staff perform a vital link between service personnel and their families, with much or all of the limited contact they have being provided by BFPO. It is a vital contribution to the services’ morale. Mr Gray said: “You have managed to maintain support to operations despite manpower reductions and it is clear that this workforce is extremely dedicated. “Your work here is a significant achievement and I offer you my sincere thanks and congratulations for a job very well done. I am sure you will all be justifiably proud of your achievements.” Mr Gray’s tour included the main BFPO sorting office – Defence Postal Services – the BFPO Technical Support team where he saw much new equipment in development, and the Defence Courier Service, the team that manages all classified correspondence for defence and other government departments. Mr Gray said that BFPO, like all business areas of the MOD, had to scrutinise operational costs. Revenue at BFPO had increased by 12 per cent during the year in addition to reducing costs. “I was also impressed to hear about postal services 21

the achievements of the Technical facilitate the e-Bluey 2 in-service roll-out 2012 stats: Services Support team who have been and deployment.” heavily involved in digitisation of Mr Gray said he noted that volumes 2,333 tonnes of mail to worldwide Forces’ post offices worldwide and the of mail had increased significantly, locations; introduction of BFPO postcodes to enable including the Defence Courier Service government e-services and e-commerce. that had received, processed and “I also understand you have designed dispatched more than 188 tonnes of 859 tonnes (37 per cent) to Operation and introduced an excellent BFPO App protectively marked material in 2012. Herrick; in record time for both IOS and Android, “There has been a 39 per cent increase and developed an end-to-end mail in material being dispatched in support of Since 1st October (beginning of the tracking service into the Afghanistan operations overseas – a huge achievement Christmas ‘surge’) 66,457 bags of hub. of which you should be proud,” Mr Gray mail dispatched worldwide (26,582 to “And one area that deserves said. Operation Herrick) particular congratulation is the team that is currently deployed to Afghanistan to 22 acquisition awards Teamwork keeps DE&S on top Teams at the forefront of procuring world class equipment and support for the Armed Forces have been recognised at the annual acquisition awards handed out by the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology

xcellence in acquisition of Defence Equipment & Support Commercial Offshore Patrol and Fishery military equipment, allied to Policy team Protection team Egood teamworking, helped DE&S take the majority of the annual awards The Commercial Policy team led work on The team's objective was to achieve in-year decided by the Minister for Defence delivery of the Defence and Security Public procurement of three Offshore Patrol Vessels. Equipment, Support and Technology. Contracts Regulations 2011 on behalf of the The Defence Board resource allocation of In his first award ceremony since UK Government, working closely with Central £47 million was granted on 25th November taking over as the new minister in the Legal Services and a number of other subject 2011 within a taut timeline of four months to summer, Mr Philip Dunne presented matter experts, including International complete the project. The team streamlined 13 awards which saw teams involved Relations Group. the smart approvals process by adopting a plan in urgent operational requirements, The team produced comprehensive that allowed different stages to be conducted international co-operation, and support supporting policy and user guidance for concurrently. for the London 2012 Olympics and all affected Government departments, and The complex commercial work of Paralympics earning honours. developed a number of training and awareness unwinding the lease contract and completing Big winners on the night were packages. This work involved converting highly the sale was supported by an external legal technical and complex legal text into clear team within one month and through robust members of DE&S’ Strategic Systems language that could be readily understood by negotiation. The final procurement cost was Programme shipboard integration team. procurement desk officers across Government just over £39 million. This was £8 million inside Members were part of an international and industry. resource allocation, and was completed two collaboration involving the UK and US The Aerospace and Defence Industries weeks ahead of schedule Governments along with many different Association of Europe have been very This has guaranteed the continued delivery contractors in both countries. complimentary about the guidance. Its staff of capability for both meeting the Royal Navy’s The team updated the in the main defence contractors in Europe, enduring requirement to undertake UK fishery weapon system on UK Vanguard class other member states and in the European protection patrols on behalf of DEFRA and submarines, making sure the UK Commission use MOD guidance as it is clear wider defence tasks including patrol of UK maintained a credible continuous at-sea and comprehensive. waters. deterrent. For support to the Olympics, the year’s most high profile UK event, there was important recognition for the Special Projects MAP team. The project delivered a substantial and vital uplift in helicopter capability. Project lead Nick Jones, said: “It’s ironic that we received an award to recognise our support to the Olympics

n continued on page 24

“I am delighted to celebrate your work in support of defence. The awards recognise and reward excellence and demonstrate that we in the MOD can deliver world-class results. So thank you for all that you do in delivering equipment and support to our Armed Forces” – Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology HMS Mersey Pictures: Geoff Lee www.planefocus.com acquisition awards 23

Min(DEST) Acquisition Awards 2012 – Winners

Standard Awards Recognition of Achievement Awards 6. Core Production Capability 1. Operation Herrick – Theatre 1. Special Projects MAP Project Team Equipment Support Battalion 2. Saturnine Team 7. Strategic Systems Programme 2. Defence Equipment & Support 3. Project Creole UOR Acquisition Team Commercial Policy Team Shipboard Integration Team 3. Offshore Patrol and Fishery 8. RAF Catering, Retail & Leisure Project Team Protection Team Special Award 4. MARS Tanker Project Team 9. Defence General Munitions Packaging Project Team 5. HMS Daring Communications • Strategic Systems Programme 10. Generic Vehicle Architectures Project Team Shipboard Integration Team Technical Working Group

Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability HMS Daring Communications Fit Core Production Capability (MARS) Tanker team project team project team

The team was responsible for the The joint DE&S and Fleet team The team’s remit was to manage procurement of four MARS military tankers, successfully delivered an urgent, special sustainment of current facilities while through a challenging international communications fit onto HMS Daring for regenerating core manufacturing facilities competition, to replace ageing and non- her maiden deployment to the Gulf between to support Astute, Successor and future environmentally compliant Royal Fleet January and August 2012. submarine programmes. Auxiliary ships. After examining all available options the Members devised and implemented a The MARS team gained approval for an team decided to develop and build an in-house ground-breaking contractual agreement which open international competition with the intent solution using existing equipment before implements a taut arrangement for securing of encouraging the world’s most efficient completing platform installation, all within a the UK’s capability to produce nuclear reactor shipbuilders to participate. six-month window. cores for the next 50 years. The international competition has resulted Members showed commendable It included provision for the regeneration in a very substantial reduction in the cost of the innovation, ingenuity and risk management of current capability in an innovative, phased project, and has produced significant savings skills to source the required equipment, way which maintains manufacturing capability for the MOD and the UK taxpayer. borrowing items from other projects and as well as development of the latest design Allies,. reactor core in a facility that will meet modern The solution provided the necessary safety standards. platform self protection indicators and Securing commercial arrangements to warnings to the Command. deliver this vital enabling capability to the UK submarine programme and placing it on a sustainable and affordable footing is an excellent achievement. 24 acquisition awards

n continued from page 22 teams celebrating special awards. The the Collective Training Group at the Saturnine team delivered a complex Land Warfare centre, was recognised. and Paralympics, and didn’t have much electronic countermeasures capability The team acquired a simulated training to do during that period. The real effort in support of explosive ordnance capability to reinforce learning and was in the 15 months preceding, to disposal operations within the UK confidence of personnel preparing for ensure that we had the latest capability to fill capability gaps in time for the deployment on Operation Herrick. In six and a robust support solution, where, if it Olympics. The team built an innovative months the team took the project from were needed, it could do exactly what my co-operation with the Defence Science concept demonstration to a fielded and customer wanted. and Technology Laboratory and with sustainable capability. “I had two groups of representatives industry, undertaking the high level Delivery and integration of this from my supply base (FB Heliservices design in-house and retaining the design capability has significantly increased – maintenance and support – and and integration responsibility. the realism of ‘live’ training and, for the Eurocopter UK – design organisation) Under the Urgent Operational first time, allowed exercising forces to who were incredibly appreciative of Requirements (UOR) category, the replicate combat conditions experienced the recognition and that the sleepless Project Creole acquisition team, made up in Afghanistan. nights and commitment counted for of prime contractor QinetiQ, DE&S’ Joint Many awards demonstrated the depth something.” and Battlefield Trainers, Simulations and breadth of acquisition and support Mr Jones was joined by two other and Synthetic Environments team, and functions that DE&S continues to deliver

Strategic Systems Programme Shipboard Defence General Munitions Generic Vehicle Architectures Technical integration team packaging team Working Group

The team's objective was to update The team’s directive was the procurement, The Generic Vehicle Architectures (GVA) the Trident weapon system on Vanguard issue, return, recycling and management of all Technical Working Group is a partnership submarines, ensuring a continuous-at-sea general munitions packaging. between MOD and industry which manages, deterrent. Quickly realising that accurate maintains and develops Generic Vehicle With the US and UK fleets updating their requirements and a single, focused contract Architectures, based on an open systems submarines concurrently, the usual risk- would lead to real savings and tangibly approach. reducing approach of ‘US goes first’ was not reduce the volume of surplus stock, the team This approach aims to reduce the available. This rare opportunity provided a worked with industry, in-house suppliers integration time and cost for vehicle systems unique challenge for the UK working in co- and munitions project officers to determine and sub-systems by mandating the use of open operation with the US. the need, fundamentally re-shaping and standards and defined interfaces. Work was done in the shortest possible streamlining processes. The GVA approach is a world first. No time with high safety standards. Recycling has increased from around 10 other nation mandates a standard which This most demanding of challenges per cent to 80 per cent of the requirement, and drives both open systems and commonality was fully achieved through a small pool of the surplus stockpile has reduced by around 70 of sub-systems to ensure a structured dedicated experts, supported by a considerable per cent. With recycling approximately 20 per framework and defined key interfaces but with planning and management effort to ensure cent of the cost of buying new, the savings this sufficient flexibility to enable innovation in that stakeholders were provided with the most year alone are around £16 million. implementation. robust assurances. Overall this transformed process is saving This joint MOD/industry team has the taxpayer, at a very conservative estimate, developed a new Defence Standard which sets around £80 million. an international benchmark for acquisition excellence and open systems architectures. acquisition awards 25

daily. On the maritime front the Military supporting the Fleet. This year’s awards in an open systems approach. Mr Dunne Afloat Reach and Sustainability Tanker recognise the diverse and challenging said: “I am delighted to celebrate your team was rewarded for procurement of nature of the high quality work available work in support of defence. The awards four new oil tankers which will join the in the Ships Operating Centre. All recognise and reward excellence and Royal Fleet Auxiliary later this decade to three teams should be proud they did demonstrate that we in the MOD can take up duties supporting the Royal Navy something special and of high worth to deliver world-class results. So thank worldwide. defence.” you for all that you do in delivering The international competition to On land, Defence General Munitions equipment and support to our Armed replace ageing and non-environmentally packaging team was rewarded for Forces.” compliant ships was a challenging one, saving millions of pounds by increasing One of the judges, the MOD’s Head of which eventually saw a South Korean recycling of munitions packaging and Industrial Policy, Paul Hamilton, added: firm win the contracts to build the ships, reducing the surplus stockpile. And “I was delighted with the standard with design input from a number of there was an award for the active of nominations and our judges had British companies. partnership between the MOD and difficult decisions to make. The winners Tony Graham, Director Ships at industry developed by the Generic represent excellence in acquisition and DE&S, said: “It has been pleasing to see Vehicle Architectures technical working good teamworking right across defence people being recognised and rewarded group, managing, maintaining and and I congratulate everyone who has for their special contributions to developing generic vehicle architectures been recognised this year.”

Minister (DEST) Recognition of Achievement Saturnine (SPSCM) Project Creole UOR Award team Acquisition team

Last year saw the introduction of the The team delivered a complex electronic A small team acquired a simulated training Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and countermeasures capability in support of capability to reinforce learning and confidence Technology Recognition of Achievement Award. explosive ordnance disposal operations within of personnel preparing for deployment on These awards have been introduced for teams the UK in time for the 2012 Olympics. Operation Herrick. who have been identified as deserving of an The team took the measured risk of an In only six months the team took the UOR award in recognition of their achievements innovative collaboration with Dstl and industry, Project Creole from concept demonstration to in specific areas of procurement and their undertaking the high level design in house a fielded and sustainable capability. contribution to the department’s work. The two and retaining the design and integration The delivery and integration of this areas of procurement being rewarded are: responsibility. This facilitated more rapid capability has significantly increased the o Support to the London 2012 Olympic and commercial agreement with industry and fidelity of ‘live’ training and, for the first time, Paralympics Games; and protected the delivery timeline. allowed exercising forces to replicate the real o Urgent Operational Requirements Managing the technical challenges of ISTAR experienced in Afghanistan. providing effective electronic countermeasures was highly challenging and the team had to Special Projects MAP team capitalise on the agility of the innovative design approach, to permit design changes without The team planned and executed a highly delaying the overall schedule. demanding, time critical and complex project The innovative and collaborative approach to deliver a substantial and vital uplift in enabled rapid delivery and the project reached helicopter capability. This project required its in-service date only nine months after delivery within 12 months. conception. Delivering this uplift in capability within a year of the requirement being identified required outstanding work across the DE&S and industry teams. Their efforts have been hugely successful and defence is far better placed as a result.

“The winners represent excellence in acquisition and good teamworking right across defence and I congratulate everyone who has been recognised this year” – Paul Hamilton, Head of Industrial Policy 26 trident Transatlantic systems testing The UK and US work closely on their strategic weapon systems. Alan Clark, liaison officer in Washington DC for the UK’s Successor programme of nuclear ballistic missile submarines, outlines the latest development in the two nations’ weapon systems testing

new facility for the UK and US to The UK has a long history – since replacement programme had been carry out comprehensive testing the 1963 Polaris Sales Agreement - of leading the UK’s Successor programme. Aof their future strategic weapon working with the USA on strategic The US announcement last year to systems has begun in Florida. weapons systems. Trident II D5 is shift its replacement for two years now The new Strategic Weapons System currently carried on the Royal Navy’s sees the UK with the more immediate Ashore facility, subject to formal Vanguard and the US Navy’s Ohio timescale. Crucially the US opted to keep approval for the project, will be at Cape class submarines. Both countries to schedule the design of the Common Canaveral Air Force Station and will will be replacing the submarines as Missile Compartment which will carry firmly underline the UK as a long-term they approach the end of their service the same Trident weapon system on both strategic partner in the UK/US Fleet life. After the UK’s 2010 Strategic nations’ submarines at build. ballistic missile programme. Defence and Security Review the Ohio The first UK Successor submarine trident 27

Alan Clark Alan is a DE&S civilian serving in Special Projects Royal Navy based at the Washington Navy Yard, Washington DC. His role has him embedded in the US Strategic System Program Office working as a liaison officer on the Successor Common Missile Compartment Project. His MOD career began in Rosyth and he has many years experience on the UK strategic deterrent programme, starting when he worked as a Test and Commissioning Engineer at the dockyard during refits of the Polaris weapon system. This role was followed by a tour of duty between 1991 and 1994 in Washington DC as a Technical Liaison Officer during which time the Trident submarine fleet entered service. will ‘go first’ to test the weapon system, Alan has been in post for just over a year and has been reacquainted with former US and including firing the first test missile UK colleagues who have dedicated their careers to the deterrent programme. on a Demonstration and Shakedown His current position covers many aspects of the CMC Programme, including performance, Operation (DASO). As you might expect, cost and schedule leading to Main Gate submission and being the programme office there will be a comprehensive set of representative for the SWS Ashore Project at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. shore-based tests before we get to DASO SWS Ashore is a high profile part of the CMC programme. and this is where the Strategic Weapon System Ashore facility comes in. Previously, the missiles, plus their launch systems, fire control, guidance and navigation were tested in different facilities across the US by computer simulation. By bringing the systems together in one place at Cape Canaveral, programme staff will be able to test other US Government departments Building should be finished in interactions between system components and US contractors with UK input. In 2015. Ohio systems are expected to be using the same hardware and software addition to certifying the design of the operational in 2017 with the Successor found on the submarines. Stationary, weapon and its support systems, Cape and Ohio Replacement systems inert missiles, fitted with electronic Canaveral will be used to certify the new operational in 2020 in support of the monitoring equipment, will be used for Missile Service Unit and other support UK’s Successor programme. testing; the test facility will not be used operations before integrated Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, for actual missile launches. testing during submarine construction. DE&S’ Chief Strategic Systems The US Navy chose Cape Canaveral The test facility will also be able to Executive, is the UK project officer for its unique capabilities and suitability provide full life cycle testing, training for the Polaris Sales Agreement. for proposed operations. The new and engineering evaluations for the He joined his US counterpart, USN building will refurbish, update and legacy Vanguard and Ohio, subsystems. Director Strategic Systems Programs transform a 1950s submarine missile test The UK has been involved from Rear Admiral Terry Benedict, at the complex whose use was discontinued in the early stages of the shore facility groundbreaking event for the facility the 1970s. The risk mitigation provided by programme and will continue to at Cape Canaveral on 8th November. Lt Cape Canaveral is very important to the participate in all phases, influencing the General Governor of Florida, Jennifer Successor programme, particularly with design, ensuring it meets UK Successor Carroll, and Frank Dibello, President, the UK being the lead ship. needs and mitigates risks. UK personnel Space Florida were also present. The test facility programme is being will be present during construction, Rear Admiral Beverstock’s presence managed by Strategic Systems Programs gaining experience in installation, was warmly appreciated and publicly in Washington DC with support from integration and testing. marked the UK as a long-term strategic partner in UK-US Trident testing.

Groundbreaking: UK and US representatives at Cape Canaveral in November 28 apprentice of the year Let’s hear it for the girls!

It’s a clean sweep of the MOD’s apprentice awards as DE&S’ young engineers race off with the top prizes

Pictures: Andrew Linnett

Charlotte Haskins’ exceptional progress during her training was rewarded with the Cardwell prize. The award which dates back to 1982 is named after Sir David, a former Chief of Defence Procurement, and was presented by his widow Lady Cardwell “It’s good to see that our young people are being recognised for the skills that they possess and that the MOD still actively trains apprentices. And good too that the girls are coming through as engineers,” said event organiser Tracey Cruse. “Princess Alexandra was very impressed that there were so many girls bbey Wood’s young female and services support, from which the among the winners – four in total with apprentice engineers have swept overall winner was announced. three among the main prize winners – Athe board in the latest MOD Since then the contest has been with standards being as high as ever.” apprentice awards. simplified with candidates providing The event was opened by Bernard Polly Blaikie took the gold medal in a substantial written application Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel and the annual competition and was joined on including an example of their best work. head of DE&S, who also gave the closing the winners’ podium by her fellow Abbey Experienced interviewers than assess address. The event was also attended by Wood apprentices Rachel Hacker and each candidate with winners receiving a the MOD’s Permanent Under-Secretary Gemma Winsley. And there was further medal, certificate and a cash prize. Jon Thompson. success as Abbey Wood’s Charlotte A trophy is given to the winner of the The awards are sponsored by DE&S Haskins was the winner of the Sir David Gold award which is held by the parent Director Technical. Cardwell Memorial Prize. establishment for the next year. After the presentations award It is the first time that three young Prizes were presented by the Princess winners helped exhibit various women have captured the main prizes, who was suitably impressed by the high engineering projects to their families and the first time that ED &S has filled the skills of the young engineers. and friends, which included work by top three positions. Polly has completed Other awards presented on the day apprentices from the Defence Support her apprenticeship and now works included the Tom Nevard Memorial Group, RAF Alconbury, RAF Lakenheath, in the Submarines team where she is Competition prizes announced in the Defence Munitions at , and joined by Gemma. Rachel has a middle summer which included wins for Gareth DE&S’ headquarters at Abbey Wood. management role working for the Defence Hopton and Luke Gosling of the Defence The MOD delivers 10,000 Ordnance Safety Group. Support Group at Donnington, while apprenticeships a year, which includes The three were presented with their there were other individual prizes for around 400 civilians. Although medals in a ceremony at Main Building Andrew Hall of DE&S Abbey Wood and Armed Forces personnel complete last month by the principal guest Princess Defence Munitions Gosport’s Danny apprenticeships as part of their military Alexandra. White. training they are not employed as It was a triumph for Abbey Wood in a The Sir Henry Royce Memorial apprentices. The MOD is the leading competition which has been going since Foundation Medal, won by the DM Government department in delivering 1977 and seeks to reward those in their Gosport pairing of Andrew Leadbeater apprenticeships, recognising the final phase of training. and Sam Jennings and reported in last apprentices’ contribution to military The competition was previously split month’s desider, was also presented on capability and the skills base of the into two groups, procurement executive the day. nation. apprentice of the year 29

Tom Nevard Memorial Competition Mechanical section (machining and general fitting) Winner (1st phase): Gareth Hopton (DSG Donnington) Runner up (1st phase): Jake Briscoe (DM Gosport) Winner (2nd phase): Luke Gosling (DSG Donnington) Runner up (2nd phase): Elliot Rogers (DM Gosport)

Mechanical section (hand skills and general fitting) Winner (1st phase): Andrew Hall (DE&S Abbey Wood) Runner up (1st phase): Jack Carpenter (DM Gosport) Winner (2nd phase): Danny White (DM Gosport)

Engineering Project Management Team Above: Gemma Winsley, Polly Blaikie and Rachel Winners: Stephen Townhill (DE&S Abbey Wood), Keith Hacker are pictured with Edwards (DM Gpsort), Hossein Khoshtaghaza (DE&S Princess Alexandra in Main Abbey Wood), Richard Johnson (DE&S Abbey Wood) Building Runner up: Jack Jones (DSG Donnington), Marc Piddock (DSG Donnington), Patrisha Goodman (DE&S Abbey Wood), Alex Bishop (DE&S Abbey Wood) Below: Charlotte Haskins was winner of the Sir David Cardwell Memorial Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation Medal Prize, presented by Lady Cardwell Joint winners: Andrew Leadbeater and Sam Jennings (DM Gosport). Adjudicating panel: Mr P Hall, Mr J Lewis (Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation).

Sir David Cardwell Memorial Prize Winner: Charlotte Haskins (DE&S Abbey Wood). Adjudicating panel: Mr Dean Millott (DCP Employment Framework Strategic Skills), Mr Warren Pickles (MOD Apprentice Competitions team)

MOD Apprentice of the Year 2012 Gold medal: Polly Blaikie (DE&S Abbey Wood). Joint silver medal: Rachel Hacker and Gemma Winsley (DE&S Abbey Wood). Adjudicating panel: Mr Matthew Whittington and Miss Sarah Handley (DE&S Land Equipment). 30 air, land, sea

Advertising Full range of air, land and features naval systems on display

Although DSEI incorporates a strong will be the UK Government’s land systems focus, there is no doubt that plans for reshaping the British the event is increasingly recognised by Army as outlined in Future the international defence community as Force 2020, which emphasises a unique opportunity also to evaluate the the need for ground forces to full capabilities of air and naval defence be sustainable, capable and technologies and equipment, ranging from the adaptable to meet both evolving latest warships and vehicle design to aircraft threat profiles and economic composites and surveillance radars. constraints. DSEI 2011, organised by Clarion Events To address these changing and staged at ExCeL London, featured requirements, which not only 1,391 exhibiting companies representing 46 apply to the UK but also many countries and included 30 national pavilions, international land systems with 28,440 international visitors and 1070 markets, industry as a whole global VIPs in attendance. continues to be challenged in sourcing innovative solutions, The context of unmanned systems with many examples to be showcased. In addition to static air displays at DSEI The dedicated Land Systems Zone at 2011, which included Lockheed Martin’s DSEI 2013 will be increased to more than Joint Strike Fighter, QinetiQ’s Zephyr and 70 dedicated stands and land systems AgustaWestland’s AW159 Wildcat, the award- content will be displayed by leading players winning Unmanned Systems Showcase in the global industry, ranging from prime attracted the most visitors of any feature at contractors to niche specialist suppliers, the 2011 show. It was a highly interactive including BAE Systems, Daimler, General demonstration designed to show how Dynamics, JCB, Land Rover, Navistar, unmanned systems worked in the context of Nexter, Patria, Rheinmetall, Streit Group and a foot patrol in Afghanistan, featuring a static Supacat. display showing the latest in Unmanned Aerial Services (UAS) that included Selex Galileo’s Emerging threats to maritime Falco Evo Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). security Away from the Showcase, Faun Trackway introduced its landing mat specifically At DSEI 2011, an inclusive designed for UAVs, representing the latest showcase of maritime addition to its suite of temporary runway capabilities was on display solutions, regardless of terrain and for any from global prime contractors size or weight of UAV. and shipbuilders as well as Highlighting the importance of the smaller specialist technology unmanned theme, Clarion Events launched a providers, both inside the halls successful UAS UK conference and exhibition and on visiting ships dockside. during 2012, which attracted an estimated Collectively they presented 240 attendees; the same format is due to be potential solutions to meet repeated and staged alongside DSEI 2013. current and emerging threats to maritime security, ranging from Evolving land systems needs international conflict to piracy, terrorism and organised crime. One of the main themes at DSEI 2013 Countering piracy was the theme of the daily waterborne demonstrations which included, for example, Nautilus’ GARC realistic environment in front of international and Northrop Grumman’s Maritime Tactical delegations and visitors. Information System, as well as the first The strength of DSEI’s proposition appearance of a hovercraft at DSEI – the means that it can attract the whole defence Griffon Hoverwork 2400TD. community and supply chains covering DSEI 2013 will feature an expanded air, land and naval markets. With a record marina and in depth scenarios, covering number of overseas delegations recorded current and future threats to maritime security in 2011, DSEI 2013 will again provide an and warfare. This will provide exhibitors international showcase of key products, with a unique opportunity to demonstrate systems and technologies that will be crucial their related products and services in a to future tri-service operational capabilities. DSEI will be held at ExCel, London from 10th-13th September 2013 www.dsei.co.uk air, land, sea 31 From DSME in Korea to DE&S

It is a short train journey from Abbey Wood to BMT Defence’s riverside offices in Bath, about 16 miles and on a good day it can be done in 40 minutes. It is a longer trip to DSME in Okpo on Geoje Island, South Korea. It is 6,000 miles away, and they are nine hours ahead of us. Just as the K-Pop sensation ‘Gangnam Style’ has made an impact in the UK, neither time nor distance is proving any obstacle to the team delivering MARS for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Naval architects and engineers at BMT’s Bath offices are maturing the design and since the summer they have been joined by welcome colleagues from DSME. Jae-Hyung Kim, Electrical Design Engineer from DSME, arrived in November. “We are very proud to be working on this very important programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary” said Mr Kim. “Bath has such a great history; it is fantastic to be working on the programme right in the heart of the city.” Chris Trout, Head of Projects (BMT Defence Services), added: “We have been working with DSME for several years now, and the relationship continues to strengthen. The scale and capability of DSME’s Okpo operation is inspiring. Getting to be one of Above: a computer the top shipbuilders in the world can only happen him praise the DE&S project team. “Acquisition is generated image if you are exceptional at what you do. DSME have tough, it is hard work and getting kit into service is the of a future also recognised BMT’s engineering excellence and prize. Being an intelligent customer; being committed MARS tanker our passion for success. Mutual respect makes the and professional are essential. However, their replenishing a Type relationship work.” secret is the way they are nurturing the three way 45 Many readers will remember Chris from his time relationship and it will be a strong team – in Bristol, at Abbey Wood and it will come as no surprise to hear Bath and Okpo that will deliver project success”

When it comes to the nation’s Building engineering security, you need outstanding engineering partners with the highest levels of experience, partnerships for integrity and creative thinking. BMT has all these, which is why we’ve worked success with Government departments and defence agencies, major defence and industrial contractors in the UK and overseas since 1985.

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BMT half page_DESider_Aux_Jan2013.indd 1 03/12/12 18:14:44 32 air, land, sea

Flying hours for the Lockheed Martin training aircraft flying at Eglin Air Force Since the first flight in December F-35 Lightning II have passed the 5,000 Base, Florida. 2006, F-35s have flown 3,464 times. This mark. All three variants, the F-35A total includes 91 flights from the original The milestone was reached by the Conventional Takeoff and Landing, the test aircraft, AA-1; 2,510 SDD test flights; combined F-35 System Development and Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) and 863 production-model flights. Demonstration (SDD) aircraft flying at – which will be operated by the UK – and Below: BF-02, an American F-35, is Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Carrier Variant (CV), all contributed to pictured during the latest trials in the Station Patuxent River in the US, and the the milestone. US.

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DE&S keeps raising the charity cash

A combination of cakes and facial hair raised more than £450 through friends, in the ISTAR Operating Centre has earned family and a successful cake sale on the nearly £1,500 for charity at Abbey Wood. floorplate. Clean shaven on 1st November, The ADATS team raised more than members of the Project Marshall and Air £1,000. Defence and Air Traffic Systems teams Joint Sensors and Engagement grew spectacular moustaches for the Networks team donated £174 to Children Movember appeal to raise awareness of in Need, £116 from a cake sale with the men's health issues. The ‘Mo-shall’ team remainder from an Olympics sweepstakes.

FOST Five become the moustachioed matelots

Five memberS from Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) at Faslane decided to join in with the spirit – if not the letter – of Movember. Royal Navy personnel are usually barred from sporting moustaches, having to follow regulations which state they can only grow the traditional “full set” – that’s beard and moustache together. However Warrant Officers Shaun Boulton, Justin Beattie, Al McLean, Tony Swift and Petty Officer Jay Rodgers were given permission to “stagger” shaving-off Above: members of ADATS and the Project their full sets. Marshall teams sport their contributions to the For one afternoon only on 29th Movember appeal while, right, Rob Kelleher and November the five, who work as marine Duke Watson test each other's efforts engineering staff, became moustachioed matelots to raise £400 for prostate and testicular cancer. IQPC-UK IAV 2013 Desiders Ad 2.0:Layout 1 12-11-27 12:32 PM Page 1

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o Defender, the fifth of Box deliveries help bring festive cheer six Type 45 destroyers currently on trials before being handed More than 20,000 boxes full of festive cheer were sent to UK over to the Royal Navy, servicemen and women across the globe at Christmas. has adopted Exeter The boxes, known as ‘square stockings’ and around the size City Football Club as a of a ration pack, contained around 20 items, some Christmassy, partner as part of its some useful. close relationship with TV Presenter Lorraine Kelly joined members of the Royal the city. Club chairman Marines on a zip wire from Wellington Arch in central London Edward Chorlton before Christmas to launch the campaign, run by the charity uk4u is pictured at a recent Thanks! home match alongside The charity worked with the Armed Forces to send boxes to the ship’s commanding places like Afghanistan, the Falklands, and ships and submarines officer Commander in time for 25th December. Phil Nash. The British Forces Post Office system was not used, so as not to delay parcels from families and friends getting through. Hywel the hat-trick hero as Abbey Wood clinches title

A h at-trick from Hywel Jones saw with another hat-trick as Abbey Wood Abbey Wood clinch the inter-unit qualified for the final with a 14-2 win water polo title at the first time of over RAF High Wycombe. asking at RAF Cranwell. Hywel Jones said: “This is a great Four in a row and a Jones struck with the final goal of victory for Abbey Wood; we have family double too! a competitive final against RAF Brize beaten teams from much larger units Norton which saw Abbey Wood run with much younger squads and done Geoff Ellis took his fourth consecutive out winners by 6-4. so in style.” individual Inter-Services Orienteering title by Abbey Wood, made up of service The squad then competed in the destroying a field of the services’ best athletes and civilian players, had opened the inter-unit swimming championships at Aldroughty, near Elgin. Flt Lt Ellis’ performance was matched by scoring with Jones’ first and there where Hywel Jones picked up second younger sibling, Flt Lt Rachel Sullivan, who were further goals from Chris Jones place in the men’s 100 metre breastroke narrowly took her first Inter-Services title. and Rich Elford before Brize hit back. and Libby Taylor claimed third in the They are believed to be the only RAF It needed late goals from Hywel Jones female backstroke. siblings to become concurrent individual Inter- to confirm victory. The men’s relay team of Hywel Service Champions in any sport. In the group stages four goals from Jones, Rich Elford, Chris Jones and Other featured DES runners were SSgt Adam Taylor swept RAF Coningsby Matt Rawlinson also claimed a silver Andy McNally, Lt Col Chris Sanderson and Lt Megan Ashton. aside in an 11-2 victory. medal. Abbey Wood finished fifth And Hywel Jones was on target overall in the swimming.

Above: team members on The Wrekin Conquering The Wrekin

The Special Projects SCM team has raised more than £1,000 for Help for Heroes by running up and down The Wrekin a staggering 108 times. The ‘dedicated’ started their day on the Shropshire hill at 4.45am and finished nine Going polo – back row, from left: Mr Adam Taylor, Lt Col Matt Rawlinson, Flt Lt Rich hours later having completed a combined Elford. Front: Sqn Ldr Chris Jones, Wg Cdr Damian Orton, Sqn Ldr Libby Taylor, Flt distance of 324 miles with a total ascent/descent Lt Jude Clarke, Sqn Ldr Hywel Jones, Cdr Steve Etchells, Maj Scott Robinson. Not equal to climbing up and down Everest twice. pictured: Capt Emily Stokes 36 people news

Thanks to green- fingered Devonport personnel a Devon school garden is being From transformed into a paradise for wildlife sonar and pupils. Bere Alston School’s to environmental garden is becoming a schools wildlife-friendly space that the whole school – the will be able to enjoy. Nigel Shirlow, green husband of school secretary Marianne, heads a team of fingers submariner combat systems engineers. get “A project of this scale includes down qualities embodied in the Naval ethos, namely teamwork, to work leadership and commitment,” he Pooling resources: engineers get down to repairing the school's pond said. “I asked if we could adopt the school garden as our team STAFF at Imagery and project – the first time Geospatial Systems (IMAGE) we have volunteered team have donated a day to the as a group – and my British Institute for Brain Injured superiors were happy to agree. Children (bibic) at its assessment “This sort of work centre in Bridgwater. has been a real first This involved garden for some of the guys maintenance, painting and as they work on sonar, decorating, cleaning buildings radio and intricate and equipment and most electrical equipment spectacularly demolishing a – it’s been really good to get to grips with redundant playground without the some more physically aid of power tools. challenging work.” The day provided an The opportunity to use teamworking environmental garden skills to maximise results as was created in 1997 well as providing a sense of but, as both pupil achievement for a worthwhile numbers and the garden grew, it had cause. IMAGE-conscious: the assessment centre gets a spruce-up become less useable. Award-winning Polly earns another mark of distinction The MOD’s apprentice of the year – DE&S earned passes. Rachel Hacker and Oliver Barton, DE&S’ Polly Blaikie – is one of a number Gemma Winsley, silver medalists in the Samuel Bilner, from the organisation who have earned MOD awards, were awarded distinctions Jack Fillingham, distinctions in their national certificates. in their manufacture engineering HNCs, Ceri Griffiths, Polly, right, of DE&S’ Submarines alongside DE&S colleagues David James Hamer, Platform Group, earned her Higher Fogarasy and Ian McGee. Ryan Hodges, National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Passes went to Ross Abraham, Patrick Jennings, Engineering alongside DE&S colleagues Alexander Bishop, Thomas Driscoll, Christopher Kucharski, Sarah Christine Butcher, Carl Greenslade, Jack Richard Johnson, Mark Jones, William Ledsham, James Montieth, Luke Payne, Liam Shearn and Luke Weeks who Kennedy, Hossein Khoshtaghaza, Thomas Postelthwaite, Benjamin Read, Mary were also awarded distinctions. Leach, Jake Samways and Craig Taylor. Woodall and Daniel Wye. Adam Bedford, Daniel Cornell, In the electric and electronic All received their HNCs from the Charlotte Haskins, Robert Jennings, engineering HNC awards there were awarding body, University’s Ben Mitchell, Alexander Moore, David distinctions for Christopher Banks, Faculty of Transport and Engineering Stafford, Stephen Townhill, Daniel Timothy Bates and Thomas Buxton. Technologies, at a ceremony in Bristol Waldron and Christopher Wareing also of Passes were secured by James Baker, Cathedral on 24th November. people news 37

Staff descended on Clyde’s dental Clyde brushes up on oral health department to learn about the dangers of mouth cancer and raise cash for a local oncology unit. The 13-strong dental team, part of the base’s medical centre, held the event in St John’s Church and Chaplaincy as part of oral cancer awareness month. As well as display boards outlining the symptoms and risks of mouth cancer, there was also a quiz and goody bags, as well as a selection of cakes and biscuits donated by local businesses. “The response was fantastic,” said civilian dental nurse Lesley Mooney. “We were only too glad to help raise awareness because it can be such a debilitating disease. By informing people of the symptoms and risks we hope to encourage them to visit their dentists for regular check ups.” Cakes and goodies were donated by Morrisons, Tesco, the Co-Op, Greggs and Marks and Spencer. Plans are already being drawn up by the Dental Department for the next charity event – a quiz night at the base’s bowling alley on Dental staff, from left, Surgeon Lt Cdr Ruth Burns, Lesley Mooney, Leading behalf of the Vale of Leven Hospital cancer unit. Dental Nurse Vicky Parsons and AB Rachael Lucham

One of the most experienced pilots serving in UK waters has retired after pioneering the Imperious passage of some of the largest submarines in Joe pilots his the world in and out of Plymouth. service is Chief Admiralty Pilot Joe Lovelady has overseen safe passage of thousands of rewarded military, auxiliary and commercial craft, way to happy David Barrett including nuclear deterrent Vanguard class has received his submarines, in and out of Plymouth waters Imperial Service during his 41 years’ service. Medal from Joe has worked his way up from master retirement the Bowman on smaller tugs overseeing as the Chief Pilot and Tactical the entire operation of helping the largest Communications vessels in the Royal Navy such as aircraft & Information carriers and US Navy warships. Systems (BATCIS) Head Brigadier Ivan Joe said: “The highlight of my career Hooper. has to be bringing the V-class submarines David retired into Plymouth for their first entry. They are from BATCIS last bigger under water than anything else that June after a 27-year visits, and Plymouth is a very complex port. MOD career which “Adding to the challenge of navigating the began with the reprographics team narrow entry to the naval base is the twisting at Woolwich. channel and the varying tidal conditions. David stepped I always say to commanding officers that up to perform a if they can manoeuvre ships in and out of Band D Commercial Plymouth, they can manage any port in the Officer role world. ’’ Often there is only a metre clearance during his time in when transiting basin and dock entrances. BATCIS and was responsible for Joe’s dedication extended to delaying three reprographics retirement until he had helped train enough teams while working pilots without leaving the team short. at Pinesgate, Bath in Commander Carl Necker, Queen’s the 1990s. Harbour Master for the Port of Plymouth, David takes with said: “For more than 40 years Joe has him many happy consistently delivered expert assistance memories including the time he had the to the commanding officers of ships and honour to print a submarines of all nations, throughout one book for The Duke of the most navigationally challenging ports of Edinburgh on a in Europe, in all manner of environmental visit to Woolwich conditions. Arsenal. “A consummate professional and true Since retiring, gentleman, he has been an exemplary Chief David and wife Karen have moved Admiralty Pilot throughout his tenure. I wish Dedication: 41 years of service by Joe Lovelady to Torquay. him all the very best for the future.’’ 38 people news

DSRA LOTTERY OCTOBER Training to be the best WINNERS £10,000: Joanne Regan (RAF How a pair of swans helped hone Brize Norton). £5,000: Peter Devonport’s diving skills . . . Bell (Craigiehall). £2,000: Michael Dudgeon (RAF Alconbury). £1,000: Andrea Middleton Devonport's (Donnington). divers get ready for the £500: Simon dive to the Brewer (RMA bottom of . . . while new kit Sandhurst). £300: a lake near gives Clyde Richard Matthews Plymstock (Aldershot), firefighters Christopher (RFA), a cutting edge Martin Bayode Firefighters at Clyde have (Whitehall), Zoe new tools in their arsenal of Cole (Cromwell). Devonport diverS are the exercise as part of his rescue equipment with the £200: Daniel known for their skills – but professional development, and purchase of auto-extraction Phillips (Abbey helping out a pair of nesting to give good experience to the cutting equipment. Wood), Stuart swans was something of a first. diver inspecting the purpose- The28-strong team from the Defence Fire Service have Ashfield (DGC The Royal Navy’s Southern built raft. Dive Unit answered a plea from Leading Diver Ade Morris been testing new “e-Draulic” Feltham), Andrew equipment, pictured above. Malyon (Brompton a bird lover worried about the said: “This was a great chance Station Manager Jim Gray Barracks), William future of the swans after a to meet community needs, gain said: “Previous hydraulic rescue McClafferty purpose-built nesting raft sank experience and directly train equipment required a generator (Coulport), in a Devon lake. Many of the divers in command leadership and several metres of hose Paul Burley swans’ eggs had been ruined by and management experience. which restricted the capability. “With our new equipment (Rheindahlen), water. That is what the Navy is proud this is a thing of the past. Divers used the bid to refloat to do. I hope some good comes Christopher Harris The e-Draulic tool is battery (Abbey Wood), the raft as a training exercise to the swans and the lake operated and yet provides an David Tye (RAF for a supervisory diver leading environment from this.’’ increased capability.” Wyton), John Power (RNAS Culdrose), Glen Ashton (Corsham), Lorna Omand Tal rewarded for keeping (Wigman TAC). £100: Dominic Leung (Abbey Wood), Dawn Wilde flag-raising on track (Cheadle Hulme), Paul Cheetham (Corsham), Tal Lambert renewed to be part of the team being Christine Frapwell acquintance with Olympic presented with the Judges’ (Abbey Wood), cycling star Victoria Pendleton as Special Award received on behalf Michael O’Sullivan the Armed Forces were rewarded of the 17,500 members of the (DSG Andover), for their work in supporting the Armed Forces that were key to David Cox London Olympics. the success of the 2012 Games.” (RAF Cranwell), Tal, an RAF He was chosen to lead Coleen Partridge with the Network Technical the flag-raising team at the (Sutton Coldfield), Authority team in Corsham, Opening Ceremony for his work Christopher Hartley was among those who received on Operation Herrick and his (SPVA), Adele a special award from The Sun involvement in the Soldier On Appleby (UKHO), newspaper last month. charity. Jonathan Ross A lunchtime reception at 10 He also took part in the medal (Whittington), Downing Street and an evening ceremonies at the Velodrome and Christopher Parks ceremony at the Imperial War raised the Union Flag several (RAF Shawbury), Museum attended by the Prince more times for the performance Geoffrey Leaver of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall of Team GB in the cycling. (Bicester), Anne were part of the 6th December Gold medalists Victoria Huckle (Abbey festivities. Pendleton and Greg Rutherford Wood), Deborah DE&S’ Information Systems presented the award to the Twells (RAF and Services was key in delivering military team, both saying they Honington), Lesley communications that enabled had great admiration for the Bowen (Kentigern those involved in Operation fabulous job the Forces did to House). Teamwork: Tal Lambert and Olympic to achieve their aims. ensure a safe and successful Victoria Pendleton at the award Tal said: “It was an honour Games. ceremony people news 39

Devonport Recovery centre will be savings built on firm foundations recognised DE&S and Babcock made the shortlist Work on a centre in the south for the national west for recovering Armed Forces Energy Efficiency personnel with long-term injuries Partnership of the Year award. has begun. Nomination The foundation stone of the was for the drive Endeavour Centre at HMS Drake, to reduce energy Devonport was laid by the co- consumption at founders of Help for Heroes, Bryn Devonport naval and Emma Parry, and wounded base. Royal Navy and Babcock, working with DE&S personnel who will benefit. and contractors, The centre is due to be open investigated later this year providing two conversion, pools – a hydrotherapy pool and a distribution, swimming pool with moving floor delivery and usage to reduce the depth. A separate of electricity, gas, block in the naval base – Parker water and fuel. In the first Building, also under construction two years, – will provide accommodation for Bryn and Emma Parry, centre, join interested parties as the foundation stone is laid electricity and gas families and users. consumption were Bryn, Help for Heroes Chief cut by around eight Executive, said: “This is a major they live. They will have been to that our efforts are going to per cent and ten per step in a recovery centre for hospital in Birmingham, then benefit members of the services cent respectively, personnel from the RAF, Royal Headley Court and then into who need such great support and energy bills reduced by more Navy, Royal Marines and Army recovery in their region.” is gratifying. Rarely is it so than £1.8 million. who live in the south west. This The recovery centre, satisfying to be working on such Further savings builds on the services already replicated at Colchester, Catterick a worthwhile venture.” included upgrading provided under the Royal Navy and Tidworth, is supported by £21 Hasler Company at HMS lighting systems in care pathway. million from Help for Heroes and Drake currently supports the two facilities This “The idea is that guys and will be staffed and funded by the recovery process, principally has reduced CO2 girls who have been injured in charity and the MOD. from the Royal Navy and Royal emissions by more than 130 tonnes a Afghanistan, for instance, have Richard Ellis of construction Marines through the Naval year. a one-stop centre in the region group Interserve said: “To know Service Recovery Pathway. DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:

2012DIN04-146: This describes procedures to be carried out by Type 1 (operational) customers to ensure the Medical and General Supplies team holds a current list of personnel authorised to demand medicinal products and any Type 2 customers who order via the Joint Supply Chain.

2012DIN04-148: As part of Defence Transformation, MOD civilian vehicles (white fleet) on lease or supplied under the Phoenix contract will now become the responsibility of the Phoenix Service Provider as the appointed MOD registered keeper for those vehicles. The census team at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, will be transferring the record keeping and taxation process for white fleet vehicles only to the Babcock licence team in the Phoenix Cell at Abbey Wood.

2012DIN01-249: This covers the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme which will be introduced from April 2015. Service personnel within ten years of their normal pension age on 1st April 2012 will not transfer to the new scheme. All other members of a current Armed Forces scheme will be automatically transferred into the new scheme when it starts.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2012.htm