The Offi cial Magazine of TEAM Issue 5 Spring 2012

The Incredible Journey QEC block leaves Portsmouth FULL STORY PAGE 28

Behind the Simulator is Lusty Back on Scenes at the Simply Exercise After Museum Breathtaking Hull Repairs FULL STORY PAGE 32 FULL STORY PAGE 34 FULL STORY PAGE 26

HERITAGE // FLEET SNAPSHOT // JACK SNACKS // SUPPORTING THE FLEET Welcome Introductions and Welcome welcome

History in the making at PNB ANOTHER bumper edition of Shoreside reflecting how much is going onat the base and how diverse it all is. It is worth pausing to reflect on what the base was doing 30 years ago: getting the Task Force ready to sail to the Falklands. It was the base, its workers and their attitude that enabled a Task Force to be assembled and prepped for war within five days. Teamwork, commitment and ‘getting things done’ were key as they are today for all that we do – whether emergency or routine. We make more history once again with the blocks for HMS Queen Full Page advertising Elizabeth leaving the base for assembly in Scotland and their return in a few years’ time as part of a whole ship. This is a tremendous achievement for the shipbuilding teams and we should salute their role in this historic project. The arrival of the aircraft carriers into Portsmouth will be iconic for the base, the city and the . We should be proud to be part of it.

Naval Base Commander Portsmouth Tony Radakin, RN

...... 2 Shoreside Shoreside 3 Contents Credits Spring 2012 Contributors / Magazine

Shoreside is published quarterly and is a WITH so much going on at Portsmouth Naval Base, this collaborative publication produced by the edition has been a real joy to pull together. member organisations of TEAM PORTSMOUTH. Everything from the blocks for the QEC Carrier Queen Elizabeth The printing cost of this magazine is generated leaving Portsmouth, to the commissioning of HMS Dragon, the through advertising visit of Michael Portillo as part of the filming for his BBC2 Great Railway Journeys series and HMS Dauntless deploying for the 3 Welcome and Intro first time has happened in recent weeks and more. Welcome to this edition of Shoreside In this spring edition we’ve also got a report of the visit by Bernard contents from new Naval Base Commander Gray, Chief Defence Materiel (CDM) including his endorsement for Commodore Tony Radakin the base and its future role as home base for the carriers and we speak to Rachel Dunn about her life as the UK’s only female Rachel is first female Admiralty pilot Admiralty pilot. As the only female admiralty pilot in 6 Look Ahead Check out forthcoming events in Finally, the award for Shoreside’s cutest contributor has to be the UK, Rachel Dunn, is completely 9 and around Portsmouth Naval Base Bono, the sniffer dog who is helping to keep the base a safe unphased by the demands of her job. place to live and work. One thing’s for sure – there’s no such thing as FULL STORY PAGE 9 8 HMS Dragon Commissioned a slow news day at Portsmouth Naval Base. The fourth of the Royal Navy’s new powerful Type 45 has been formally commissioned into the fleet 10 Base Review Look back at what’s been going on at Editor Portsmouth Naval Base in the past few months Kate Thompson [email protected] 1/2 Page 12 Falklands 30 Lusty Back on Exercise A weekend of commemoration After Hull Repairs at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard As soon as word came 26 through about the damage 20 CDM Bernard Gray visits PNB advertising to HMS Illustrious following a Chief of Defence Material Bernard Gray addresses Kate Thompson collision with a tug in Norway, an audience at Portsmouth Naval Base Editor a crack team of experts back in Portsmouth Naval Base were Photos/Images busy making preparations. 22 Fleet Snapshot Find out the latest about the Portsmouth Flotilla Julian Hickman www.1blueharbour.com RN Fleet Photographic Unit (P) FULL STORY PAGE 26 The News, Portsmouth 24 Victory Latest www.defenceimages.mod.uk See the latest update on HMS Victory Steve Wallace, Claire Williamson and Paul Hockaday 25 HMS Dauntless Update Design & Advertising The Incredible Journey - A six-month routine deployment to the South Lance Publishing Ltd QEC block leaves Portsmouth Atlantic, relieving HMS Montrose. 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, 28 On April 29 when the first QEC NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 block moved onto a barge in Sales: Christina Mclean 26 HMS Illustrious Hull Repair www.lancepublishing.co.uk preparation for its journey to The hull of the helicopter carrier was punctured Printed by Lance Print Ltd Scotland, it was the culmination in two places above the waterline On the Cover Shoreside is published quarterly. of a year and a half of planning. Next copy deadline is June 29 2012. 28 QEC block leaves Portsmouth All contributions and correspondence should FULL STORY PAGE 28 be sent - preferably by email - to: QEC block moves onto a barge in preparation [email protected] for its journey to Scotland On the Cover The Editor, Shoreside Magazine, Room 222, Naval Base HQ, Victory Building, HM Naval 30 Bono Keeping Base Safe Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LS Sniffer dog Bono always finds what he’s looking for All contributions are included at the Simulator is Simply Breathtaking On the Cover Editor’s discretion. 32 Mary Rose Museum View all back issues of Shoreside at: It will be several years before Behind the scenes at the Mary Rose Museum the towering edifice of the QEC 34 www.teamportsmouth.com/publications carrier can be seen entering Front cover image – QEC carrier blocks Portsmouth Naval Base but in the 34 CONSORT Bridge Simulator on the move from Portsmouth. Image courtesy of The News, Portsmouth. meantime experts have been able Simulation of QEC carrier entering Portsmouth On the Cover to create the moment thanks to BC525212.01.d11 the CONSORT bridge simulator at 36 Me & My Job HMS Collingwood. Meet Captain Andy Glennie and Carol Evans Shoreside Magazine is published quarterly and is a collaborative publication produced by TEAM PORTSMOUTH. FULL STORY PAGE 34

...... 4 Shoreside Shoreside 5 Look Ahead

THE FIRST SEA LORD’S ANNUAL LECTURE ON NAVAL HISTORY AND STRATEGY Historic Dockyard / 13 June / 5.30pm

SIR Julian Corbett and his critical role in creating the strategic template for a maritime state will be the subject of this lecture by Professor Andrew Lambert of King’s College, London. Renowned historian, Andrew Lambert, examines the impact of Sir Julian Corbett, advisor to Fisher and author of ‘Naval Operations’ the official history of naval operations in the First World War. FREE event. Booking essential. Please contact 02392 727577 or email [email protected]

VICTORIOUS VINTAGE Portsmouth Historic Dockyard / Sat 2- Sun 3 June / 10am-10pm

VICTORIOUS Vintage, a new again for this brand new event – ` Live bands on the main event celebrating the Diamond Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth stage in Victory Arena Full Page advertising Jubilee will take place over Historic Dockyard. ` A secondary stage with the weekend of June 2 and Entry onto the Portsmouth acoustic acts throughout 3 - a collaboration between Historic Dockyard site will be the day NAVAL TEA CLUB Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, free from 10am-10pm (standard Victory Learning Centre / Love Southsea, The Boutique On both evenings there will be a ticketing to attractions Tuesdays from 12 June / Market and Little Johnny Russells. main headline act – names TBC will still apply). but already including Dodgy, The 2pm-4pm After a successful collaboration During this time the public Lightning Seeds, The Bog Rolling with Portsmouth Historic will have access to: Stones, The Silver Beatles and Dockyard for the hugely popular Mark Morris from the Bluetones, Victorian Festival of Christmas, ` An array of vintage stalls plus other well-known bands from Louise Whitmore owner of Love throughout the Historic the region. Southsea and Abigail Pallant- Dockyard Photo courtesy of Hamilton Sidaway owner of The Boutique ` Colourful characters from Studios. Market are joining forces once different eras

THE LESSONS OF LLOYD GEORGE - LORD HATTERSLEY Museum /Thursday 28 June / 7.30pm A new social event for seniors at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can chat and reminisce over ROY Hattersley, who has just a nice cuppa with a different published a biography of David theme, artefacts and Lloyd George, speculates on archives each time. what other Prime Ministers can learn from the record of the No knowledge of naval history father of the welfare state and is needed, just curiosity, leader of the first Conservative- and a willingness to meet Liberal Coalition – including Jim others and take part in lively Callaghan (in whose cabinet Roy conversation. All sessions are Hattersley served), a Portsmouth free and take place from 2-4pm man whose centenary in the Victory Learning Centre. is celebrated this year. FREE event but booking £10 (conc £8 U18 £1) needed. Please contact 02392 727584 or email Tickets available online - [email protected] www.portsmouth for further information. festivities.co.uk

...... 6 Shoreside Shoreside 7 Focus SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS DRAGON Focus LATEST NEWS

Rachel has spent her whole career at sea. She started work as a trainee pilot in April 2010 and sat and passed her final examination last April. She started in 1984 with Shell Tankers Rachel is first female and became a 2nd mate in 1987. She gained her Masters (unlimited) ticket in 1993 and then joined Wightlink ferries in Portsmouth. She was the first female officer employed by Admiralty pilot Wightlink and rose to the position of Master in 1996 and remained as Master until leaving, after 16 years service, to become an As the only female admiralty pilot in the UK, Admiralty Pilot. Captain Dunn is one of 11 Admiralty pilots in Rachel Dunn, is completely unphased Portsmouth and she was recently awarded the by the demands of her job. highly prestigious Victoria Drummond award. It is the highest honour given to female The mother of two, whose husband is also a Rachel explained she loves working with the members of the marine officer’s union pilot in the neighbouring port of Southampton, ships and far prefers the shifts when she is NUMAST and is awarded in recognition of sees clambering up ladders attached to the piloting ships to being office based. raising the status of women members in the side of ships as just part of the day job. maritime industry. “The pilot is an extra safety factor for the ship. “Initially it was a bit daunting but I just You have local knowledge and your role is to Rachel travelled to Holland to receive the reasoned with myself that I had to be able to offer navigational advice to the navigational award from Sir Alan Massey during the climb up the ladder in order to do my job. team on board as well as instructions for the NAUTILUS International Conference. “A pilot’s ladder can be anything up to nine tugs in co-ordination with the commanding The award is named after Victoria Alexandrina metres long and with tankers you can be officer of the ship. Drummond MBE, one of Queen Victoria’s talking about a climb of seven or eight metres. “It’s not just a case of bringing the ship in, only goddaughters, who was the first female marine engineer in Britain and the first female “The more you do something, the more you 40 per cent of my job involves actually being member of the Institute of Marine Engineers. get used to it – and that’s the same with my on board. You have to be aware of wind and job,” she said. tides, other vessels in the area and whether there are divers working in the area,” she said. Royal Navy Welcomes Fourth Type 45 into its Fleet

HMS Dragon – the fourth of the Royal Gillan. Also present were Susie Boissier - the “Thereafter the emphasis will be on combat Navy’s new powerful Type 45 destroyers ship’s sponsor who launched the vessel at readiness in preparation for our first – has been formally commissioned BAE Systems’ shipyard on the River deployment next year. I am very pleased that into the fleet. Clyde in November 2008 - and Second Sea so many families, friends and affiliates were Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery. The part of our momentous day.” Hundreds of guests including families of the ceremony was conducted by the Venerable 190 ship’s company attended a colourful The ceremony was rounded off in traditional Scott Brown, Chaplain of the Fleet. ‘‘christening’ ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of a Base which marks the ship’s transition into Commander Darren Houston, Dragon’s commissioning cake. Performing the honour front-line service. Commanding Officer, said the event was a were the CO’s wife, Liesl, and Engineering proud moment for all on board HMS Dragon. Technician Mark Soldiew, aged 18, the Reflecting the ship’s strong Welsh “This very special day marks the end of our youngest member of the ship’s company. connections (the ship is affiliated to the city trials phase and the transition to of ), among the principal guests was front-line service. Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Cheryl

It’s not just a case of bringing This very special day marks the ship in, only 40 per cent of my job the end of our trials phase and the involves actually being on board. transition to front-line service. Rachel Dunne Admiralty Pilot Commander Darren Houston Photo: The News, Portsmouth ...... 8 Shoreside Shoreside 9 Review SNAPSHOT // NAVAL BASE UPDATE

ARTIST CAPTURES SHIP as it’s an action picture from recent history, ROYAL NAVY VISITS SOUTHAMPTON IN ACTION OFF LIBYA an important event the ship is proud to be a part of. I aimed for it to be dramatic while ROYAL Navy submarine, The vessel’s Commanding A MOMENT in the history of Portsmouth- remaining realistic and I am extremely proud HMS Tireless, made a five- Officer, Commander Hywel based warship HMS Iron Duke has been of the finished piece.” day official visit to the city of Griffiths - a former pupil at Peter captured forever through a painting created Southampton, giving dozens of Symonds College in Winchester HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, specially for her by ex-sailor turned maritime sea cadets, scouts and other - said: “Having completed Commander Nick Cooke-Priest, said: “For artist Ross Watton. youngsters a rare opportunity to my secondary education and many months Ross and I collaborated over sample life on board. worked in the local area prior The painting, which was recently presented to the detail of his painting and the ship’s actions to joining the Royal Navy, it is the ship by the artist, shows the moment HMS on the night of the 20 July, depicted in the The nuclear-powered with immense personal pride Iron Duke provided Naval Gunfire Support to painting. He has captured the ship and the submarine hosted several that I bring HMS Tireless operations off the coast of Libya. night perfectly and for the many members of visits by sea and air cadet to Southampton under my the ship’s company who have bought prints and sea scout units – plus Ross said: “I am delighted to have been on command. board HMS Iron Duke to present the painting. it will serve as a tangible reminder of a very sixth-form college pupils - It is significantly different from my normal work proud moment in the ship’s history. I think from across the city and “It is a welcome opportunity for Ross has done a wonderful job.” the New Forest. Civic my ship’s company to meet 1/2 Page dignitaries and senior city people and visit the city of council officers will also Southampton.” BERNIE MARSHALL RETIRES JOHN KILMISTER PLANS BOAT JULIE VAUGHAN RETIRES visit the vessel and meet her crew. AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS BUILD RETIREMENT PROJECT INSPECTOR Julie Vaughan has retired after FOLLOWING nearly 50 years spent working AFTER a career spanning 39 years in the serving 22 years with the Ministry of Defence advertising at Portsmouth Naval Base, shipwright Bernie maritime industry, John Kilmister is planning a police including the past four years in charge Marshall has retired. major boat building project for his retirement. of Section 3 Portsmouth Naval Base. He started work at the age of 15 as a He is going to build a 15ft Norwegian inshore Trained to use firearms, Julie was the only messenger boy and was one of the last fishing boat and reckons it will take up to 10 female assessor for the force and it was a role shipwrights to use Brunel’s designed and months to complete. “I look forward to sailing she really enjoyed. engineered machinery in the Block Mills. past and giving everyone a wave,” he said. On a ceremony on board HMS Victory, Julie “One of the biggest changes I saw during my He started working with Vosper Thornycroft in was presented with a long service and good time here is the change in attitude towards 1973 and joined the naval base in 1998 as a conduct medal by Superintendent the industrial workforce. When I first started Material Process planner and his first role was Kevin McAndrew. here, the facilities were non-existent, we didn’t to support the Type 42 project team. He said: “Many people across the police even have a locker and we lived out of our tool He supported the constructive trades for and beyond will miss Julie, she was known boxes,” he said. material planning for more than 10 years as an approachable, highly competent and Naval Base Services Director Mal Lewis, said: before becoming Resource Planning Manager. professional officer.” “Bernie has a fantastic track record having Naval Base Services Director Mal Lewis, said: As a Shift Commander Julie was responsible worked here for just a few weeks short of “It’s great to have the opportunity to shake for a section of 20 officers, land and marine 50 years and throughout that time he has your hand and to say many thanks for all the based with responsibility for Incident been an immensely diligent and committed commitment you have shown over 39 years. Management for the South East Divisional employee and we are all grateful for his hard Control room. work and the value he has added to the John, on behalf of the company I wish you a business over the many years of his working happy and healthy retirement and the best of She passed the National Tactical Firearms life here at PNB– on behalf of the Company I luck with your boat building project” Commander (TFC) course and carried out would like to thank him very much and wish assessment and re-accreditation. Julie was MINEHUNTER’S UPGRADE REACHES him all the very best in his well part of the planning team for Navy Days 2010 MAJOR MILESTONE earned retirement.” and was Bronze Commander for the three day event. A YEAR-long upgrade for the new engines being put Portsmouth-based minehunter into Chiddingfold after months She coached and mentored several officers HMS Chiddingfold reached a of preparation. She is the first during the promotion process with a 70 per major milestone with the fitting of of the re-engined Hunt-class cent success rate for South East Division. two new engines. minehunters and we are looking forward to putting this new Julie said:” Being on Section 3 at Portsmouth The work is part of a major mid- system through its paces later was a real bonus as the officers who have life upgrade to the Navy’s eight this year to find out exactly how supported me during my four years here are Hunt-class minehunters being the ship will perform.” such a brilliant team of people. carried out by BAE Systems “I wish them all the very best and would like to in Portsmouth and involved Mark Draper, BAE Systems thank them for making my time at Portsmouth replacing her Rolls Royce Deltics Project Manager for the Hunt such a thoroughly enjoyable experience. “ which have been used in the Re-propulsion programme, said Royal Navy’s minor war vessels as well as replacing engines, the for decades. work also included fitting new gearboxes and propellers and “And, of course, it doesn’t just include dry The programme will enhance and TOP COP MOVES an upgrade to the hydraulic bow land as we are out on the water too with our significantly extend the lives of ON TO NEW POST thruster system. patrols,” he said. the eight ships, maintaining their AS THE last Superintendent to ever work as position as some of the most “Chiddingfold is the first of part of the MOD police team, Kevin McAndrew, capable mine countermeasure class for this project and we admitted he was proud to have spent time as vessels in the world. are learning a lot. The engine the senior officer at Portsmouth Naval Base. installation is a real milestone. Work on Chiddingfold started in The team is working hard and “It has been a privilege to work here and January with the removal of two know there is a lot left to complete a highlight of my career,” said Inspector sections of deck to allow access this challenging programme,” McAndrew. who is moving to MOD Police to the bowels of the ship. With the he said. HQ in Braintree to become Head of the engine room fully prepared for the Operational Capability Centre. new Caterpillar C32 Acert engines Superintendent McAndrew came to the base they were carefully craned into in 2010 and he said the diversity of the work the ship and onto their had really struck him from the outset. new mounts. “The naval base for me is like a small town Lieutenant Peter Davis, the with industrial and commercial areas as well Superintendent Kevin McAndrew (left) is pictured with ship’s executive officer, said: Chief Inspector Ron Durkin who will now be as a residential population. in charge of MOD policing at the base. “It is very exciting for us to see ...... 10 Shoreside Shoreside 11 Focus FALKLANDS CONFLICT COMMEMORATION // SHIPS OPEN TO VISITORS

Remember The Falklands 5-6 May

PORTSMOUTH Historic Dockyard and the Royal Navy, with the support of BAE Systems, hosted a weekend of free events to commemorate the naval and local contribution to the Falkland Island conflict 30 years ago.

Events included HMS Dragon and HMS opening to visitors - and they proved to be a popular attraction with nearly 10,000 people going on board the two ships. The Band of HM Royal Marines, Collingwood played in the Starboard Arena of HMS Victory and Living History forces 80 and Combat Forces 89 in Naval and Argentinean uniform displayed infantry kit and numerous 1/2 Page (deactivated) weapons with a set up command post with documents, radios and Falkland’s maps. Naval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin was delighted with the event. advertising “People braved the weather and still came on board – there was a really good turn out for the ships and I am grateful to all those involved in staging the event. “Thanks also to BAE Systems for their sponsorship,” he said. Other events included talks in the Princess Royal Gallery of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Victory Jetty also played host to the Royal Navy Presentation Team and the Veterans Tent.

I am grateful to all those involved in staging the event Naval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin

...... 12 Shoreside Shoreside 13 Review SEA SURVIVAL // TEAM PORTSMOUTH Interest HMS ST ALBANS VISITS REYKJAVIK // LATEST VISIT

Falklands Veteran Opens HMS Sea Survival Centre St. Albans visits A SENIOR officer who survived his ship “Survival is about being determined to sinking in the Falklands war opened an confront your fears, look them in the eye At a Glance important training centre at and come out the other side.” Reykjavik Horsea Island. During the Falklands conflict HMS Cdre Nance opened the £2.5m site with Coventry and Antelope, together with RFA Commodore Adrian Nance stood alongside his wife Barbara, but moved aside for the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, were also fellow survivors of the 1982 conflict to open naming of the Ardent building where most PORTSMOUTH-based warship HMS St damaged to such an extent that personnel the Sea Survival Training Centre. A set of training will happen. Several survivors of the Albans has just visited the Iceland capital were required to abandon their ships. purpose-built classrooms and stores now sunken HMS Ardent, the Type 21 , Reykjavik to further strengthen ties with the stand next to Horsea Lake, replacing huts joined him to christen the building with a While the majority of crew managed to country - a fellow NATO member. built after the Second World War. pause in memory of those who died. quickly and safely transfer to other Royal Navy ships that drew alongside the The training essentials are the same as they The temperature in the lake rarely rises damaged vessels, some crew had to enter The hosted a reception and On completion of the visit HMS St Albans Commanding Officer, Commander Tom have been since 1982 - recruits still don above a few degrees centigrade and has the extremely cold and hostile waters of capability demonstration for more than 60 sailed with the foreign ambassadors and Sharpe said: “I was delighted to be able to survival suits and plunge into cold, murky jellyfish, which create a more realistic the South Atlantic to await rescue. foreign ambassadors and British Embassy British embassy staff accompanied by the bring HMS St Albans to Reykjavik, engage waters before scrambling into life rafts. training environment than a swimming pool. staff. The guests witnessed several displays Icelandic coastguard vessel Thor. with so many different groups and take part in Russell ‘Eli’ Ellis, 61, is the Sea Survival The retired commodore stood alongside The construction of the centre was including fire fighting, first aid, and search and an act of remembrance in Hvalfjordur to mark Manager at Horsea Island. He suffered 33 The ships conducted joint maritime patrols Captain Sam Salt in the destroyer HMS completed in December 2011, slightly rescue helicopter operations. the 70th Anniversary of the Arctic convoys. per cent burns when HMS Coventry was and a winching exercise with the Merlin Sheffield as he gave the order to ahead of schedule. It was managed by The ship’s company thoroughly enjoyed the hit by two 1,000-lb bombs in the Falklands HMS St Albans also opened her hatches to helicopter. Afterwards they sailed into abandon ship. the Royal Navy Infrastructure Organisation visit - for the majority of them it was their first and had to abandon ship into the water. the public during the five-day visit. Several Hvalfjordur, a local fjord used by the Arctic with the contract being delivered through visit to Iceland.” Speaking at Horsea Island, he said: “I stood hundred Icelanders toured the upper deck convoys during the Second World War where a partnering relationship with Babcock He said: “The training isn’t rocket science; with Sam Salt as he made the decision to and Merlin helicopter to see first-hand the HMS St Albans conducted a memorial service (formerly VT Flagship) and the principal ships have been sinking since the Battle abandon Sheffield. ship’s capabilities. and wreath-laying to commemorate the 70th contractor Mansell Construction. They were of Trafalgar. anniversary of the Arctic convoys. “The previous time that order had been supported by a design team from Giffords “It should strictly be ship abandonment given was 36 years before that, and we Consultancy and the architect was Peter that we’re taking about here. We are have not heard it since. Galloway Partnership. testing equipment like the 25-man life raft and testing the individuals in difficult conditions.

1/2 Page advertising

...... 14 Shoreside Shoreside 15 Focus SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS LANCASTER

This is an important day for HMS Milestone for Lancaster. DE&S have handed the ship back to the navy command. HMS Lancaster Commanding Officer Steve Moorhouse

WITH the culmination of the upkeep programme for HMS Lancaster another major milestone has been reached in her progress back towards re-joining the fleet.

HMS Lancaster has undergone a year ensure she is ready to fulfill operational long extensive refit which has seen her commitments. The work included upgrades emerge sleeker and faster with work to the ship’s Seawolf guided missile system, undertaken on the ship’s hull as well as command system, communications and its power and propulsion machinery. the installation of a small calibre 30mm gun system, which can be operated remotely. Speaking on the day the maintenance work was officially signed off, her Commanding “I joined the ship in late November. Around Officer Steve Moorhouse said: “This is an 10 per cent of the original company have important day for HMS Lancaster. DE&S stayed with the ship so the vast majority are have handed the ship back to the new to the ship. navy command. “As well as testing and trialing the ship now, “I would like to thank everyone that has we have to make sure the ship’s company been involved in the refit – BAE Systems, are safe and able to go about their job,” Superintendent Fleet Maintenance (SFM) he said. and Abbeywood,” he said. The upkeep has significantly upgraded the capability of the 20-year-old frigate to

...... 16 Shoreside Shoreside 17 Focus FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE VISIT // FILMING AT PNB ENVIRONMENT // ENERGY MATTERS Energy Matters THIS year’s Energy Matters campaign focused on the Top Ten biggest energy consuming buildings in the base. Between them they consume nearly £1m of energy per year. We’ve set ourselves the challenge of saving 10 per cent this year and we have now done a comparison for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter 2012. The great news is that due to small things like switching off appliances when not in use and generally being more aware of energy use, appointing energy wardens in their areas and using labelling to inform users of the need to switch of lights when they are not needed, electricity costs have been cut by £64,000 just for those 10 buildings. If you have any ideas that will save electricity and therefore running costs, please contact either your Environmental Champion or Carol Evans by ‘phone on 023 927 25220 (dockyard 25220) or by email Michael Portillo visits [email protected] Portsmouth Naval Base 1/2 Page

FORMER Secretary of State for Defence, “It was one of the proudest moments of my advertising Michael Portillo has fond memories of time career as Secretary of State for Defence. spent at Portsmouth Naval Base. Bradshaw’s Guide “The American Secretary Bill Perry was retiring The presenter of the immensely popular and the dinner was given in his honour. Great Railway Journeys uses the Victorian BBC2 series Great Railway Journeys was in “I remember I invited the President of Poland publication made famous by George Portsmouth filming for a new series which will and received a sharp ticking off from the Bradshaw and the descriptions he gives air in January 2013. Foreign Office – they said it wasn’t my place to of locations on the journey add charm And he was delighted their schedule invite a head of state,” he said. to the programme. coincided with the commissioning The commissioning ceremony for HMS Here’s what he had to say about ceremony for HMS Dragon. Dragon allowed Michael to catch-up with old Portsmouth. A hectic day began early serving friends as the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral “Portsmouth Harbour ranks among the breakfast on board the Type 45. Charles Montgomery who used to be his first in Great Britain for its capaciousness, private secretary. “It was great fun. I expected the food to be depth and security.” good quality and it was. And I expected the guys serving the food to be cheerful and they were. “Following the raising of the Ensign, I rang the eight bells. “After that we spent some time with the Commanding Officer filming for the show and we did an interview on the bridge. “He talked about what a proud day it was and what it meant to him to be part of a Royal Navy,” he said. Recalling a previous visit to the Naval Base when he was in government, he said a dinner on board HMS Victory was particularly memorable.

...... 18 Shoreside Shoreside 19 Feature CHIEF OF DEFENCE MATERIEL VISIT // TOWN HALL BRIEFING

the Naval Base and took the opportunity to speak to DE&S staff, Royal Navy personnel and other members of Team Portsmouth during a briefing on The Materiel Strategy. Underlining the key role Portsmouth plays, Mr Gray explained the carriers would have a lifetime of up to 50 years and represented a CDM huge investment. The carriers, the Type 45s and other naval vessels based in Portsmouth needed support and that secured the base’s future, he said. Visits “The carriers are going to be a vast and amazing sight and they allow for the removal of uncertainty that has been around for a long time.” He said he was fully aware of the good work being done in Portsmouth and he was PNB delighted to hear all surface warship refits were completed on time and to budget last year at the base. But he was also aware of the general CHIEF of Defence perception of MOD procurement in the Materiel (CDM) Bernard wider world. “Defence procurement never turns up in the Gray explained to media in a positive light – you don’t read about the good things that are happening hundreds of staff during and I am pretty fed up with our reputation in a Town Hall briefing the outside world,” he said. During an hour long presentation and Q&A event at HM Naval Base session, Mr Gray said he was proposing Portsmouth that, as some straightforward solutions: confirmed in ` Only items that can be afforded should be the Strategic Defence ordered; ` Improved interfaces between DE&S and and Security Review, MOD; the future of the ` Development of skills to match the private base was secure. sector. He said: “The DE&S Board is meeting here Mr Gray said: “This is where the carriers today because we want to make sure we are coming – whatever else happens this are speaking to as many people in the is going to be their home port and that organisation as possible. underpins Portsmouth as a naval base “If we are going to move this organisation going forward.” forward we need to do it as a group of CDM and the DE&S Board were visiting people.”

The carriers are going to be a vast and amazing sight and they allow for the removal of uncertainty that has been around for a long time. Chief of Defence Materiel (CDM) Bernard Gray

...... 20 Shoreside Shoreside 21 Review SNAPSHOT // FLEET UPDATE

DOUBLE AWARD FOR MINEHUNTER HMS IRON DUKE RETRIEVES RECORD HMS Iron Duke scooped two HAUL DURING US awards for her efficiency and EXERCISE effectiveness on operations, ROYAL Navy minehunter HMS marking her contribution to Middleton flexed her hunting maritime security operations in prowess during a recent exercise the Gulf and operations off Libya. with the US Navy – finding a grand total of 13 dummy Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Chief mines in the Gulf. of Staff Capability, presented the commanding officer and ship’s Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, As part of their regular practice company with the 2011 Frigate Chief of Staff Capability (left) presenting at searching for mines in the Efficiency Trophy and pennant the 2011 Frigate Efficiency Trophy warmer waters of the Arabian to HMS Iron Dukes Commanding and the 2011 Anti Submarine Officer, Cdr Nick Cooke-Priest. Gulf, the ship’s company Warfare Effectiveness Trophy in a worked alongside their coalition ceremony on board the ship The last part of her deployment “This award reflects the counterparts to exercise INTERNATIONAL personnel – 3,000 more than in Portsmouth. saw her providing Naval dedication, pride and their already well-established EXERCISE TESTS usual. The aim was to generate technique. HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Gunfire Support to operations professionalism of a ship’s MARITIME RAPID a purpose-built task group ready Frigate, returned on a high from off the coast of Libya. For company who gave everything For the ten-day exercise the US REACTION FORCE to react to global events at just a operations in July 2011 having three consecutive nights HMS to every one of many tasks, from Navy deployed their MH 53E Sea moment’s notice. Iron Duke used her firepower training to combat operations, PORTSMOUTH-based warships spent almost seven months east Dragon – a specially designed Captain Phil Titterton, capabilities to destroy a gun and who achieved total success took part in a huge international of the Suez Canal. helicopter that can sweep for Commanding Officer of Joint battery outside the besieged town in 2011. This award is testament exercise to combat future mines from the air. Tactical Exercise Planning Staff On leaving Portsmouth in January of Misrata and fired star shells into to the exceptional performance threats at sea. her duties included working with Finding 13 dummy mines that (JTEPS), the team responsible the night sky to illuminate pro- of the officers and the men who The flexibility of the Fleet to deal other navies to combat smuggling had been laid by friendly forces for organising the exercise, Gadaffi positions for NATO aircraft served in HMS Iron Duke with unexpected events such as and human trafficking in support was a successful haul for the ship said. “This year Joint Warrior to destroy rocket launchers, fuel last year.” Libya last year or provide security of counter-terrorism. She then – particularly as the temperature is generating the Royal Navy’s dumps, ammo stores, artillery at the Olympics in London was sailed to the Gulf on maritime Recipients of the annual award of the water can make it more high-end war fighting capabilities batteries and command and put to the test on Exercise Joint security operations where she get to fly the The Surface Flotilla difficult for the ship’s sonar to for use as and when required for control centres. Warrior off the coast of Scotland. patrolled the Al Basrah Efficiency Flag when entering detect ordnance. The water maritime defence around oil terminal. HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding and leaving harbour and whilst weakens the returning signal so Joining warships from the US, the world. Officer, Commander Nick Cooke- alongside in UK and foreign ports. the mine warfare teams have to Denmark, Norway, France, “It gives a full spectrum of multi- Priest, said: be more precise with Canada, Germany and the national training in a testing their searches. Netherlands were a vast environment and provides all number of UK assets including Sub Lieutenant Christopher the players with a view on how HMS ILLUSTRIOUS The fact that we welcomed Portsmouth-based HMS Chew, Navigating Officer of HMS they would work together under WORKS WITH around 4,500 members of the Illustrious, Diamond, Edinburgh, 1/2 Page Middleton, said: “The ability to coalition and NATO operations. DANISH MILITARY IN Danish public and a number of St Albans, Atherstone and work closely with other units, These are the assets that will COPENHAGEN Danish Army personnel on board Brocklesby. proved once again that this kind particularly from different nations be used in the event of global HMS Illustrious worked with of visit always provides a fantastic allows HMS Middleton to be A bi-annual exercise, this year’s operations so they must be able counterparts from the Danish opportunity to strengthen constantly ready to be deployed Joint Warrior was larger than to work alongside each other military during a four-day visit to relationships with our anywhere in the world whatever ever before with a total of 8,000 effectively.” advertising Copenhagen. NATO Allies. the scenario.” The Portsmouth based warship “It was also a great opportunity There are four Royal Navy Further links were forged when 60 hosted a Lynx helicopter from for us to operate with a helicopter minehunters based in Bahrain officers under training on board NAVY’S FISHERY exercise was a great success. the Royal Danish Air Force for from the Danish Armed Forces, - currently HMS Middleton, paid a visit to the Danish VESSELS UNITE “The ships proved they could several hours of flight deck drills. once again demonstrating the Ramsey, Quorn and Pembroke Naval Academy. FOR ANNUAL EXERCISE work together effectively and that Among the helicopter crew was Royal Navy’s close links with – and the skills they learn from Lieutenant Richard Dixon, a Royal even in evolutions not routinely The helicopter carrier stopped off our partner nations. We look working in the shallow waters THE Royal Navy’s three fishery part of their daily business, they Navy pilot on exchange with the at the Danish capital on her way forward now to continuing our helped the personnel in Bangor protection vessels took a short Royal Danish Navy. were still able to perform to the north for Exercise Cold Response preparations for the multinational and Brocklesby last year when break from policing UK waters to high standard expected within the The port visit also allowed – a multinational two-week Exercise Cold Response, which they found and destroyed mines unite for a joint exercise. Royal Navy. laid by Colonel Gaddafi’s regime Illustrious to open her hatches exercise inside the Arctic Circle. will take place in challenging HMS Mersey, Severn and Tyne conditions alongside other ships off the coast of Libya last year. “The shoreside aspects were to the Copenhagen public for a Her Commanding Officer, Captain – usually on individual patrols to from the Royal Navy’s response of great use, providing an day and 4,500 visitors took up the Martin Connell, said: “It has been With over a week spent at sea for protect the nation’s fish stocks force task group and other important opportunity to renew opportunity to see the impressive a privilege to be able to bring the exercise, HMS Middleton also - came together for their annual allied navies.” the connection between the hangar and flight deck and talk to HMS Illustrious to Copenhagen. took the opportunity to replenish squadron exercise off the crew members. MMO and the RN officers who her supplies. Bringing HMS Isle of Wight. work on the ‘front line’ of fishery Middleton alongside Royal Fleet The two-day exercise included protection.” Auxiliary ship Lyme Bay allowed Severn directing her sister ships Diamond is now ready to take protect our nation’s interests the minehunter to take on fuel, HMS DIAMOND FIRES into a coordinated anchorage in her place as a fully operational abroad; a job we are now trained ammunition and food without SEA VIPER MISSILE The Solent and Mersey leading FOR FIRST TIME warship, capable of deploying and ready to do.” having to head back into harbour. anywhere across the world. on a series of ‘officer of the watch’ WITH a flash of orange and an HMS Middleton will continue manoeuvres where all three ships ear-splitting bang HMS Diamond “I am immensely proud of to carry out operations in the move perfectly in time at set proved her fighting mettle by what my ship’s company has Arabian Gulf until later this year distances from each other. testing her missile system off the accomplished in such a short when she is due to head HMS Mersey’s executive officer, Outer Hebrides. space of time,” said Commanding back to the UK. Officer, Commander Ian Clarke. Lieutenant Rob Lamb, said the The third of the Royal Navy’s “Ever since I took command of cutting edge Type-45 destroyers this ship in 2010 my focus has blasted her missile out of the silo been to see the ship declared at three times the speed of sound, ready for operations within this obliterating the jet drone target time scale. out of the sky. “Our job when we deploy will be The successful firing of the Sea to bring stability and security to Viper system means that HMS international trade routes and ...... 22 Shoreside Shoreside 23 Focus HMS VICTORY UPDATE // CAPITAL GRANT Focus HMS DAUNTLESS // MAIDEN DEPLOYMENT

At a Glance

NEWS that a capital grant of £25m was being donated by the Gosling Foundation, was welcomed by the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomer “On behalf of the service, I am immensely grateful to Sir Donald Gosling and the Gosling Foundation for their generosity in making this possible,” said Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery. Talking of the donation by the foundation £50m for in his name, Sir Donald Gosling said: “HMS Victory is a national icon and I feel privileged that the Gosling Foundation is HMS Dauntless part of this project to ensure its future for HMS Victory the Royal Navy and for the Nation.” Sails to South Atlantic for Maiden Deployment Sir Donald Gosling Photo: LA(Phot) Abbie Gadd

CUSTODIANSHIP of HMS Victory, the “I am absolutely delighted with this initiative. oversee the Trust that will be looking after this PORTSMOUTH-based warship HMS Dauntless sailed world’s most iconic ship, has been It will significantly enhance the way in which world-famous historic warship. for a six-month routine deployment to the South transferred in a ground-breaking enterprise Victory can be preserved for the benefit of the The maintenance of the ship was given a from the Ministry of Defence to the HMS nation and future generations, while retaining significant boost last October when Atlantic, relieving HMS Montrose. Victory Preservation Trust - a charitable her links with the Royal Navy. She will be BAE Systems Surface Ships were awarded a trust established as part of the National in the hands of an organisation which will £16 million contract to support HMS Victory. Museum of the Royal Navy with the aim look after her unique status and has all the The contract involves the most extensive The will maintain a the fleet in 2010. Since then she has been put of ensuring the preservation of Nelson’s professional experience that her continued restoration since the ship returned from the continuous presence protecting British through an intensive period of sea trials and flagship at Trafalgar for future generations. and enhanced preservation requires.” Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and has already interests in the region, carrying out maritime training to prepare her for operations. The move coincided with the “This is fantastic news,” said Admiral Sir provided a greater understanding of the security operations off West Africa and the announcement of a £25 million capital grant , Chairman of the NMRN. material state of the ship than ever. This work wider South Atlantic. Her programme includes to support the new trust by the Gosling “The National Museum of the Royal Navy is will continue and become the responsibility of planned port visits in both West We are now ready to provide a Foundation, an amount which the Ministry the Navy Board’s adviser on naval heritage the new trust. and . reassuring presence in the region of Defence has agreed to match with a and therefore we are the ideal charity to It’s the first operational deployment for further £25 million. Dauntless since she was commissioned into and protect British interests. This endowment totalling £50 million, with the Commanding Officer, opportunity of further charitable donations, will Captain Will Warrender ensure that Victory will remain the centrepiece of the nation’s maritime heritage, continuing as a commissioned ship of the Royal Navy Her Commanding Officer, Captain Will under her commanding officer and Warrender, said: “HMS Dauntless’ ship’s ship’s company. company has been working extremely hard over the last year or so to prepare for our first Victory will remain the flagship of the Second operational deployment. We are now ready to Sea Lord until, as previously planned, she is provide a reassuring presence in the region made the flagship of the First Sea Lord. This and protect British interests.” enhancement in Victory’s status will reinforce the ship’s continuing special position within the Royal Navy. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, said today: “The ship has been at the heart of the Royal Navy for centuries and is symbolic of the fighting ethos and values of the Service. These are as important and relevant in current times, for example in Afghanistan, Libya and the Gulf, as they were Sir Jonathan Band & 2SL at the time of Trafalgar. Photo: LA(Phot) Abbie Gadd ...... 24 Shoreside Shoreside 25 Feature SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

The hull of the helicopter carrier was Carrying out such repairs is relatively unusual “The work was always going to be done in punctured in two places above the waterline said Brendan and the unplanned nature two parts. We were able to do the hull repair on March 9 and she returned to Portsmouth of the work meant they had to arrange a and quite a bit more of the work before she by Sunday March 18. In the intervening suitable place to carry out the repairs as well left in April. days, Project Manager Brendan Young and as put up scaffolding and arrange floodlights. “It was a good example of just what can be his team were able to build an accurate Lusty Back on Exercise The decision was made to bring HMS achieved when you work together,” he said. picture of just what work needed to be done. Illustrious back to Brendan explained: “We knew the area of the Portsmouth early damage, the physical size and we had good so the first part of After Hull Repairs photos from the ship. the repair could be done allowing “Every warship has a complete set of data her to join exercise including drawings. Once we knew where the Joint Warrior off damage was we were able to get the naval Scotland on April AS SOON as word came through about architects to look at the drawings. the damage to HMS Illustrious following a 12 and she will collision with a tug in Norway, a crack team “We even went and looked at Ark Royal so return in May for of experts back in Portsmouth Naval Base we could see for ourselves exactly what we some final work to were busy making preparations. were up against.” be carried out.

Hull Repair

...... 266 Shoreside Shoreside 272 Feature SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // QE CLASS CARRIER

Pump Motor Removed Towering landmark At a Glance The Incredible Journey - as part of Preparations moves to make for QEC arrival way for QEC block ` First steel was cut on Lower QEC block leaves Portsmouth Block 05 in January 2011 AS PART of preparations for the departure of ONE of the landmarks of Portsmouth Naval ` Lower Block 05 forms the aft QEC Lower Block 2, a team of experts from Base has been removed to make way for the section of the carrier’s hull ON April 29 when the first QEC block moved onto a contractors Hythe Marine have removed one safe movement of the QEC block. ` The block’s weight at load out is of two hauling gear winch assemblies for over The crane at D lock was due to be replaced approximately 1820 tonnes – the haul and re-insertion into D-lock West caisson. barge in preparation for its journey to Scotland, it was and the removal has been brought forward to equivalent of 151 London buses the culmination of a year and a half of planning. Braving terrible weather conditions, the expert ensure no obstacle gets in the way once the ` The block houses switchboards, team removed the 6 ton assembly which has QEC block is on the move. air treatment units and the vessel’s been in place for the last 25 years, in harsh Kathy Lamb, said: “The new crane will cost steering gear, as well as some tidal conditions. Project manager Gordon Burnley is the journey from the ship hall to the barge. A total £3m. The materials have been bought and accommodation areas man charged with co-ordinating the safe of 576 self-propelled modulator transporters The unconventional gearbox will be sent it will take up to 13 months to construct ` Lower Block 05 is made up of delivery of all the elements of the carrier were attached to the block to move it out – away to Mawdesleys, motor repair specialists, it off site before it is installed. two ring units - ring U and ring T where it will be overhauled, tested and and this year alone he is managing 40 and one man was in charge of the remote “It is being replaced as part of the whole crane returned ready to endure another 25 ` The load out of ring T on Tuesday movements from yards across the UK. control to co-ordinate the move. strategy that we have drawn up.”. years useage. 24 April follows on from the The Portsmouth block, which measures “The barge we are using is a special type of successful move of ring U onto 69.45m high by 39.6m wide and has a depth barge used in the off shore industry. It’s not an the barge on Sunday (22 April) of 18.8m, will eventually form the forward end off the shelf piece of kit and there are only a of the carrier along with LB01 and LB03. few barges in the world capable of doing this ` The barge, called Viking 7, job,” he said. measures 300’ x 90’ and came Gordon has been working closely with the from Stavanger in Norway local team to plan the move from dry land The journey from Portsmouth began on May onto the barge – and then the onward journey 21 and it took up to six days to ` The sections are moved onto the barge to Scotland. reach Rosyth. each using two trains of Self Propelled Module Transporters - 22 axles in total “Planning started about 18 months ago and “There are only certain tides in the month giving 176 wheels per block involved people from Portsmouth and Rosyth when we can float the block off but the critical getting together to look at all the factor will be the weather. High winds, rough ` The rings will now be sea fastened and issues involved. seas would mean we have to delay the secured ahead of their departure from sailaway or float off operation. Portsmouth for the four day journey to “Portsmouth is a good facility because it is “It must have been there since it was built – Rosyth on Sunday (29 April) non-tidal but there is a lot of traffic in the basin Being in charge of the movement of all the the bolts are an inch thick and it doesn’t look It is being replaced and there are the historic elements. sections is a major responsibility as all the ` Lower Block 05 will travel out of the like they have ever been removed. elements come together in the greatest as part of the whole crane dockyard, up the English Channel and “The planning work is all about removing the engineering feat the UK has seen for “It is quite challenging but this is just the sort the east coast to arrive in Rosyth on risk. We will be using the same methods we many years. of job our company does day in day out,” said strategy that we have Thursday 3 May used to move the block from Govan to sail to Hythe Marine director Luke Fitzgerald. Rosyth. We have done computer simulations “It involves so many different places in the drawn up. ` Lower Block 05 will be the second hull section to arrive in Rosyth where the testing everything from the calculation for country and so many factors have to be taken Ian Williams, Area Sales Manager of Kathy Lamb load out to float off – and we have carried out into consideration with each movement. Mawdesleys, said: “Once the assembly was ships are being integrated in dry dock simulations of how we are going to handle it in They all require the same level of dedication, removed by Hythe Marine, we checked the the water,” he said. planning and commitment. gear box over on the dock side and then we’ve sent it to Bristol where it will be worked The sheer bulk of the block which weighs “But there is an enormous sense of on prior to coming back to the Naval Base.” 6,770 tons makes it difficult to manoeuvre satisfaction when a move goes well,” he said. and on the day 100 men were involved in the James Millar, Assistant Project Manager for BAE Systems, said: “The goal is to improve the reliability of the infrastructure, so ensuring we have a high degree of confidence in it Spotlight when the 6,000 ton block leaves. “This is a demanding program with key dates Main Image shows Blocks LB01 and LB03 that have to be met.” PROJECT Manager, Gordon Burnley is a Main Article is about LB02 trained Naval Architect with an interesting career path. He left school with few qualifications and started his own business after working in fabrication. An accident which left him in a wheelchair, proved to be the major turning point for him. He went back to school and gained the qualifications he needed to study engineering at university and he was offered a job by BAE Systems during his degree. “It has been quite a journey and I am delighted to be working on such an amazing project. “The job is 24-hours a day and seven days a week- when you are moving pieces of the carrier you don’t stop for weekends or because the clock has gone past midnight,” he said.

...... 288 Shoreside Shoreside 292 Interest HMNB POLICE // BONO THE SNIFFER DOG DIARY DATES // ENIGMA ARTIFACTS

Bono is National Museum Helping reunites Enigma to keep the machine artifacts

HMS Collingwood has helped The National Museum of the Royal Base Safe Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Royal Navy’s capture of an Enigma machine), as they reunited some very special items. THERE aren’t many CPO Craig “Blood” Read and PO Dan Powditch were cleaning out dogs with their own their store in MERCURY building in HMS Collingwood when they found a box containing three rotors for an Enigma machine. business cards - but Richard Noyce, Curator of Artefacts at the NMRN explains: “The there’s no denying number M15653 on the machine matches the number on the box of rotors and the box is stamped with ‘Kommando der Marine Sation Der Bono is a special kind 021’ albeit smudged and difficult to read. With both items originating from HMS Mercury I think there can be no doubt the Enigma Machine of canine. and its spare rotors were originally together. We are thrilled to be The two-and-a-half-year-old Springer reuniting them again as they are a key part of our history.” Spaniel is Portsmouth Naval Base’s The German military used the Enigma cipher machine during WW2 first sniffer dog and he works with to keep their communications secret. The machine was available Constable Glen Morby. commercially during the 1920s, but the military potential of the device “We cover both the base and the Historic was quickly realised and the German army, navy and air force all used Dockyard. I got the cards printed for Bono a more developed model of the machine to encipher their messages because he generates a lot of interest with the believing that it would make these communications impenetrable public especially with children, and the card to the enemy. tells them a little bit about him,” he said. It takes nine months to train a dog like Bono 1/2 Page and he patrols the base and dockyard daily as well as working with Hampshire Police when needed. “He really is very good at his job and when he’s not at work he lives with me too. Hi I’m Bono advertising “As well as searching for illegally held DOB: August 2009 substances on the base and the Breed: English Springer Spaniel Historic Dockyard, he goes out on Handler: PC Morby the police launch too and it doesn’t phase him a bit,” he said. Donated from a family in Lancaster and previously a gun dog, Bono is full of energy, very playful and loving.

Most search dogs have been rescued, sometimes from sad and abusive Diary Dates backgrounds. Date Event Information / Location Once the dogs have been 16 June Rowans Moonlit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard assessed they are sent on an Memories Walk eight week course with their handlers where they are 30 June NMRN Armed Forces Day Arena events taught to search for 15 July Olympic Torch procession Portsmouth Historic Dockyard illegal substances. 18-21 July Much Ado About Nothing Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Once they complete the course, the dogs lives at home with the handlers and their families

This Bono always finds what he’s looking for...... 30 Shoreside Shoreside 31 Feature MARY ROSE TRUST // BEHIND THE SCENES

Case Study

One of the most challenging displays to Behind the Scenes put together will be the enormous guns from the Mary Rose. Using the most up to date technology and drawing on the ability of the finest experts, at the Museum the guns will once more be reunited with the wooden gun carriages that remarkably survived centuries in the Solent. “Every gun on the ship was unique and the heaviest weighs three tons. Using the Talented display team is working hard mounts we will be to place the guns and carriages together so they appear to be to ensure the artefacts are the stars holding the guns once more although the mount will be taking the weight. “It is the most challenging of all the moves – we will need to lift them through the roof of the current museum but that, frankly, will be one of the easier parts of the process.”

Mary Rose Museum Display and Design Team 1/2 Page advertising

A SLIVER of Perspex, precisely cut to ease Thousands of items large and small are being Rose from the archers to the carpenter and “When we were interviewing under the jaw of the Tudor skull, is slipped prepared to go on show – many for the first barber-surgeon. In the purser’s case, an people for the mount-making jobs we asked into place – and fits perfectly. time, in the purpose built museum which has artist’s impression has been created to show them what the public should notice about the been designed to be the perfect show case for what he might have looked like alongside mounts – and the answer was nothing. It’s a small detail but a measure of the intricate the 16th century treasures of the deep. his belongings which were all beautifully work going on behind the scenes at the Mary “We’ll know we’ve done a good job if they preserved in the mud of the Solent. Rose Trust to prepare for the move to their The skull in question is that of the purser – and don’t notice – the important thing is for the new museum. is all the more remarkable for the hole pierced A team of talented individuals are objects to be the stars,” he said. through the top of the bone by an arrow head. painstakingly creating the mounts for all the artefacts that will go on display and the irony There will be a number of displays The important thing is for is that while they no doubt appreciate being throughout the museum focusing on recognised for their hard work, they hope the the objects to be the stars the individuals who sailed on the Mary public won’t really notice their efforts.

Question

Q How many items will be on display in the new museum? A The collection totals 19,000 items and at present around 1,100 are on show to the public. Not everything can be displayed as some are still being conserved but up to 4,000 artefacts will be on show in the context gallery alone and more on display in the main galleries where the collection Mount Making Mary Rose Guns Artists Impression can tell the story of the Mary Rose and her crew. of the Purser ...... 32 Shoreside Shoreside 33 Feature TRANSFORMATION// CONSORT BRIDGE SIMULATOR Simulator Insight

is Simply Shoreside editor Kate Thompson was “Nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale privileged to visit the simulator at HMS of the ship - if you think the ferries plying Collingwood to experience what it will be their trade from the port to France each day like to arrive in Portsmouth Harbour on are pretty big, be prepared for something Breathtaking board the Royal Navy’s largest ever ship, much bigger on the horizon. The carrier Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth will be two and half times bigger. She wrote about her impressions. “The simulator allowed us to see the carrier “Sweeping majestically into Portsmouth from the point of view of a helicopter pilot IT will be several years before the towering edifice of the Harbour, with a birds eye view of the city’s hovering in the bay as the carrier left historic old town, it was easy to imagine we QEC carrier can be seen entering Portsmouth Naval Portsmouth before placing us on the bridge were indeed on the bridge of the QE Class watching the tugs ahead of us as she carrier Queen Elizabeth. Base but in the meantime experts have been able negotiated her way along the new channel “The simulator at HMS Collingwood is so into the harbour. to create the moment thanks to the Consort convincing, with every detail of the coastal “At about 85 ft above the water, you can city seemingly in place from the World bridge simulator at HMS Collingwood. see over the rooftops to the city beyond. War 2 monument on the Common to the The simulator gives an accurate picture of Round Tower and well known pubs of Old exactly what it will be like when the ship Portsmouth. enters Portsmouth – and leaves you with an “Our guide David Goddard even joked you even greater respect for the men and women could read the name of the licensee above whose job it will be to bring her safely the Still and West’s door. home each time.” “One thing is for sure, when Queen Elizabeth does make her first entry into Portsmouth, its going to be a showstopper.

Using the very latest digital technology, the “We started with a blank canvas. We knew Responsibility for bringing Queen Elizabeth “You are sitting approximately a third of the team planning the transformation needed what the simulator was capable of and it was into port for the first time will fall to the way down the ship leaving up to 700ft of to accommodate the carrier have been able a matter of setting up the trials so we could Commanding Officer, the uniformed navigation carrier behind you – and you must always to do crucial work in preparation for the gather information. team and an Admiralty pilot. remember it takes a long time to stop a vessel arrival in 2016. of this size,” he said. “We had to look at all the issues involved in “Prior to the first entry, the ship’s team on The current shipping channel is not straight navigating the entry and exit from the harbour board and the Admiralty pilots will come here So far 110 successful carrier runs have been or wide enough to take the QEC carrier and to find the optimum solution,” he said. for several run throughs. made using the simulator putting the ship up following the results of the bore hole survey against different wind conditions and current Using the simulator, the team was able to “They will already have experience of bringing in the harbour and its approach, dredging will strengths. define the safest route and ensure there was ships into Portsmouth Harbour but the carrier take place. enough room either side of the ship and will be a totally different experience. “The simulator allows you to experience Bridge simulator manager David Goddard below it, to allow for manoeuvrability. what it will be like to bring the carrier into “For a start the alignment of the channel has explained the simulator had been used to Portsmouth Harbour and it is an invaluable “Dr Ian Dand, of BMT Isis, was brought in to changed by 10 degrees and you have to help determine how much wider the shipping planning tool ,” he added. agree the safety margins taking into account remember that from the bridge there is an channel needs to be to allow the carrier to turn the depth and width,” he said. awful lot of ship astern of you. into the harbour...... 34 Shoreside Shoreside 35 My Job BASE PEOPLE // ME & MY JOB Me & My Job Me & My Job Captain Andy Glennie Carol Evans

Title: Superintendent Fleet Maintenance (SFM) Title: Energy & Environment Assistant Based: Sail Loft Based: Victory Building

What does your job involve? My work is split into two main areas of activity. My mornings are taken up with walking round the base getting the shore supply meter readings for all the ships. It’s a bit like the electricity board taking a reading and it allows us to see how much electricity each individual ship is using. I have been threatened a few times with being thrown overboard for giving them the bad news, but they were only joking – I hope! The rest of my day is taken up with environmental campaigns and ensuring everyone on the base knows about them. At the moment we’ve got the Big Green Commuter Challenge, we’ve just had Climate Week and there’s a big push for the Cycle to Work campaign coming up.

What was your career path? I was in the Royal Navy and did my basic training in Portsmouth. When I married and moved to Portsmouth, I started work at the Co-op dairy for 23 years until it closed down three years ago. And then I came back to the naval base to work with James Pollington and his team.

What is the best part about your job? 1/2 Page I like the camaraderie. I am the only woman working with 10 men and we do have a good laugh – they all behave themselves so long as I ply them with chocolate. I like being able to get out of the office and go around the base – especially in the summer. Lots of people want to swap their jobs with me when the sun is shining but they’re not so keen in the winter when it rains or snows. advertising

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be either a car mechanic or to join the navy so I got the best of both worlds by joining the navy as an air mechanic. When I joined up we were known as WRENS and we didn’t get to go to sea – which is a shame because I would have loved to do that.

What does your job involve? What was your career path? What did you want to do What are the challenges with your job? I am MODs senior uniformed engineer at the I have been in the Royal Navy for 30 years when you were growing up? Meeting deadlines and ensuring all the meter readings are put into waterfront providing assurance over much of serving on a number of steam, diesel and I always wanted to be in the navy. My spreadsheets ready to be presented to the Naval Base Commander. the on-going support work which is carried powered ships ranging from the grandfather was captain of HMS Hood out through the partnering arrangement that Royal Yacht Britannia to HMS Ocean. I am and my dad was a warfare officer too is Team Portsmouth. a marine engineer by trade. I’ve also had a who commanded the Hong Kong MCMV variety of jobs ashore in engineering policy, squadron but I decided to be an engineer. I am also the Commanding Officer for nearly resources & plans and safety policy. I was always technically inclined and, as 200 uniformed and civilian people who are I never intended to make this a long term embedded in the COMs and Fleet Time I was involved in the Falklands in 1982 on career, I figured prospects in the outside Engineering. I am also in charge of deployed HMS Hermes when I saw at first hand the world were better for engineers than warfare support provided to the minehunters heroic effort made by the dockyard to get a specialists. Somehow I never got round (MCMVs) through the two Forward Support significant part of the Task Group ready for to leaving and here I am, still enjoying the Units (FSU) one of which is permanently sea in five days. It was a defining moment numerous challenges after 31 years. based in the Gulf. and it left a lasting impression of just what Portsmouth dockyard can achieve. What does the future hold for you? What are the challenges with your job? There is a great deal of change happening The challenge is to shape SFM for the What is the best part about your job? at the naval base. The new Maritime Support future. With the responsibility for surface It’s really nice being a part of the frontline, Delivery Framework (MSDF) contract will ship force generation having moved into the getting on board ships regularly and feeling further shape the business, there is the Portsmouth Flotilla (PORFLOT in Lancelot like your team make a difference. It’s very bedding in of the COMs and the need to Building), the challenge is to use SFM’s real and tangible being at the waterfront - the support the Force Generating Authority all of influence to best effect in supporting the ships are the reason we are here. which will require us to adapt SFM to deliver Force Generating Authority (FGA) best effect. So, lots to do but the bottom and the COMs. line is we are all absolutely focused on maintaining the availability of Portsmouth based ships...... 36 Shoreside Shoreside 37 Interest RECIPE // YOUR LETTERS // COMPETITION

The ribs will help to retain the moisture in the meat and also allow you to enjoy the succulent meat. You need to allow about two ribs per Jack Snacks person, so I would recommend a 1½ kg piece of belly. This belly is better cooked two ways. The first is slowly braised, and the second way is on the BBQ. The reason for this is that because of the fat content, it needs to be cooked slowly. Flash cooking BBQ pork belly Griddled BBQ Pork Belly with can be tough. Sticky Whisky Bourbon Sauce To braise the pork belly, you need a good sized deep roasting pan or a large saucepan. Combine all the ingredients in a pan and place the pork into the dish and tin foil tightly. Cook the pork in the oven at gas mark 6 for 2-2 ½ hours or on the range on a low heat for the same time. Once the pork is cooked, chill the pork and place in the whisky sauce and refrigerate to marinade. Ideally, this can be left for a few hours. When needed. Cut the pork in between the ribs and BBQ until hot and sticky. Use any additional marinade to keep brushing the ribs as they are cooking. Serve with a nice crunchy coleslaw and a spicy bean salad. Perfect.

Ingredients for Sauce ` 1/2 onion, small diced ` 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped ` 3/4 small cup bourbon whiskey ` 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ` 1/2 tablespoon salt ` 2 small cups ketchup ` 1/4 cup tomato paste Ingredients for braising the pork belly ` 1/3 cup cider vinegar ` 1-1/2 kg of pork belly with ribs ` 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavouring ` 1 small cup of water ` 1/4 small cup Worcestershire sauce ` 1 small cup of chicken stock ` 1/2 small cup packed brown sugar ` 4 or 5 cloves ` 1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste ` 1 fl oz of white wine ` 3 bay leaves Full Page advertising Bourbon whiskey BBQ Sauce ` Squeeze of honey In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic, and whiskey. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Mix in the If you can get a good sized piece of pork belly from your butchers, ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, liquid smoke ask him to leave the ribs on, but to take the skin off. Hopefully he will flavouring, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce. preserve the beautiful fat underneath. It is this that will caramelise on Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 the BBQ and provide a wonderful flavour. minutes. Run sauce through a strainer if you prefer a smooth sauce.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Brian’s book, email your answer to the Contributions following question to Competition [email protected] If you would like to have your say – Question: or you have a burning desire to appear WE’VE got a copy of Brian Patterson’s Who is the publisher of ‘The Royal in a future issue of Shoreside, - we fascinating book ‘The Royal Navy at Navy at Portsmouth Since 1900’? would like to hear from you. Portsmouth Since 1900’ to give away in our Contact: latest competition. Email: [email protected] The volume is part of a major series of books Phone: 07968 262805 published by Maritime Books featuring the Kate Thompson activities of the Royal Navy at its various Editor, Shoreside bases, both at home and abroad throughout Room 222, the last century. Naval Base HQ The late Brian Patterson was Curator of Victory Building the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical HM Naval Base Collection and Keeper of Historic Boats at the Portsmouth Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust. PO1 3LS. He was a shipwright in the dockyard for 43 years and the author of nine books and numerous articles on military and naval topics...... 38 Shoreside Shoreside 39 Full Page advertising

...... 40 Shoreside