Dec 10 Issue 31

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

Warthog goes to war

Strategic Defence and Security Review – the next stage: Min DEST and PUS visit Abbey Wood See inside

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I am sure that all of you now know I The recent publication of the National winning equipment and support for the will be retiring from my post as Chief of Audit Office’s response to the Major front line 24 hours a day, seven days a Defence Materiel just before Christmas. Projects Report 2010 and the publication week around the globe – and I hope you I had planned to leave in March this year earlier this year of an independent all share that pride. but was asked to continue in post for a international benchmarking report on Recent successes are important first period while decisions were taken on project management have, in their own steps but we have a continuing obligation my potential successor. At the time of fields, highlighted how far we have to seek better and more efficient ways writing the selection process is nearing moved towards that goal. The NAO said of supporting the Armed Forces. The completion and an announcement will be performance on the majority of our publication of the Strategic Defence and made in due course. projects was now stable for the second Security Review has set the high level It hardly seems possible that it was successive year and described this as direction for defence for the future but only around four years ago that Peter encouraging. has left uncertainties Spencer and I first began to plan to join The independent over the detail. I the Defence Procurement Agency, with study put our recognise that, for us its role of buying new equipment for the performance in ‘I believe DE&S is among as an organisation, Armed Forces, with the Defence Logistics the top quartile many of these Organisation, responsible for the support of a mixture of the very best project uncertainties may of that equipment throughout its life as similar public and remain for some time. well as for logistic support. private sector management I know that my Our aim in creating DE&S on 2 April organisations. departure during this 2007 was to make it ‘fit for purpose’ These organisations in the UK’ time may appear to within the first 100 days, but we also findings are add to this uncertainty. recognised that this was to be only the result of But many of the the first step in creating a world class a wide range biggest decisions on integrated procurement and support of innovations the future defence organisation for the UK’s Armed Forces. that have been introduced in DE&S over programme have been taken and with Despite the scale of this challenge, DE&S the short life of the organisation. They the Defence Reform Review under way I readily came to play a key and enduring include upskilling of staff, simplified believe this is now the right time for fresh role in providing support to the UK’s methods of doing business and greater leadership at DE&S, to match the recent Armed Forces worldwide. use of e-commerce, partnering and appointments of a new CDS and new PUS. alliancing, alongside significantly Uppermost in many of your minds will increased use of the Urgent be civilian and military staff reductions General Operational Requirement (UOR) across the MOD during the next few mechanism. This method of years. In this regard it may be helpful to meeting short-term operational look back to the formation of DE&S in Sir Kevin O'Donoghue, needs has been a major success 2007. Our staff numbers have reduced and has been conducted by hard- considerably since then but we have Chief of Defence Materiel working staff alongside the full maintained our outputs. I say this to range of routine and longer term reassure you that large scale change is procurements. More recently something DE&S has been in the business the Sentinel project health- of since its formation, that most of us monitoring system has been have felt its effects in some way over rolled out in DE&S, an innovation that period but have helped make these noted by the NAO. There have changes work and our organisation a also been improvements in success. the logistics process, asset Finally, you know I attach little tracking and stock control. The credence to the way some of our business assimilation of DSCOM within the is reported in the media. But I am aware Abbey Wood site has reinforced that for many of you, frequent criticism our agility and the immediacy of of your work and of the civil service our operational focus; it has also more generally is damaging to morale. realised tangible benefits to the During his recent visit to DE&S, Minister supply chain and front line. And, (DEST) Peter Luff paid tribute to our as I said last month, we have also performance, as did the outgoing PUS made major strides in the way Sir Bill Jeffrey and his successor Ursula we run our business, through the Brennan. PACE programme. All of this is compelling evidence It has been a very great that DE&S can cope with change and honour to have led DE&S simultaneously succeed in improving through its formation and its performance and that we have support evolution into what is a very high from the top of the department. This performing organisation, one will be a comfort to you as DE&S moves that is delivering independently forward under new leadership to focus on verified improvements year on the fresh challenges of the future. year. Defence acquisition and I have found the past years immensely support is one of the hardest rewarding and fulfilling and at the same fields to work in, enormously time enormously demanding. The future complex and ever-sensitive to contains uncertainty, but I am confident external influences; you deserve that if you maintain your focus on to be recognised for all that you upskilling and improving the delivery of achieve. I will always be proud your projects you will remain very well of our many successes and placed to cope with these challenges. achievements delivering battle Have a happy Christmas and I wish you all Farewell CDM: pages 24 and 25 well for the future. dec 2010 the front lineandare beingusedonoperations. powerful andversatile new Warthog vehicles have arrived on ground runningonoperations inAfghanistan. Around 30ofthe T he cover image Picture: Andrew Linnett Andrew Picture: UK’ Insider 6 s newest protected all-terrain vehicle hashitthe 26 24 20 FEATURES 30 28

UK andUSinsignalsintelligence tie-up Kestrel setto take comms to new heights New vehicles setthepace onthefront line Farewell SirKevin Defence review –whatcomes next? in uniform. equipment andsupportorganisation after spending43years General SirKevin O’Donoghueretires asheadoftheMOD’s The first ChiefofDefence Materiel saysgoodbye to DE&S. implications oftheStrategic Defence andSecurityReview. have beento Abbey Wood to briefDE&Sonthestaffing Peter LuffandPermanent UnderSecretary Ursula Brennan Minister for Defence Equipment,SupportandTechnology network carrying data for arange ofapplications. will enhance information systems to become abackbone are outinAfghanistan, installing anew capability which Staff from Information Systems andServices atCorsham improvements intheirarmour. troops continue to give themthethumbsupbecause of from DE&S,have madetheirwayto thefront linewhere Wolfhound andHusky, thelatest protected vehicles decade. aircraft –called Rivet Joint–servingwiththeRAFlater inthe Air Force for manyyears willseeanew signalsintelligence operative supportarrangement between theUKandUS The most complex Foreign Military Sales case andco-

18 17 14 12 10 8 6 NEWS

Sentinel passes 300sorties Mastiff 2deliveries are complete Osprey a‘fantastic’ piece ofkit New people atthehelm Kosher food isnext on themenu contract between DE&SandPurple Food Services. with anew ration packbeinglaunchedaspartofa Kosher food willbeintroduced for BritishForces up its300thsortieover Afghanistan. RAF’s 5Squadron atRAFWaddington, hasclocked Sentinel, theairbornereconnaissance radar withthe its popularitywithtroops onoperations. been delivered byDE&Swiththevehicle continuing The final vehicle intheMastiff 2programme has Yeovil. in AgustaWestland from flight maiden asuccessful made has helicopter Mk2 Merlin Navy Royal upgraded first The Upgraded Merlintakes to theair on itswayto operations. carry military dogsinapodonitsflatbadsectionis A version ofthenew Wolfhound vehicle whichcan Send intheDogpod! bullet. insurgent’s an from bruising only with escaped who soldier aBritish of life the saving by success vital another up notched has Osprey Brennan isthenew Permanent UnderSecretary. as thenew ChiefoftheDefence Staff while Ursula The MODhaswelcomed General SirDavidRichards

SUPPORT TO OPERATIONS

36 Desert challenge An exercise in the Arizona desert is helping improve the capability of deployed headquarters. Trojan boasts horsepower

37 From factory to foxhole The mighty Trojan belonging to 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron cuts through the Maj-Gen Jeff Mason identifies changes to dirt on Operation Hamkari in Afghanistan. the world of operational logistics after the Royal Engineers have spent the past two months lending their awesome capabilities Strategic Defence and Security Review. to Afghan and US Forces, clearing a key area of Kandahar province. The intent has been to defeat insurgent elements and increase Afghan government influence across the area, as well as enable development west of Kandahar city. PEOPLE NEWS Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere, Royal Logistic Corps

38 Pride, passion and professionalism DE&S staff were well to the fore in the latest round of Civil Service awards . 41 Scott reaches his peak A DE&S trainee accountant has tested himself by climbing Africa’s highest peak. desider Assistant Head, Public Relations: Ralph Dunn - 9352 30257 or 01179 130257 [email protected]

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This magazine is produced on Cocoon 50 Silk which contains 50 per cent recycled and de- inked pulp from post consumer waste and Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed forests. Please recycle this magazine 6 news NEWSREEL New Warthog takes on a starring front line role

The UK’s newest protected all-terrain vehicle has hit the ground running on operations in Afghanistan. Around 30 of the powerful and versatile new Warthog vehicles have arrived on the front line and are being used on operations. New people And the first of a contract at the helm for around 100 new, improved Mastiff 3 troop-carrying patrol General Sir David vehicles will be on their way to Richards, above, Afghanistan this month. has taken over as The agile and robust Chief of the Defence Warthog tracked vehicle Staff from Air Chief provides improved protection to Marshal Sir Jock British troops and can work in Stirrup, who retired waterlogged ground or terrain after four-and-a-half years in the post and intersected by drainage ditches after more than 40 where other vehicles find it years in the Armed difficult to operate. Forces. It is available in four variants Ursula Brennan, – a troop carrier, an ambulance, below, has made a command vehicle and a repair her first visit to o Warthog, above, is powered by a 7.2 litre engine producing 350 brake and recovery vehicle. The horsepower and is able to move through water while carrying up to Abbey Wood as the ambulance variant can carry Permanent Under 11 troops and offering improved levels of protection. A protected gun casualties, medics and kit. The Secretary (see pages mount, extra armour, specialist electronic counter-measures equipment 22 and 23). She has and communications tools are added before Warthog is deployed on vehicle’s repair and recovery taken over from Sir operations. variant is fitted with a crane and Bill Jeffrey who has o More than 100 Warthog vehicles have been ordered from Singapore winch, and has the capability retired after five Technologies Kinetics in a deal that is worth more than £150 million. UK- of recovering another Warthog years in the role and specific kit is installed in the vehicles at Thales UK’s facility in west Wales. vehicle back from the front line. Colonel Nick Wills, Protected Mobility leader at DE&S, said: “The challenge to bring Warthog into service was a tough one; as with all Urgent Operational Requirements time is of the essence. “However we are very pleased with the final operational capability that the Warthog delivers. The vehicle has undergone a rigorous testing and trials regime in the UK in order to ensure it is fit for use in Afghanistan. close to 40 years in “The role Warthog fulfils on the Civil Service. operations is very demanding Defence Secretary Dr but we are confident that it is up Liam Fox said: “Sad o The latest six-wheel-drive Mastiff, above, will include: • Opening armoured front doors to allow better access for troops to the task.” though I am to see On Mastiff he added: “The Sir Jock and Sir Bill • A more powerful engine • Increased braking performance latest version of Mastiff has built leave, I am extremely • An increase from five to a six speed gearbox upon the lessons learned through pleased to welcome • An extra seven inches of roof height to improve crew comfort two such capable Mastiff 1 and 2, alongside the operational experiences of replacements. I know o Mastiff can carry eight people, plus two crew. It has a maximum speed Ridgback and development of the that General Sir of 90 kph and is armed with the latest weapon systems, including a 7.62 David Richards and mm general purpose machine gun, 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or 40 mm Wolfhound vehicle. Ursula Brennan will automatic grenade launcher. “It offers the highest levels of provide strong and blast protection and will allow confident leadership o The order of heavily protected Mastiff 3 vehicles has been procured the task force to carry out their at a time of great as part of a programme under a £250 million Urgent Operational operational mission by moving change for the Armed Requirement. Each vehicle costs approximately £1 million. personnel and equipment in the Forces.” high threat environments in Mastiff 2 deliveries are complete: page 14 Afghanistan.” Connecting & Protecting

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e-mail: [email protected] 8 news ‘It just shows what a fantastic piece of kit the Osprey is’

More lives saved as soldiers survive insurgent bullets

Ranger Ryan Boyd, above, on patrol in Helmand Province and, left, sporting the bruise he escaped with after being hit by an insurgent’s bullet

Osprey has notched up another vital Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman said: success by saving the life of a British “Troops’ equipment will continue to soldier who escaped with only bruising improve as new technology becomes after a Taliban bullet was stopped by his available. Latest improvements to Osprey body armour. make a real difference to soldiers’ personal Ranger Ryan Boyd, 26, of 1st Battalion protection and this incident demonstrates The Royal Irish Regiment, would have what a lifesaver it can be.” been killed by the insurgent round had he Coventry company NP Aerospace not been wearing the latest issue armour. makes the body armour plates used by UK One of the side plates absorbed troops in Afghanistan. Chief Executive the force of the shot. Ranger Boyd was Roger Medwell said: “The whole knocked off his feet by the blow, but not workforce who manufacture this plate seriously injured, and was back fighting in Coventry will be thrilled to hear that within seconds. another life has been saved by their work.” 'We have immense Ranger Boyd was patrolling with his unit in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand confidence in the kit’ province when they came under attack. Insurgents ambushed the troops but A400M contract boost An Army commander has thanked staff at the Rangers held them off for 25 minutes DE&S for the high standard of protection for before artillery dropped 105mm shells on The partner nations have agreed a his soldiers after a number of incidents in the enemy, eliminating the threat. draft contract amendment in principle Afghanistan. Ranger Ryan Boyd said: “We came which takes the A400M transport Lt Col Colin Weir praised kit following a aircraft a stage further. week where three of his soldiers were hit. under attack from several enemy positions. As I was returning fire with my Under the amended contract “Please accept my thanks for the the UK expects to receive 22 A400M tremendous protection that Osprey and the Light Machine Gun, I was thrown off my aircraft from Airbus Military with the Mark 7 helmet are providing to my soldiers,” feet and felt a sharp pain in my side. first delivery due in 2014. The UK in- he said. “I told the sergeant next to me that I service date, defined as the seventh “I am confident that without Osprey and had been hit. He checked and told me I UK aircraft, is expected in 2015. the Mark 7 I would certainly have had three wasn’t bleeding, so I carried on engaging It is another positive step forward cases of very badly wounded soldiers, and for the programme,with work towards probably worse. the enemy. Only later when things had “In two separate engagements one calmed down was I able to assess the the final contract amendment Ranger had his helmet struck by a 7.62mm damage. continuing. First flight of the prototype aircraft round, and two Rangers took rounds in the “I feel lucky to have got out of this side plate and chest plate respectively. Other took place in Seville last December uninjured but I think it just shows what Three aircraft are involved in the flight than some bruising and being a little shaken a fantastic piece of kit the Osprey body up, the soldiers are fine. trials programme, with more than 700 armour system is.” “So, thank you. We all have immense flying hours achieved so far. confidence in the kit.” Helmand task force spokesman Delivering all-round capability to our forces on operations... ‡ RECONNAISSANCE ‡ATTACK ‡68RVEILLANCE ‡/,)7 ‡0('(VAC ...in all environments agustawestland.com 10 news

Pilots to get MK3 training Right: The Chinook Mk3 simulator which will train Mk2 pilots for Chinook the newer aircraft is up and running at the Medium Support Mk3 – Mk2 Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility. pilots The facility is a private finance initiative service run by will be CAE Aircrew Training Services at RAF Benson. training on Pilots will be able to rehearse missions in all weather a simulator and threat environments – and walk away safely, at a to fly the fraction of the cost of training in the real aircraft. aircraft in When deployed in hot, dusty, hostile environments and operational under enemy fire there is no scope to make mistakes. zones A range of threats is created using computer generated forces to assess how pilots will cope under stressful conditions.

Minister challenges industry

Industry will get the chance to help form the Government’s defence industrial and technology policy. A White Paper in the spring will formalise policy for the next five years until the next strategic defence Send in the dogpod! review. But Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Second version of Wolfhound designed to carry Equipment, Support and Technology has opened the door to military dogs around the front line industry to begin involvement now. Mr Luff appeared last month at an event organised by ADS, the A version of the new handlers practised kennelling teams is underway with the first trade organisation Wolfhound vehicle to carry the dogs via access ramps. They deliveries scheduled soon. advancing UK military dogs is on its way to were hugely impressed with Wolfhound is produced aerospace, defence, operations. the new pods when compared by Integrated Survivability and security industries, Wolfhound – among the to current methods of moving Technologies, a joint venture to encourage industry latest additions to protected dogs around theatre. between Force Protection to help create the mobility vehicles in Afghanistan Production of 44 pods Industries and NP Aerospace. initial discussion stage Green Paper. – has a flatbed rear section for dogs, as well as explosive “Alongside SDSR, to carry palletised loads or ordnance disposal and counter Wolfhound in action: pages 28 and 29 we recognise the need specialist user ‘pods’. improvised explosive device for a more measured, While the utility flatbed strategic consideration variant has been deployed to of the MOD's industrial Operation Herrick, the version and technology needs, together with for dogs will not be far behind. industry's contribution The ‘dog friendly’ pod, to to broader economic transport military dogs around competitiveness," he theatre, combines protection, said. secure kennelling, lighting “The major and air-conditioning. The dogs window of opportunity help troops defeat the threat of for industry opens now. This is your improvised explosive devices. chance to make a real DE&S’ Protected Mobility difference to what the team presented a theatre entry Green Paper says. To standard Wolfhound with influence the way we the prototype dogpod to two do business.” groups of dog handlers from He added: "You've 104 Military Working Dogs challenged me to think like you do in industry Squadron based in North when I approach Luffenham, who were heading decisions; to be more out to theatre. commercially-minded. The dogpod excelled as a I'm happy to accept wide variety of dogs and their A dog's life? New pods for military working dogs are tested on the back of that challenge.” a Wolfhound

12 news

NEWSREEL Troops handed new patterned gloves Reform unit

will be free Gloves worn by troops in Afghanistan are Clothing at DE&S, said: “These gloves offer The Defence to be produced in a new camouflage pattern to protection against hot materials, particularly Reform Unit will not reflect the increasingly versatile uniform of the metal, but are also light and flexible and will sit result in additional Armed Forces. much like a second skin, allowing our troops to costs to the defence The leather gloves – issued to all military use their weapons comfortably and effectively in budget, Defence personnel on operations – are designed to protect the harsh conditions of Afghanistan.” Secretary Dr Liam troops when they touch pieces of kit exposed to Leather for the gloves has been produced Fox has said. None the extreme heat of Afghanistan. by Somerset firm Pittards and designed to be of the steering Currently printed in two patterns reflecting resistant to water, perspiration and oil. group under Lord the desert and woodland terrains of Afghanistan, The gloves themselves will be made by Levene is being paid for the task. No the gloves will now be available in colours to Hungarian firm Otto Kessler under a £3.3 million consultants have complement the new Multi-Terrain Pattern four-year framework agreement. been contracted to Camouflage – giving troops more ability to adapt Production of the new MTP glove is expected work on reform, to the different terrains in which they operate. soon with an initial delivery to theatre sometime while the team Col Stephen James, leader for Defence in the spring. supporting the steering group from inside the MOD have been temporarily redeployed from other tasks. Maiden flight – upgraded

SDSR replies

More than 6,000 Merlin takes to the air contributions were received from various bodies to the Strategic Defence and Security Review. These came from MPs, the Forces, public servants in and beyond defence, industry, academics, The Merlin Mk2’s and the public. first flight is an The MOD also essential de-risking engaged external activity for full organisations system flight testing including Nato, UK and international think tanks and academic institutes, NGOs, industry, and veterans’ and families’ organisations, according to figures released in Parliament. The first upgraded Royal has achieved this milestone. testing will be performed at Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter has “It is an important step on the AgustaWestland in Yeovil Extra cash made a successful maiden flight. project plan and an essential de- through to late next year when The 35-minute flight of risking activity for full system the aircraft will transfer to An extra £1.2 billion MCSP01 from AgustaWestland’s flight testing due to start at the QinetiQ Boscombe Down, to is likely to be spent facility in Yeovil went as planned, end of 2010. perform further mission system in maintaining the focused on new avionics, aircraft “Preparation for first flight performance evaluation and Vanguard class submarines to an management system, cockpit has required a tremendous release to service trials. extended service displays, communications and amount of hard work from the Full aircraft conversion will date of 2028, navigation systems. MOD and industry teams and be established in early 2012. The Defence Secretary DE&S’ Merlin team leader the combined effort should be Merlin Mk2 is planned to enter Dr Liam Fox has Capt Andy Lison said: “I am congratulated.” service in 2013 and achieve Full said in a written delighted that the programme The majority of the flight Operational Capability in 2014. Parliamentary reply. “Impact of the The second AW159 Lynx Wildcat AW159 production facility at Yeovil that changes reported helicopter has completed its maiden flight at introduces a pulse line production system, in the Strategic Second AgustaWestland in Yeovil. to bring significant efficiencies to the final Defence and The aircraft, designated TI2, is the assembly process. Security Review will Wildcat second of three test aircraft that will The first flight of the second AW159 reduce costs by £3.2 complete a 600-hour integrated flight marks another major milestone in the billion over the next is in the test programme. The third aircraft was development of this new six-ton, multi-role ten years,” he said. scheduled to join the programme as desider military helicopter, 62 of which have been went to press. ordered by DE&S. The first aircraft will be air too AgustaWestland has established a new delivered next year. The second of 14 aircraft in the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) project for the FSTA no 2 takes RAF has made its debut flight in military configuration. The flight from Airbus Military’s base near Madrid to the air on 26 October lasted two hours and the aircraft now joins the first FSTA in a comprehensive flight testing programme over the coming months. This marks another key achievement in the FSTA programme, which continues to run on schedule with the first aircraft ready for delivery to the RAF next autumn. Within DE&S the FSTA team has merged with the VC10 team to be called the Strategic Transport and Air to Air Refuelling (STAAR) team. It will be based at Abbey Wood with Chris Dell leading both projects, taking over VC10 from Gp Capt Adam Northcote-Wright.

WE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHOSE MISSION IS TO PROTECT THE WORLD. 14 news

NEWSREEL Vehicles to go And now for through paces

Troops will get up to speed before Mastiff 3 deployment on protected vehicles procured by DE&S on a new training facility in Germany. The Crew Training School based at the Army’s training ranges in Sennelager, has been established specifically to prepare entire vehicle crews for Afghanistan.

Air control upgrade deal

Engineering Mastiff has proved a popular addition to the patrol vehicles available to UK troops in Afghanistan consultancy Frazer- Pictured: – troops leave a Mastiff to chat to locals in Lashkar Gah Nash has been awarded a contract to support upgrade and replacement The final vehicle in the installation shares a great deal of for the UK static, Mastiff 2 programme has been components and equipment with deployable and DE&S team overseas air delivered by DE&S. the Ridgback command variant, command and Just under 200 of the Mastiff 2 completes leading to reduced logistical control systems. vehicles in six variants, building burden and allowing training to Working with DE&S’ on the success of the original deliveries of be minimised. Air Command and Mastiffs, have been delivered Mastiff 2 base vehicles began Control Systems since the first in December 2008. arriving from the United States team, Frazer- Mastiff 2 Nash will develop The last one delivered to in September 2008 and were supportability Ashchurch was an enhanced fielded as fully integrated and requirements for the communications variant (ECV). challenges, which through armoured vehicles three months UK’s next generation Along with the features of a working closely with the user later. air defence systems. standard Mastiff 2 it featured and industry we have been able A proportion of the fleet is in one high powered Bowman to resolve, to deliver a quality theatre with the rest in training. HF radio, one high powered product.” More than half of the fleet is the Kit in sight Bowman VHF radio and other The ECV has been developed troop carrying variant, with the extra satellite communications by NP Aerospace and General rest split between battlefield DRS Technologies equipment. Dynamics UK, with full ambulance, protected eyes, has won an order Mark Penny, DE&S project engagement from Command interim electronic counter- from the MOD for heavy weapon manager for Mastiff ECV, and Support Development measures, interim explosive thermal sights. said: “As with all complex Centre and Infantry Trials and ordnance disposal, and the The sights, for a communication fits, the ECV Development Unit. enhanced communications range of portable has presented some interesting The Mastiff 2 ECV variant. applications including individual weapons, allow troops to see what Blyth emerges with first-of-class fits cannot be seen with the naked eye Sandown clasS minehunter HMS Blyth left Babcock’s at Rosyth through dust and on 5 November – on time and on budget – after a six-month fog of operations. maintenance period including two first-of-class equipment fits. Deliveries are The ship, pictured right, is the first single role minehunter to scheduled from now receive the Defence Information Infrastructure (DII(F)), enabling until 2013. information sharing and collaborative working across the defence network. Appointment She is also the first of class to have remote isolation capability fitted to the waste water system, while capability upgrades have Rosalind Roberts, included a new high pressure air system and a new ammunition on transfer from storage system and ammunition protection in the main magazine. the Health and Project Group Manager David Winstanley said: “HMS Blyth’s Safety Executive, support period has successfully built on the experience gained on will be DE&S’ new HMS Ramsey, albeit with different challenges emerging during this Head of Safety and project such as the first of class waste water. Environmental “A significant contributing factor to this success was the strong Protection from 4 partnering relationships already established between Babcock January next year. and the MOD coupled with the inherent technical capability of the Babcock workforce.” news 15

Speedy repair: HMS Frigate Cumberland prop repair is a Royal Navy first

HMS CUMBERLAND has had her bent changing the blade afloat by using a example of in-water maintenance and propeller blade straightened in water – a habitat to create a dry environment, cold repair which was cost effective and first for the Royal Navy. static loading had the least impact on the has ensured the ship’s programme was The repair, undertaken before the Type 22 frigate’s programme, enabling unaffected.” ship deployed overseas, took less than her planned Fleet Time Support Period UMC International provided the a day and involved a process called cold to progress unaffected. repair in co-operation with their static loading or cold bending. The MOD Transmission Group technical support company SubSea This involves using a hydraulic press approved the repair as it is widely used Propellers Incorporated. Trident BV slowly applying a steady pressure at commercially. based in Rotterdam provided equipment strategic points on the blade until the Risk of the propeller blade cracking and technicians. material yields. was minimal. The blade was restored close to its Although docking the ship was Ian Blair of DE&S’ Salvage and Marine original geometry and is now considered considered, along with the option of Operations said: “This is an excellent a permanent repair.

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Desider Magazine 210x297.indd 2 3/9/10 10:26:47 news 17

NEWSREEL Astute no 2 ready to make appearance Typhoon takes on Paveway IV Launch of the second Astute submarine – Lady Anne Soar, Ambush’s sponsor and wife Ambush – has been set for 16 December. of the Royal Navy’s Commander-in-Chief Fleet, A programme The 7,400-tonne nuclear powered attack boat Admiral Sir Trevor Soar who is a former Chief to integrate the will be rolled out and officially named at BAE of Materiel (Fleet) at DE&S, will perform the Paveway IV weapon System’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. ceremony. onto Typhoon will culminate in full Lady Soar will be joined by invited guests tests to deliver the from DE&S, the Royal Navy, MOD and the Barrow capability in 2012. To community. date, 14 preliminary John Hudson, BAE Systems Submarine compatibility Solutions managing director, said: “The launch of trials have been Ambush represents another significant milestone undertaken, Peter in the programme, following the commissioning Luff, Minister for into service of HMS Astute in August this year.” Defence Equipment, After the ceremony, Ambush will be inched Support and Technology has told out of the main submarine construction facility, Parliament. the 51-metre high, 58 metre wide and 260-metre long Devonshire Dock Hall. It is planned she will then be lowered into the Puma docks by a ship lift to allow further outfitting, testing and commissioning to take place. progress Seven submarines are planned to be built in the Astute class, employing 5,000 at BAES and The programme to extend the life of Work continues in the Devonshire Dock Hall 1,200 supplier companies. the Puma helicopter (Puma HC Mk2 project) remains within its approval level of £339 million and is progressing Sentinel’s eye-in-the-sky well, Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology has clocks up 300 sorties told Parliament. “As with other battlefield support Sentinel has completed its helicopters, we 300th operational surveillance are also enhancing sortie over Afghanistan since Puma’s capabilities initial deployment with the RAF to match the threat last year. environment. The The aircraft, operating Strategic Defence and Security Review the Airborne Stand-off has confirmed the Reconnaissance or ASTOR system, ongoing need for has been supplying information to Puma,” he said. ground commanders to make it easier to identify insurgents. The system has also helped provide information to allow real Astute probe time stop-and-search of suspicious continues vehicles. Such work has helped make Inquiries are still life safer for the local Afghan continuing into the population and has saved UK and grounding of HMS Astute off the Isle of ISAF ground forces’ lives. Skye on 22 October. Group Captain Chris Jones, The first-of-class station commander at RAF submarine, which Waddington where Sentinel is was conducting sea based, said: “Our aircraft and trials, was refloated crews are providing ground forces on the first high tide. with vital intelligence relating to It is believed the insurgent activity in Afghanistan. submarine sustained “The work that Sentinel is damage during her refloating. The doing is bringing about stability MOD said that there in that country and in our ongoing was no nuclear efforts to counter the threat contamination risk posed to our ground forces by and that no part of improvised explosive devices." Astute’s nuclear Sentinel has been earmarked propulsion system for withdrawal from service, once Top: Sentinel R1, which houses the ASTOR system. was damaged. its work in Afghanistan is over. Above: home again – flight crew and field service engineers from Raytheon at Waddington are pictured after the 300th mission at the end of October 18 news

Advertisement The rudder of decommissioned Now Trafalgar’s rudder submarine HMS Trafalgar has followed the propeller and tail shaft for recycling. The upper part of the rudder heads off for recycling needed to be retained but, as part of the submarine’s laying-up preparations, the lower rudder has been removed as it is no longer needed. “Weighing seven tonnes the rudder offered another cost benefit to the project and a recycling opportunity,” said spokesman Adrian Pitcher. Interoperability The 6.5m by 4.5m rudder was transported by a Defence Supply is the word... Chain Operations and Movements contractor from Devonport to Metal and The Government’s Waste Recycling at Edmonton, north London where it was size reduced, the spending review has steel recycled and the acoustic tiles now passed and a new The rudder destroyed. era dawns, explains on its way to The steel from the rudder could now Millbrook’s Julian recycling be taken anywhere in the world as part Bryan. “Now, more of the recycling process. than ever, increased interoperability between the services and between partner nations is going to be vital. However, this is Rations pack new punch not a new thing. NATO policy has always emphasised that Kosher food interoperability and partnership should be is next on the the norm. Yet in reality, it does not always menu in new happen that way. Now, as we move forward, DE&S it’s important that we think collectively, contract both before and after decisions are made. A contract, which is expected to deliver £1.6 million “The annual Defence per annum in savings to the Equipment and Support MOD has been signed by DE&S’ (DE&S) organised DVD Food Services team. event, which takes The deal, with Hampshire Left: a new place at Millbrook based company Purple Food kosher ration in June, could be an Services, will see an overhaul pack with, of current rations as well as the excellent example below, the new introduction of refreshed 24- lightweight of how the MOD is hour ration packs to the front patrol pack embracing bi-lateral line. Report: Hannah Swingler co-operation. The Under the new contract, event offers a unique which is worth an estimated Head of Defence Food Services, opportunity for NATO £140 million, troops will see a said: “This new contract marks armies to come range of new menus added to a sea change in the way Defence together to discuss and all 24-hour multi-climate ration Food Services procures and experience the latest packs as well as the launch of a provides food to our troops. equipment and support new Kosher ration pack. “We are constantly receiving on offer and very A new lightweight ration and responding to feedback much helps to foster pack, weighing less than one from our boys and girls in interoperability, both kilogram and designed for Afghanistan, which makes sure amongst nations and troops sent on patrols lasting we keep up with taste trends across the services.” twelve hours or less, will also and how they break the packs be introduced and will include down and carry them. new snacking items such as beef “This new agreement jerky and long life sandwiches. will provide a great degree compromising on the nutritional New menus and extra of flexibility in the supply content.” components are also planned chain and enable the MOD The contract, which was for the ten-man ration packs to produce innovative new signed by DE&S ahead of which are more commonly used rations in short timescales, schedule and under budget, is by military chefs to feed troops allowing us to adapt quickly to for an initial three years with in remote tactical bases. operational requirements and two follow-on options for two Captain Jeremy Rigby RN, customer feedback while not years each. news 19 Dragon roars out to sea

Dragon, the fourth Type 45 destroyer, above, roared down the Clyde for the first time as she embarked on sea trials off the west coast of Scotland. The ship is at sea for four weeks, during which the vessel’s power and propulsion, weapons and communications systems will be tested by a combined crew of BAE Systems, Royal Navy and key supplier personnel. Meanwhile HMS Dauntless has officially entered service with the Royal Navy. Head of DE&S’ Destroyers team, Commodore Steve Brunton, said: “With all six Type 45s now in the water the team, industry, Navy Command and ships’ companies are in the busiest year yet of this important programme for the Royal Navy and this key event for HMS Dauntless is a result of a magnificent team effort.” Diamond has sailed out of her home base of Portsmouth under the White Ensign for the first time, right. She passed her Ready For Sea Date inspection last month with flying colours, allowing her to sail out into the Solent for a series of trials.

Training for battle damage onboard Platform Management repair by Royal Navy personnel System (PMS) and commercial T45 damage joining Type 45 destroyers will PCs, with all the cost benefits this now be conducted on a simulator brings. at Whale Island, Portsmouth. Desks, telephones and panels HMS Dunkirk – the Type are laid out in the same format as repair lands 45 Battle Damage Repair on the ship. The trainer boasts a command and control simulator Fixed Integrated Communication at MWS Phoenix – was opened System (FICS) emulator using by Commodore Tim Lowe, commercially available hardware a touch of the Commodore of the Maritime at a fraction of the cost of the Warfare School. onboard FICS units, and two fixed The simulator will enable fire fighting simulated panels. the ship’s teams to practice There is an instructor control Dunkirk spirit management of incidents from room which has two instructor small fires and floods to major PMS stations for inputting action damage, or a large scenarios incorporating 550 faults peacetime incident. It for training. Also two instructor uses the same software FICS terminals for simulating and methodology as on communications with all parts board ships. of the ship and a terminal for The trainer was monitoring the fixed fire fighting funded by DE&S’ panels or simulation of remote Destroyers team and uses activation of the fixed fire fighting the same software as the systems. The opening was attended by Commodore Steve Brunton, head of the Destroyers team, BAE Systems Surface Ships’ Type 45 through life support director Paul Bowsher and a group of veterans from the HMS Dunkirk Association, as well as Above: WO2 Dave Simpson demonstrates the new other personnel involved in the simulator at HMS Dunkirk installation of the simulator. Right: artist Cyril Print, in foreground, with his BAE Systems presented a painting; Cdre Lowe in background with HMS painting of the original HMS Dunkirk Association veterans John Carroll, Dunkirk to Cdre Lowe in the William Flack, David Young, Norman Enoksen and presence of the artist, Cyril Print, Maurice Pritchard. and the HMS Dunkirk veterans. 20 sdsr – the next stage ‘Defence has been hit by a double whammy’

There were no choices about the Strategic Defence and Security Review – We have no option the MOD has to live within its means. That was the stark message from but to address an Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, as over-committed he spoke to DE&S staff at Abbey Wood a week after the announcement. budget and a But he offered hope to the organisation faced with very significant huge national staff reductions that the defence budget would need to rise again in real terms debt, Minister after 2015. “My overall view of the SDSR is that tells Abbey Wood we probably made the best of a bad job and that’s certainly the view of most staff. But it will be people in the outside world. Industry felt it was remarkably coherent and much vital for DE&S to better than they were expecting,” he said. “But we can’t afford all the things we retain the means would like to do. It’s a double whammy of an over-committed defence budget and a to regenerate huge national debt and we have no option but to address those. Defence must take capability its part. “I am particularly encouraged by the strong vision of Force 2020 and a clear understanding of retaining capabilities and the ability to regenerate them. The Prime Minister in his statement said the defence budget will grow again in real terms after 2015. That is hugely encouraging and very important that we try to plan that regeneration.” Mr Luff told staff he recognised the effects of SDSR’s decisions on personnel, particularly in the military. “On projects, I feel very sorry for the Harrier pilots

‘The Prime Minister understands that every job gone is a family affected. But we really don’t have a choice if we want to live within our means’

who have to contend with this coming out of the blue, Nimrod MRA 4 and Type 22 frigates. I understand the difficulty of those decisions but particularly the effects on the people. The Prime Minister understands that every job gone is a family affected. But we really don’t have Mr Luff a choice if we want to live within our meets DE&S means.” Secretariat staff at Abbey Wood Mr Luff said that changes to process were inevitable if the MOD was to shed 25,000 jobs. “We will have to change the sdsr – the next stage 21 ‘Defence has been hit by a double whammy’

‘I have met some of the most able people I expect to meet in my life over the last five months and my respect has really grown, not diminished’

way we do things. We can’t just carry on doing them the same old way. So I would look very carefully at the process of assurance, smarter ways of working more generally, and you have to ask whether every single person in the civil service is doing an absolutely essential job. We haven’t asked that question very carefully yet. I’m sorry the desperate national situation has left us in a place we would rather not be.” The minister’s previous visit to Abbey Wood was soon after his appointment. “Last time I was here I did say what huge respect I had for the Civil Service,” he said. “That was after ten days. Now after five months that respect has grown and deepened. I have met some of the most able people I expect to meet in my life over the last five months and my respect has really grown, not diminished. Mr Luff is briefed on the “I think the work you do is often latest news from DE&S’ underappreciated. I was delighted to read major ship projects the National Audit Office’s comments on the Major Projects Report which really did sing your praises. When I read the but they didn’t pick up on the fact that defence review. He ended his visit by briefing note I was even happier. Major the head of the NAO in his opening thanking staff of DE&S’ Secretariat problems identified in the report are not comments actually praised what had who provide him with material for the problems at this end of the motorway; been going on. I do congratulate you on answering parliamentary questions and they are at our end. what the NAO has said about your work.” freedom of information issues along “It was no surprise to me that the Mr Luff visited a number of DE&S with submissions and advice on public press picked up on the bad news stories teams, including some affected by the announcements on military equipment. 22 sdsr – the next stage Towards a streamlined DE&S future

A flatter organisation with fewer hierarchies will be one way to streamline MOD’s new top civil servant visits Abbey the future Defence Equipment and Support. Faced with large job cuts over the next Wood with an SDSR four years DE&S and the MOD in general has to look hard at the way in which it does message its business to make sure every penny spent offers value for money. Rationalising the layers of decision making, cuts in programmes and better ways of working, will all be needed to help DE&S reach efficiency targets. Ursula Brennan’s first visit to Abbey Wood as the MOD’s new Permanent Under Secretary gave staff an insight into how the Strategic Defence and Security Review will affect the organisation. “We have job reduction targets which are driven by financial reduction targets,” she told staff at a town hall session on 5 November. “Some of the savings will come from cutting projects, some of the savings will come from lean type activities, some from ensuring we get rid of levels within our hierarchies, making sure the pyramid is as flat as it can be. Some of our savings will come from organising ourselves in a different way.” But the detail, she said, was still to be worked out. “SDSR is only really the beginning for us. All across the public service this efficiency and headcount reduction is happening. For us there is an added challenge that we are doing it while we have people fighting a war in Afghanistan. So we have to deliver the Comprehensive Spending Review and the new strategy at the same time that we carry on the main effort in Afghanistan. “The Government has made it clear that the Afghanistan campaign is the main effort and is to be protected. But of course Ursula Brennan is pictured on her first visit to Abbey Wood as Permanent Under it is not the only effort. There are an awful Secretary, with DE&S Chief of Corporate Performance Trevor Woolley, left, and her lot of other things which don’t look as if assistant private secretary Mike McLellan. Below: addressing staff at a town hall session they contribute to the main effort but are tremendously important.” On cost cutting Mrs Brennan urged staff to keep a grasp of where the money goes. “In relation to value for money, we do not have a high reputation as a department. We are rubbished for our inability to manage money and specifically to manage projects,” she said. “Most of this is unfair and one of the good things Min DEST did recently was to draw public attention to the NAO’s Major Projects Review which showed that we do programme management really well. “But we must also recognise that as a department we spend very large sums of public money and we have a responsibility to be much sharper about costs and benefits throughout the organisation. If we don’t know where every single penny goes and what every single individual who works for us is spending their time doing then we will not be able to make the cost reductions that we are committed to.” Mrs Brennan underlined the importance sdsr – the next stage 23 Towards a streamlined DE&S future

of the defence reform programme, due to report next year. “It is about transformation of everything in the department. The reform team will be looking at our processes and the way we are organised. We have to deliver defence outcomes with fewer people and that means less process. We can’t deliver that kind of change without engaging everyone in the organisation and that’s why we’ll need lots more face to face dialogue with staff in the coming months.” Mrs Brennan defended the SDSR from criticism and praised those in DE&S who had contributed. “People have claimed the SDSR is just a programming exercise. People said it was done in a hurry, it was driven by money and was not a strategic review,” she said. “If you look at chapter two, you can see the strategy that people Ursula Brennan took up the here worked on, clearly set out. It was really appointment of Permanent impressive strategic work, an analysis Under Secretary at the MOD on 1 November 2010. of what threats the country faces, what capabilities we need and, as a result of that, Before joining the MOD, Ursula what kind of force structure we need. was Deputy Permanent Secretary “We should not join in rubbishing it. The and Director General Corporate strategy work which went into it is a core Performance at the Ministry of competence for the Civil Service and for the Justice from April to September military – we should all be proud of it.” 2008, having previously led the review to create the structure for Mrs Brennan’s visit to Abbey Wood the new Ministry of Justice. Ursula included addressing DE&S’ senior was chosen to lead the review when managers’ conference along with briefings she was Chief Executive of the on light protected patrol vehicles, the Air Office for Criminal Justice Reform, Change Board, Queen Elizabeth aircraft New in post: Ursula Brennan, above, a role she took on in 2006. OCJR is carriers and the Joint Strike Fighter. She on taking over as Permanent Under the cross-departmental team that also enjoyed a working lunch with General Secretary from Sir Bill Jeffrey. supports the three criminal justice departments and all criminal justice Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, Chief of Defence Below: PUS with General Sir Kevin agencies. Materiel. O’Donoghue. Before OCJR, Ursula was the DG, Living Land and Seas at Defra from 2004-2006. Her responsibilities ‘Some of our savings will come from ensuring included board-level leadership of strategy for rural disadvantage, protection of wildlife and the we get rid of levels within our hierarchies, countryside and marine and making sure the pyramid is as flat as it can be’ fisheries business. Ursula spent most of her career in what is now the Department for Work and Pensions, latterly leading the strategy on welfare to work and benefit fraud.

Ursula joined the DHSS in 1975 after two years with the Inner London Education Authority. After a variety of health-related jobs, she moved on to social security, covering policy on all the main social security benefits and then into operations as a Director of the department’s Information Technology Services Agency. From there she became Director of Change Management at the Benefits Agency. In 1997 she returned to policy. Ursula became a DG in 1999 when she assumed leadership for the department’s major change programme.

Ursula was born in 1952 and is married. She has a degree in English and American Literature from the University of Kent. 24 farewell cdm Together we have achieved a great amount

eneral Sir Kevin O’Donoghue steps down later this month after more After nearly 43 years Gthan three and a half years as the first leader of Defence Equipment and as a commissioned Support, a period characterised by intense conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, major officer General Sir changes in acquisition and support, huge funding issues and latterly the unique Kevin O’Donoghue is pressures of a Strategic Defence and Security Review. the longest serving He is hugely proud of his time as Chief of Defence Materiel (CDM) and British soldier still is determined to pay tribute to the organisation’s mixed military and civilian in harness. He looks staff for all that they have jointly achieved since DE&S came together under his hand back on his time as in April 2007, when the former Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) and Defence leader of DE&S Logistics Organisation (DLO) were merged. But, he says, inevitably there were some elements of unfinished business that a half years feels much more coherent and could not be cleared up on his watch. joined-up than the DLO felt seven years He said: “I just want to say how after its foundation.” inordinately proud I am of what everybody He has also been impressed by the way has achieved in DE&S and that I now think British industry has proved itself more we’re seeing the fruits of a truly through than capable of dealing with constant life acquisition and support process. We changes emanating from MOD, meeting have achieved a huge amount in the past the tough timetables set by Urgent three and a half years. Operational Requirements and responding “I think the fact that we were fighting to the pressures posed by Chief Operating in two particularly challenging campaigns Officer Andrew Tyler, and the Operating as well as maintaining other operations Centres and project teams. including Continuous At Sea Deterrence As CDM, General Sir Kevin has been and the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert force, actually made pulling the DPA and the DLO together easier because Interview: Ralph Dunn everybody had to make it work – there was no question of doing anything that could have Pictures: DE&S adversely affected support for Photographic current operations. “Together we have achieved a great amount. I think DE&S is now working very well and we have reached the point that I was aiming at – making the two star led Operating Centres truly the key business units in DE&S. Collocation, flexible resourcing and the rest of the Performance, Agility, Confidence and Effectiveness (PACE) change programme have all been driving us in this direction.” General Sir Kevin praised those most closely involved with him on the launch of DE&S. He said: “I want to give great credit to Peter Spencer. He and I pulled it together, with Steve McCarthy, Chris Mace, Mary O’Gorman and a small dedicated team in support. It was a great deal of work but to my mind, DE&S after three and farewell cdm 25 Together we have achieved a great amount

involved in a huge number of programmes. addressed. “The first is the acquisition Yet throughout he has kept a close eye on one process. I just don’t think we’ve sorted it cherished project that he first got involved out yet, and that’s not just in DE&S, it’s in in 1996 – when he was Chief of Staff to the department-wide. There are too many Quarter Master General. people second-guessing our decisions and “It was a long time ago but I can checking what we’re doing. While for the remember then agitating and encouraging biggest projects I can fully understand that the programmers that we must have more MOD centre needs to be sure that we’re modern, up-to-date and useable logistic getting it right, which we are, there’s no information systems – the programme proportionality. We seem to apply the same that has now become the Future Logistics rigour of scrutiny and approval whatever the Information Service. It’s taken 14 years but I size of the project. “Secondly, balancing the budget in town would mean project teams in DE&S would not have to re-cost programmes constantly to find savings, which wastes an awful lot of time and effort.” As he prepares to leave DE&S, CDM remains determined that his upskilling and multi-skilling plans for staff will equip them best for the coming years and must be maintained. For the future, after his retirement from the Army next March he will remain Master General of Logistics. This, and his role as chairman of the charity In at the beginning: Sir Kevin outside Abbey Wood the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and on day one of Defence Equipment and Support Families Association, to which he was appointed early in 2010, will continue to believe we’re now getting there,” he said. bring him into contact with the MOD and Looking back, as his retirement draws the Armed Forces for a long time to come. near, General Sir Kevin named two pieces of He said: “As chairman of SSAFA I’m work which he believes with hindsight could conscious I owe them rather more of my time have than I’ve been able to give them up to now usefully and I suspect that and being Master General been of Logistics will occupy quite a lot of my time.”

A lifetime in uniform

Born on 9 He attended the Higher Command and Staff Course December in 1990 and was promoted Brigadier and assumed 1947, Kevin the appointment of Commander Corps Royal O’Donoghue Engineers 1 (British) Corps. was commissioned In 1993 he attended the Nato Defence College in into the Royal Rome, before moving to Supreme Headquarters Engineers Allied Powers Europe as Director of Staff in 1968. In Operations. He was promoted Major General 1971, after two years as a troop commander in 75 in April 1996 as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Engineer Regiment (Volunteers), he converted to a Quartermaster General, following which he moved Regular Commission and spent the next five years to the MOD to become the Assistant Chief of the in the British Army of the Rhine. General Staff.

In 1976 he moved to the Royal Military Academy From there he was promoted Lieutenant General Sandhurst as a Company Instructor. He attended and became the UK’s military representative to the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course in Nato, the EU and WEU. He then served as Deputy Toronto before being posted to the MOD as Military Chief of the Defence Staff (Health) from 2002 to Assistant to the Chief of the General Staff. 2004 .

After a return to Germany to support 7th Armoured On promotion to General he became Chief of Brigade, he was appointed to the Army Staff Defence Logistics on 1 January 2005 until formation Course as a member of the Directing Staff and was of DE&S on 2 April 2007 when he became the first Commanding Officer of 25 Engineer Regiment. Chief of Defence Materiel. 26 airborne surveillance Rivet Joint joins Future Force 2020

No stranger to UK shores, left: a Rivet Joint aircraft lines up in the static display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2004.

Picture: Kevin Slade The most complex military sales case the UK has undertaken with the US Air Force for the

last 70 years is hree Boeing KC-135 tankers are to During Operation Telic in Iraq and be converted to Boeing RC-135W Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, well under way. TRivet Joint aircraft in the most the US Rivet Joint joined the Nimrod complex combined Foreign Military R1 supporting coalition commanders DE&S’ Airseeker Sales case and co-operative support on the ground. This close operational arrangement that the UK has undertaken connection will continue, with training programme with the United States Air Force (USAF) set to begin next month at Offutt Air since World War Two. Force Base in the US, involving RAF will see the All three will be based at RAF airborne mission crew and flight Waddington, replacing the Nimrod R1 deck personnel, along with ground Boeing RC-135 aircraft due out of service next year. The exploitation operators and support Nimrods entered service in the 1960s and personnel. aircraft – Rivet provide the UK’s only signals intelligence Up to four RAF crews will be trained (sigint) platform that collects and at Offut, who will then deploy alongside Joint – take over examines routine radio signals to provide their USAF colleagues on combined support to front-line commanders. operations worldwide from next summer. airborne signals Along with the aircraft comes a This will ensure that operational crews supporting ground system which is will be fully experienced in running intelligence later currently providing a similar sigint and operating the complex systems well capability to US Forces. ahead of UK deliveries. in the decade “After complex negotiations with the US Government, involving multiple government departments To be replaced: the Nimrod R1 and agencies, this ground breaking agreement will give the UK access to cutting edge technology and will also open up a wider market for world leading UK technology,” said Bill Chrispin, leader of DE&S’ Airseeker team. “Additionally, selection of this capability will give the UK a very high level of interoperability with our major coalition partner. “This is a major step forward in providing support to our front line troops. In agreeing airborne surveillance 27 Rivet Joint joins Future Force 2020

this procurement the US Government While the three UK aircraft and The DE&S project team members recognises the significant contribution ground systems will be owned and are working closely with their US highly skilled RAF personnel will make operated under UK sovereignty, the counterparts to put the final touches to to joint operations and the development combined fleet of 20 aircraft and the delivery schedule for the system and of future reconnaissance techniques and associated systems will be managed the first UK aircraft, exploitation and equipment.” by a joint UK/US team based at L3 in support systems are expected to be in Under a Memorandum of Greenville. service by 2014. Understanding the UK system will be It is ground-breaking for the UK to DE&S’ Airseeker team is currently supported, maintained and upgraded as be an integral part of the continuous building up its numbers to deliver and part of a larger UK/US fleet of 20 aircraft. capability improvement and it is support Rivet Joint and has moved into A rigorous maintenance programme expected that the UK will take part in the its new offices at Abbey Wood; a project will see the aircraft return to the prime programme until at least 2025, although managed by the DE&S Collocation team. contractor, L3 Communications of there are options to extend this period. Accommodation includes secure Greenville, for a complete strip down and This will mean the capability maintains briefing facilities and infrastructure refurbishment together with a system its relevance against a wide range of enabling classified virtual working with upgrade every four years. modern and complex sigint targets. the USAF.

‘This ground breaking agreement will give the UK access to cutting edge technology and will also open up a wider market for world leading UK technology’ Spirit of co-operation: The UK and the US will be closely involved in the Rivet Joint aircraft for the RAF for at least the – Bill Chrispin, next 15 years. Above: the aircraft pictured in UK markings with its reflection leader of DE&S’ showing the same aircraft in US Air Force markings Airseeker team 28 protected mobility

olfhound – the new variant of the Troops conduct driver training WMastiff heavily armoured vehicle with the new Wolfhound vehicle – has already made a good impressioin on a purpose built driver training as it gets down to work with 2nd Royal area in Camp Bastion. The off road Tank Regiment (2RTR). course is designed to push the vehicles and drivers to the limit to The Regiment’s Cyclops Squadron– give the soldiers confidence and ‘The Tankies’ – is now on the ground in experience before deploying on Helmand Province, deployed in Mastiff operations and Wolfhound to support 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. Over the next six months the squadron will provide protected mobility to the infantry. The Tankies use their well-armoured vehicles to move infantry between defensive positions and provide fire support to those fighting on foot. The vehicles are out on the front line less than 18 months after they were first unveiled at DVD 2009 in Bedfordshire, DE&S’ annual stakeholder event. All have been procured and made ready for action under supervision of DE&S’ Protected Mobility team. Lieutenant Dan Berry, 26, commands a group of five Mastiff crews. He said: “My men are fighting crews; we can adapt our tank skills to use the Mastiff aggressively and react to the insurgents.” Mastiff can pack a serious punch by mounting either the general purpose, heavy or grenade machine gun and has become a friend to UK forces for its high level of blast protection. Sergeant Harley Upham, 29, said: “Mastiff has got a power traverse so it’s really easy to swing the turret round, the firepower is second to none and we can carry bags of ammunition. It’s one of the most robust vehicles we have. I have been hit in it twice and been OK.” A drawback of the original Mastiff Blast protection? ‘Like a ‘bunker on wheels!’

Left to right: Husky, Coyote and Wolfhound unveiled at DVD 2009 From DVD to the Afghan front line – that’s Husky, Coyote and Wolfhound protected mobility 29

Left: members of 2RTR load up Wolfhound while, below, there’s plenty of all-round protection for the gunner in the Wolfhound turret

was its limited cargo capacity when loaded with troops. But to solve this problem 2 RTR have deployed with a new Wolfhound, the variant which combines the protection and firepower of a Mastiff with a flatbed for cargo. “We can carry extra food, water and ammunition to stay out on the ground for longer; we can also transport more of the lads’ kit between check points,” explained Sergeant David Roberts, 38. “But Wolfhound has the same fighting capability as Mastiff as well.” It has been a busy start to the tour. Squadron Sergeant Major Chris Atwell said: “We’re out most times of the day and it’s rare for us to have all the vehicles the range of vehicles our troops have “Husky and Coyote have already in at any one time. The tempo is high but at their disposal. Carrying essential proved to be great assets, and the the guys’ morale is too.” combat supplies such as food, water and further protection offered by Wolfhound Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: ammunition, the Tactical Support Vehicle demonstrates our ongoing commitment “Wolfhound’s deployment on the front fleet is providing vital support to troops to ensuring our troops have the best line marks a significant milestone for on front line patrols. equipment possible.”

‘First impressions were really ‘My first impression is that it is like a bunker on wheels. You feel very safe when you good, it’s really easy to drive, are driving it. It’s easy to drive, it’s big but it’s manageable. The main advantages are easy to get a hold of, nice safe that it is safe from IED threats and small arms fire, and it’s pretty robust. feeling inside it as well. When The primary role of the Wolfhound is as a tactical support vehicle. It’s used to move you sit down you feel you’re in the L118 light gun, by the EOD teams to carry kit and equipment and by dog crews a wee protective bubble, you because you can attach kennels to the back, keeping the dogs nice and air-conned. feel nice and safe. It’s a good It’s got run-flat inserts so that if the tyres do go you can carry on driving it. Most of the feeling when you’re out here’ time you can drive it out of an IED blast' – Fusilier, 2nd Battalion Royal Lance Bombardier, Wolfhound instructor at Crew Training School, Camp Bastion Regiment of Scotland, trainee at the Crew Training School

Members of 51 Squadron, RAF Regiment Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards, patrol on election protection patrol in Afghanistan Lashkar Gar in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, using the with their Coyote vehicles new Husky protected highly mobile tactical support vehicle 30 kestrel

nstalling a new capability to enhance information systems in Afghanistan Ihas its dangers – just ask Captain Steve Spreading Robinson, leader of DE&S’ Project Kestrel installation team. “We were stuck in Patrol Base 1 when it and the surrounding compounds were attacked at the same time,” he recalled. its wings “The firefight to stop them getting into PB 1 lasted close to two hours with the insurgents getting to within 50 metres of the camp.” It illustrates some of what the CIS 4 team from Engineering Operations – part – Kestrel of the Internal Services Provider within DE&S’ Information Systems and Services (ISS) – experienced as they installed the Kestrel communications network at sites across Helmand Province. is set to Nine members of the CIS 4 Team, a mix of civilian and military personnel, deployed to theatre to instal the Kestrel microwave network. The equipment was procured by the ISS Networks Delivery Team, tested and improve assembled at Blandford, flown to Camp Bastion and delivered to sites by Combat Logistic Patrol. The installation team deployed to theatre in July and completed the first quality of phase of installation last month. In spite of the logistic challenges the team delivered and commissioned a number of Mobile Communications Units (MCUs – caravans fitted with microwave radios, various comms communication equipment and masts) and additional installations to support sites in Helmand Province. Phase 2, which will see the delivery of more MCUs supporting other sites, will be completed early next year. This capability on the will significantly enhance information systems. Kestrel was created in response to a number of Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) requesting an front line increase in the capacity and quality of the in-theatre communications network. Report: Steve Sims Once fully commissioned Kestrel will become a backbone network designed to carry data for a range of systems and applications

Operations in Afghanistan rely on an array of information systems such as the Defence A Kestrel mast with Information Infrastructure (DII). These microwave dish systems offer users general applications, towers 30 metres such as e-mail, and more specialised above a Mobile applications, such as Intelligence, Communications Unit Surveillance, Target Acquisition and kestrel 31

Reconnaissance or stores tracking tools. Once fully commissioned Kestrel will become a backbone network designed to carry data for all of these systems and applications. New information services, such as video teleconferencing and full-motion video applications, need more capacity and better quality from the network than ever before. These services are also being demanded not just at task force and battle group Kestrel is designed as a bearer network capable of accepting a wide range of systems Above: the Communications and Information Systems team at Blandford testing Kestrel that could plug into it at different locations levels, but at smaller and further forward operating bases. Kestrel has been designed The Mobile to provide better support at all levels and Communications to enable services normally associated with Unit in brigade headquarters to be pushed down Afghanistan with ISS’s to forward operating bases. Warrant Officer The concept for a backbone network for 1 (Foreman of Helmand was based on an underlying need Signals) Gaz to transmit data reliably across theatre. Watkins, WO1 (F The solution, Kestrel, was designed as a of S) Ski Sharp bearer network capable of accepting a wide and Captain range of systems that could easily plug into Steve Robinson it at different locations. Previously in Afghanistan we have relied heavily on other links that transmit data via the UK. This can introduce errors and delays. Kestrel will improve the quality of the communications as other comms links are replaced by short microwave links. Additional benefits include remote management services, which will improve reliability and enable faster But it can be reconfiguration and provision of new services. In partnership, Camp Bastion and DE&S ISS at Corsham will manage backbreaking to the network and sustain this capable communications backbone in Helmand. Once fully commissioned, Kestrel will be available for new systems and services set up! to use. This should reduce the need for dedicated networks to support ISTAR services. More sites in Helmand will be able to access the full suite of services including Joint Personnel Administration, and those using the more demanding applications will find them working faster and better. It’s tough work in high Kestrel is physically resilient. Captain temperatures to bury the cabling in the Robinson, after describing the firefight at Afghan terrain PB 1, was quick to point out that the Kestrel equipment survived intact: “The box, mast and aerial are all fine,” he said. “I can safely say that the mast has little effect on it from Blackhawk helicopters flying over the top of it and ammunition exploding nearby.” 32 news Minehunters to take on a new lease of life

T&E begins here

The Royal Navy’s eight Hunt control system will reduce the class mine countermeasures upkeep maintenance load on ships will have their 30-year- the ship’s staff and increase old propulsion systems availability of the vessel for replaced in a £15 million operational duties. contract with BAE Systems. “It also takes significantly The company plans to less space and the layout drive down operational costs makes it more accessible, and maximise availability providing better working of the fleet with a reliable conditions for Royal Navy and supportable propulsion engineers.” system using commercial off The first new system is the shelf equipment. expected to be installed on This will minimise initial board HMS Chiddingfold procurement costs and also late next year, with upgrades ensure spares are available to the remaining seven for repair and maintenance. taking place during planned John Walton, DE&S ship docking periods up to Features Ships’ Minewarfare Marine 2016 to avoid disruption to Engineering Manager, said: availability of the fleet. • Capabilities • Sites and Ranges “Lower through life costs Northrop Grumman and better reliability of the Sperry Marine will provide • Innovation • Facilities minehunters is essential machinery control alarm and to enable the Royal Navy surveillance systems, Finning • Case Studies • News to carry out its operational UK engines, gearboxes and commitments. bow thrusters, and Stone “Design of the new Marine Propulsion the propulsion and machinery propellers. www.LTPA.co.uk is designed to be the starting point for all MOD teams who have a T&E requirement. It aims to give you all the information RN sonars prove ‘world-beaters’ you need about the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) between QinetiQ and MOD for test, evaluation and training support. Four Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels have been testing their detection skills with the US Navy in the Arabian Gulf. The UK force consisted of two Hunt class vessels (HMS Middleton and HMS Chiddingfold) and two Sandown class To find out how the LTPA can meet your T&E requirements, go to: vessels (HMS Grimsby and HMS Pembroke). Hunt-class ships are fitted with Sonar 2193, a hull-mounted wideband minehunting sonar; the Sandown class operates with Sonar 2093, a variable-depth multi-mode sonar, both by Thales www.LTPA.co.uk UK. Cdr David Bence of the UK Mine Counter Measures Force said: “Already proven in more temperate waters around the UK, Thales’s 2093 and 2193 sonars have performed exceptionally well in the challenging Arabian Gulf. www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. “With capabilities that complement each other, they provide a high probability of detection of sea mines in highly saline water with high ambient sea temperatures. They are world beaters.” news 33

Babcock joins Green Box New forum for naval ideas New combat Babcock has joined the vessel to be MOD Logistic Network A new website is helping a forum for addressing issues Enabled Capability (Log sustainable leaders in naval defence of common concern. NEC) Programme Green Box – a group of Tier 1 engineering to trade ideas and Dr Tyler said: trailblazer industry partners to shape pool industry knowledge. “Engineering, science and and implement future MOD The consortium, called technology sits at the very The Type 26 Global information architecture for UK NEST, has been backed heart of a modern fighting Combat Ship – the defence logistic support. by DE&S’ Chief Operating force. To sustain our military planned replacement for the Royal Navy’s The Green Box aims to Officer Dr Andrew Tyler, who cutting edge it is vital that the improve end-to-end logistics current fleet of frigates says their work has ‘never nation sustains the skills in to the benefit of defence and – will be a pilot MOD industry by incorporating been more important’. MOD and industry to design, project for sustainable contractor logistics support UK NEST is made up of 16 develop, support, and upgrade procurement. information requirements major organisations in naval our fighting systems. The project will help into the Log NEC Programme, defence working to sustain “UK NEST is a unique the vessel take on board to reduce the cost of the industry’s knowledge. organisation, coupling the economic challenges of likely fuel cost supporting air, land and Major defence employers MOD, the Royal Navy end user, maritime platforms. increases. Industry players involved include Babcock Marine, and industry in ensuring that The MOD is alongside the MOD are: BMT Defence Services, BAE the skills required to deliver embedding sustainable AgustaWestland, Babcock, Systems Surface Ships, the a modern navy are being principles into the BAE Systems, Boeing, Royal Navy and QinetiQ. nurtured and developed. As procurement cycle. General Dynamics, Lockheed Collaboration centres we meet the challenges of Energy use must be Martin, Rolls-Royce, Thales on the new website (www. SDSR UK NEST has never minimised. “For platforms which UK, and UK Council for uknest.org), which will act as been more important.” Electronic Business. have a long in-service life, due consideration must be paid to the amount of energy that these platforms are anticipated to use Devonport powers on to through-life, as this is much more than the energy consumed in production,” said Type huge lighting savings 26 safety manager Dr Sinnathamby Vijayakumar. A successful lighting “New equipment initiative at Devonport Royal programmes at the early stages of the MOD’s Dockyard has succeeded procurement cycle in cutting energy use by provide the opportunity significant amounts. for step changes in New lighting has been how energy is used introduced in the main and in particular how factory building, various the systems and sub- systems that use energy manned stores and the Central are selected.” Frequency Change Station The Type 26 team machine halls which provide has funded BAE CORDA power for ships and submarines – a defence analysis when alongside or in refit. company – to deliver a An initial trial discovered Fully Burdened Cost of significant potential for energy Energy tool to consider benefits of energy savings by replacing the efficiency for each existing high pressure sodium system solution. lamps with modern, high Benefits of improved output fluorescent tubes. Duke sees company work at first hand energy efficiencies are The upgraded lighting financial, operational and environmental. has the additional benefit of Northrop Grumman welcomed the Duke of York, improved colour appearance They include a lower above right, the UK's special representative for trade and logistical burden (fuel and visual comfort for people investment, to its Fareham facility last month. tankers, infrastructure), working in the building. The The company highlighted an array of capabilities in reduced energy and lights also have a longer life command and control systems, advanced information systems through life cost, which reduces operational and cyber security for UK and international markets. greater endurance and maintenance costs. The Duke also viewed Northrop Grumman's recently military effectiveness, opened cyber test range, the first to be commercially available lower operational John Meakin, Nuclear Site in the UK. Safety Manager, MOD said, vulnerability, improved security of supply and “This is a good example of how reduced emissions. the joint MOD/Babcock energy controllable making it easier to there is plenty of natural light. Type 26 is part of team is working closely with reduce energy wastage. The initiative has generated the Future Surface building controllers to identify Smart sensors enable lights significant cost savings to Combatant programme effective ways to reduce energy to be turned off automatically date. Greater savings are which will deliver multi- use on site, as well as improve when an area is not being used, expected when the energy role warships beyond working conditions.” give adjustable lighting levels, efficient lighting is fitted in key the next decade. The new lights are more and automatically dim when buildings across the yard. 34 news Improving the Secure Voice Networks

Using the telephone is something taken Voice Networks, which allows secure completed by close collaboration between for granted and no-one thinks twice calls to be made up to and including the ISS Networks and Service Operations when it comes to picking up the receiver Secret. Up to now secure calls, especially Engineering Operations teams, BT to make or take a call. to the United States, could only be made teams in the UK and their counterparts The service DE&S uses at work – on specialised handsets and with either from the US military voice providers. provided by British Telecommunications the aid of a Whitehall operator to ensure The Networks Service Assurance Fixed (BT) as part of the Defence Fixed its security, or as an international call, Voice team, led by Major Dave Whitaker, Telecommunications Service (DFTS), making this connectivity restrictive and tasked BT DFTS to produce an in-depth and managed and assured by the teams expensive. study highlighting what would be within Information Systems and Services This situation has now changed as a required to provide this capability. The (ISS) – works pretty much perfectly. major breakthrough has been achieved resulting business case cleared the way Given just how good the service is, how and this longstanding capability gap is for implementation of the successful test can it be made better? about to be closed. Following a successful and delivery of this improvement to the One element of DFTS is the Secure test at the end of August, direct secure Secure Voice Networks. voice connectivity was established. Interim operational capability was achieved at the end of September, paving the way for a complete, direct, secure voice service between the military networks of the UK and the US, plus Canada and Australia. Full operational capability is expected by the end of this year. Secure calls up to Secret level can now be made with a direct dial over the existing military networks, without incurring additional expense of international calls, or using Whitehall operators. It is estimated a significant amount of MOD funding will be saved over the remaining life of the DFTS contract. In addition, this will result in secure voice connectivity being available as a direct dial capability from the UK and operational theatres to the US and other secure voice networks. It is expected this improved capability will ultimately improve fluidity of joint military operations as the benefits of achieving direct secure voice communications capability has been recognised as an operational imperative. This breakthrough brings this a significant step closer. Establishing a direct secure voice capability has been a complicated piece of work that has so far been successfully

HMS Edinburgh, the last of the dynamic through the water. their ships’ companies. The Capital Type 42 destroyers to undergo an Other work in the £17.5 Ships project team is very proud Royal upkeep period, rejoined the fleet in million package carried out by that, despite the challenges of a Portsmouth naval base ceremony BAE Systems in Portsmouth, supporting warships in the twilight Navy’s on 4 November. includes an updated IT network of their careers, they continue In a major refit the ‘Fortress and improvements to the to meet availability targets and ‘Fortress’ of the Seas’ as she is known in the accommodation, fresh water perform their duty on behalf of the Royal Navy, has been fitted with systems, galley and laundry nation. is back two newly refurbished engines, facilities. “While it will be hard to see the including two new power turbines. DE&S Head of Capital Ships Type 42s retire, those who serve on at sea An underwater spoiler has also Tony Graham said: “The Type 42 them will be truly impressed by the been fitted and a coat of a special has been a very successful class capabilities of the Type 45s that will paint that makes the hull more of warship and is much loved by replace them.” news 35

DE&S and Thales join forces at Portsmouth Safety will always be A new joint DE&S and Thales Captain key message building at Portsmouth has John been opened by Captain John Macdonald DE&S’ Attitudes and Macdonald, leader of the (left) of Behaviours Campaign Underwater and Electronic DE&S cuts (ABC) team is keen to Warfare team at Abbey Wood. the ribbon extend workshops to more Under a Contractor Logistic with Barry operating centres to drive Support contract, DE&S and Morgan home the message on Thales UK work closely under (right), safety and environmental a partnering arrangement that watched protection. forms the Integrated Support by Thales The ABC campaign is Team – Sensors (ISTS) based engineers led by Head of Safety and at Abbey Wood but with a (from Environmental Protection waterfront presence at all UK left) Steve Gareth Jones. “Our aim dockyards. Astley, is to reduce injuries and The building will act as environmental damage home to the ISTS in Portsmouth, Wally Hammond across DE&S,” he said. providing office accommodation “The challenge we for Thales engineers, as well as and Andy Cottrell. all face is ensuring that workshop and storage facilities S&EP is something people to deliver front line support to see as a benefit to the the Fleet’s sonar and electronic together with the equipment will greatly enhance the Joint organisation rather than a warfare equipment. to remove and replace items ISTS ability to support the sonar burden or administrative Major Thales Sonar 2087 wherever necessary around the and EW equipment across the exercise.” replacement items, including world. Fleet and will make a significant ABC has targeted spare array modules and tow Barry Morgan, Thales UK’s contribution in our continuing support to the higher cables for the Type 23 frigates, Naval Services and Support drive to give better value for risk areas of DE&S and are held centrally in this building, Director, said: “This new facility money.” is working with the Joint Support Chain. Workshops at sites including Gosport, Bicester and Northolt have helped management and workforce understand Puma and Gazelle support S&EP culture and identify practical action. More information – Logistic and engineering support search for ABC on the for Puma and Gazelle helicopters has moves up a gear intranet or contact team leader Shaun Ellis on completed its transition to the ‘full 9355 67200. level’. DE&S’ Puma Gazelle team has signed an amendment to the through Standards life support contract with Eurocopter. The first phase of the contract published included repair, overhaul and provision of spares with the Puma The MOD’s new Project Management Standard Gazelle team retaining the lead role has been published on on ordering and planning. the Acquisition Operating A transitional period allowed Framework. Eurocopter to analyse historical data It describes the and develop a fully tailored support attributes of a well programme for DE&S. managed project in terms Repair and overhaul service has of 29 success factors. These can be used progressed to Level 3, including as a self-assessment additional technical services such and assurance tool and as post design services and the as a framework to link provision of a Eurocopter technical to more detailed project representative to the UK. management guidance. Eurocopter and Puma Gazelle Programme Project management structures are now Management Head of Corsham under the spotlight Profession, Vic Jenkins, fully aligned, ensuring that high said: “The Project level key performance indicators The Vice Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Management Standard and measures of effectiveness can Houghton, visited Information Systems and Services is a significant step be closely monitored and that any (ISS) at Corsham on 10 November. towards realising a more changes to operational requirements General Houghton toured the Copenacre and Basil consistent approach to or flying patterns can be immediately Hill sites, including the old and new Global Operations project management reflected in Eurocopter's logistic Security Control Centres. and achieving improved project management support. He was fully briefed on the full range of ISS maturity throughout the “The signing of the latest contract activities, including ISS’ support to Operation Herrick, department.” amendment ensures that the MOD and also the latest on Skynet, Defence Core Network More information: receives a modern, cost-effective Services and Defence Information Infrastructure DES PTG-COE-Pol-PJM@ support package from Eurocopter programmes. mod.uk and visit the that will continue to support the General Houghton is pictured, above left, with Project Management Puma and Gazelle fleets,” said a team Major-General Tim Inshaw, head of ISS. Standard pages on the AOF. spokesman. 36 support to ops

Soldiers with recent theatre experience have joined DE&S staff in the Arizona desert to help improve capabilities of deployed UK headquarters. Empire Challenge 2010 (EC10), supported by DE&S and coalition partners, aims to improve C4ISTAR capabilities – command, control and communications in the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance functions – to control operations. The demonstration event was conducted by DE&S’ Programmes and Technology Group. It involved soldiers, the Front Line Command, acquisition community and industry. Soldiers spent several thousand hours updating the ISTAR section of the Army Field Manual. This saw Desert challenge boosts headquarters capability

rapid C4ISTAR capability enhancement on operations in Afghanistan, developing ‘Fighting the Forward Operating Base’ doctrine and standard operating procedures. Immediate equipment benefits included technical integration of the US Persistent Ground Surveillance System into UK systems, greatly extending visibility and range of sensor coverage. This was implemented in theatre while EC10 was underway. Major Mathew Botsford, EC10’s Chief of Staff, said, “This type of joint experimentation with our principal ISAF allies adds value for Operation Herrick and is a high priority for the Army. “By working together across land forces, the acquisition community and industry, Empire Challenge has already delivered good results on which we must continue to build.” The work suggested better resourcing of mission specific training and has already progressed to demonstrations of improved ops Above: the US Persistent Ground room training using simulation technology. Surveillance System aerostat at a forward operating base on the First demonstrations were delivered by range at Fort Huachuca Niteworks last month as part of 42 Commando pre-deployment training. Right: a redesigned ops room Subsequent demonstrations will shape delivering command, control and training for the next Operation Herrick surveillance information roulement while also supporting development of a common simulation Infrastructure for the JTES Capability Branch. Devonport values feedback

Feedback from Royal Navy sailors Commodore Steve Dearden, said: on their experiences of services in “We’ve all taken the time to really Devonport is now being acted on. listen to our operational users and The independent survey by to understand better how they feel Babcock, Devonport Naval Base about the experience they get in Commander and Commodore of the Devonport. We’ve taken on board Devonport Flotilla was carried out what they’ve told us and have already among more than 100 personnel introduced a lot of ‘quick hits’ making from eleven ships and submarines, life in Devonport better. to identify scope for improvement in “Most importantly, we’ve put the facilities and services provided to mechanisms in place to ensure we the Fleet. keep listening to our personnel, The survey covered support, and keep responding, to ensure the from engineering activities to ‘Devonport Experience’ is really good accommodation facilities, shore news.” Devonport’s major stakeholders – Capt Mike McCartain supply connections to sports pitches, Crew from HMS Torbay and HMS (FOST), Mark Honey (Serco), Cdre Steve Dearden (NBC), vessel movements and out-of-hours Cornwall have been among the first Simon Cowls (Interserve), Cdr Steve Chick (ComDevFlot), support. asked for feedback since launch of and Phil Jones (Babcock) – sign up to improve services Naval Base Commander, the Devonport Experience initiative. the naval base offers support to ops 37 From factory to foxhole

ACDS (Log Ops) Major General Jeff Mason RM writes for desider on the changing world of operational logistics post-SDSR

Left: a Royal Marine provides cover in Helmand Province

The post I occupy was created in the wake of the logistic shortcomings o ACDS (Log Ops) is headed by Major General Jeff Mason RM and split between MOD highlighted by the first stages of centre and DE&S Ensleigh. Operation Telic in Iraq, with the aim of o Brigadier Rory Maxwell heads the Defence Logistics Operations and Plans team in ensuring timely and accurate logistics Main Building which provides logistics planning and direction in support of current and advice in the MOD on behalf of the Chief contingent operations, articulates the joint logistic requirement and leads international logistic engagement. of Defence Materiel, during the strategic o Air Commodore Andy Gell heads the Defence Logistics Policy team in Ensleigh which planning and defence crisis management concentrates on longer term development of Logistics Policy and owns the Logistics sub- process. This essential part of our role strategy, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Materiel. remains just as valid today. Over the past ten years delivery of logistics and engineering support to our could result in mission failure, increased extant and emerging requirements, Armed Forces has relied increasingly on and unsustainable costs. The team will as well as review key areas. The aim industry, reserves and the Civil Service. be invigorating and improving the will be to assess the impact of changes However, these changes have been process. and ensure the requirements remain largely unco-ordinated and conducted The UK will no longer be able to compliant with SDSR, such as for in a piecemeal fashion. SDSR recognised achieve all that it wishes to logistically, example with the intent to sell the Sea that it was time to go ‘back to the basics’, alone. I am therefore determined to Mounting Centre at Marchwood. identify the collective requirement for take forward multinational future support, and then design the ideal logistics opportunities where Total Support Force (TSF). The concept they would be of benefit to of the TSF is an integrated pre-planned the UK and our allies in terms mix of military, civilian and contractors of efficiency, effectiveness working ‘factory to foxhole’ in one and necessity. This will seamless organisation that can support involve continued proactive our future forces in the most efficient engagement with NATO and manner. My team has the MOD lead for the EU and with key partners, implementing the Total Support Force such as the US and France. I and a Tiger Team has been established to wish to see best use made of deliver it. pre-planned bi or multilateral Force Elements at Sustainability logistics support solutions (FE@S) is a metric by which defence (contracted and military) assesses its ability to sustain force and further exploitation of elements deployed on contingent collaborative strategic lift, operations and is the only mechanism underpinned by appropriate, through which we can identify logistic Alliance-focused training and risk and mitigation. SDSR provides us interoperability with coalition with defence planning assumptions logistics information systems. and details of new force structures The focus of the Joint which we are to support. As we develop User for logistics is to these revised force structures we need articulate, plan, co-ordinate to revise and reinvigorate the FE@S and integrate defence logistic process. It is more important than ever requirements at the strategic Maj-Gen Mason that we clearly articulate defence’s level. Following SDSR the sustainment capability as failure to do so requirement exists to refresh 38 people news

Abbey Wood pays tribute to the fallen

Hundreds of staff at Abbey Wood marked Armistice Day with a service in heavy rain in the central courtyard. A lone piper marked the beginning of the service, which was led by the Rev (Wg Cdr) Ian Ward, before the two minute silence at 11am. After the event, Chief of Defence Materiel, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, said: “While we never forget those who fought and died for our country, this service allows us all to take some time to reflect on their sacrifice. “I am very proud that so many of our staff here at DE&S turned out today in such adverse weather to pay their respects.” Right: Commodore Chris Hockley, Clyde base commander, lays a wreath at Helensburgh.

MOD staff led the way in the annual Civil Service Awards at Buckingham Palace with the DE&S – ‘pride, passion procurement prize going to the Pan-Government Energy team. The team is made up pace, professionalism’ of procurement staff from across the public sector – including procurement he was proud to represent the this even more special.” The MOD’s Permanent professionals from DE&S’ team who worked hard to make The team also received the Secretary Ursula Brennan Commercial Director and this happen, and emphasised Cabinet Secretary’s Award, the said: “The team from CTLB Commercial – who that they would not have come ‘winner of winners’ award, to DE&S who worked on the have introduced best practice so far and so fast without the the team that has most clearly Pan-Government Energy procurement. efforts of many. demonstrated pride, passion, Project should be celebrated The way government buys “Government is now able pace and professionalism. for playing their part in and manages energy has been to operate in this market as a The other MOD winners work that has delivered transformed, saving more single entity and leverage the were DE&S’ Apache team who considerable cost benefits than £474 million between value that should come from were presented with the Public and promotes best practice 2008 and 2010. Benefits for our position as the largest UK Value Award and were able to in energy procurement. This MOD contracts totalled more commercial user,” he said. meet the Queen. commitment to collaborative than £40 million in this same “For the awards to be Commander David working sees benefit to defence period. hosted at Buckingham Palace Bartlett, Major Mike Jeavons but also across Government. Paul Eastel, DE&S and to have an opportunity and Warrant Officer Austin “The innovation of David Assistant Director Support to explain what the team has Harding identified a smarter Bartlett, Mike Jeavons and Services and PGEP leader, said achieved to the Queen makes way of servicing Apache Austin Harding has meant helicopters which meant a that we have been able to revised servicing schedule increase the available flying Other teams from defence nominated for awards were: could be conducted in theatre. time of Apache helicopters in • DE&S Air Command and Control programme management team – Project and With the in-depth service theatre by 330 per cent and Programme Management Award; being conducted in the UK, has reduced pressure on the • MOD Education Outreach Programme (Director of Civilian Personnel) - Human more flying hours were made air bridge, with twelve fewer Resource Award; available for the Apaches in Apaches being flown back to • MOD Police – Leadership Award; Afghanistan and millions of the UK each year. • Low Visibility Landing Research Team (Defence Science and Technology pounds were saved. The trio “These really are Laboratory) – Innovation Award; has already won the top GEMS significant achievements that • Property Management Team (Met Office) – Sustainability Award. award this year for their idea. help our main effort.” people news 39

DE&S team takes to the road for a first-hand look at its kit

Forty members of the Air Platform Systems team have been on the road to RAF Lyneham, pictured left. The visit gave staff a first-hand appreciation of support to operations and provided contact with the aircrew and maintenance staff using their kit. The team spent time on the flight line and in the hangar getting to grips with equipment issues, and staff from every branch of the newly-formed team took part. Team leader Ken Spreadborough praised the value of increased mutual awareness between his team and front line customers. Spooks in a splash at halloween party

Sixty youngsters of naval base Grace Wain, 9, as a witch and Iona employees enjoyed their Halloween Richards, 3, as Batman also picked up a party, organised by Swimeasy, the pumpkin full of sweets as a prize. company running swimming lessons SwimEasy are an Edinburgh-based at Clyde’s company pool. who have The eight been swimming running teachers regular also got in swimming on the act by lessons for dressing up the children and giving of base the children employees a selection of since April Halloween 2009. games which Starting were not with just 12 only fun, pupils, the but helped classes have Industry joins DE&S in improve gone from going back to nature their strength to swimming strength The MOD’s community nature reserve skills. with the latest Saturday morning at Peaton Hill near Coulport received a Overall winner of the competition classes attracting around 70 children. welcome boost when 25 volunteers helped was nine-year-old Caitlyn Sparks The company was invited into the naval to make improvements to the site. The voluntary conservation took place who dressed up as a Cyberman, while base after they ran similar classes at after environmentally conscious members Thomas Hewitt, 5, as Spiderman, HMS Caledonia in Rosyth. of the Explosives Handling Jetty team at Coulport asked if they could help further develop the reserve. Institution makes a call on all DE&S engineers The green volunteers were invited to work alongside members of the Turner Estates Solutions supply chain, MOD Police, Defence Estates and staff from Turner THE INSTITUTION of Engineering the Forces, the IET promotes the Facilities Management in constructing and Technology (IET) is open to DE&S sharing of knowledge and excellence pathways around the site. engineering staff as Europe’s largest in engineering and technical skills. The MOD’s achievement in transforming engineering institution with 150,000 The IET’s growing partnerships a forgotten piece of wasteland in 2004 into members in 127 countries and more and agreements with the armed a thriving home for wildlife was formally than 100 active networks. forces and the defence industry are recognised when it was awarded the The registered charity raises an important element in ensuring 2009 Sanctuary Silver Otter award for environmental projects. awareness of the role engineering skills and experiences of industry and Pictured above are, from left, Emma and technology plays in the modern the military work together. King from SPIE Matthew Hall, Julian Miles world, Through its extensive base of More info at www.theiet.org/ from Converteam and John Forsyth also members and in collaboration with armed-forces or email armedforces@ from SPIE Matthew Hall. partners in academia, industry and theiet.org 40 people news

DE&S rewards Chief of Defence Materiel, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue hosted a commendation ceremony at MOD Main Building, on Friday 12 November. The awards recognise outstanding achievements by DE&S staff beyond normal performance staff successes expectations, and which deserve senior management recognition.

AWARD WINNERS Individuals

Mr Jim Berry of the Hercules Tristar team; Wg Cdr Charles Wookey of the Defence Clothing team; Mr John Matthew of the Typhoon team; Mr Tim Lammers of the Expeditionary Campaign Infrastructure team; Sqn Ldr James Beck of the Tornado team; Home of the Mr Martin Otley of the Special Projects, Communications, Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance team; Miss Lorna Michie of the Integrated Soldier System Individual BATTLEFIELD MISSION Capability Group; Mr Pete Richardson of the Special Projects Multi Air Platforms; Mr David Manley of the Sea Systems Group Millbrook is an independent world-leading Teams organisation specialising in the Medical & General Supplies CT Scanner team; development, Babcock Marine Terms of Business Agreement team; RTM 322 Product Group; enhancement and research Defence Clothing Camouflage Development team; of military vehicles, as well as being HMS Ark Royal – Regeneration for AURIGA 2010; home to the MoD Team Complex Weapons; Apprentice Management team; Battlefield Mission Destroyers team; Operations Cell Defence Food Services team; JBTSE Live Training team; DII/F Increment 3a Assessment Phase team; For further information: Eolus team; contact Bruce Lornie on DSCOM Lift Allocation, Airlift and Freight teams; +44 (0)1525 408476 Lynx Mk9a team; [email protected] Unity Working Group; www.millbrook.co.uk/military Bowman ComBAT, Infrastructure and Platform Battlefield Information Systems Application Version 5.4 team; Nimrod MR2 Engineering Authority; RB 199 Operational Contract for Engine Transformation (ROCET 2) team; M134 Minigun team; E3a RADMI assessment teams; DE&S and Hewlett Packard SONATA team; Passenger Reservation Section; Generic Vehicle Architecture MOD/industry team. people news 41

Clyde staff transformation programme

ELEVEN staff from Clyde have helped for the children. The team paid £2 a to transform a local children’s week to buy toys, donating audio CDs, charity. books and an air hockey table for the The sailors from Flag Officer Sea older kids. Training volunteered to help out at The eleven – Karl Savage, David Jigsaw’s drop-in centre in nearby Sharpe, Mark Moore, Gary Tipping, Helensburgh, redecorating rooms Chris Trevernor, Scott McKenzie, inside the building and gutting the Clint Stemcamp, Sam Dicks, Andy gardens and storage sheds. Bullingham, Lawrence Newland and Not content with donating their Jon Blight – also held a dance class muscle, they also came with gifts for the youngsters at the centre. Quartet takes on the peaks

Four sailors from Clyde – Lieutenant Damien Ralls, Warrant Officer Taking stock: Dave Wynne, Chief Scott is Petty Officer Craig pictured on Richardson and the roof of Petty Officer Adam Africa, with Gooding, above – something climbed Ben Nevis, to keep him Scafell Pike and occupied on Snowdon in just the way back under 22 hours. down The quartet took part for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust, a charity which provides respite for children with life threatening conditions and support for their families.

Cash efforts Scott reaches his peak in are just FAB Families Activity . . . and he took a little light Break for bereaved military families Africa (FAB) raised just reading along with him too! under £1,400 at the Combined Services Culinary Challenge Trainee accountant Scott myself physically, and signed up I climbed to the highest point at Sandown Park in Johnson jumped at the chance of within days. in Africa and raised more than Surrey. testing himself physically again “The climb was fantastic, £1,400 for two charities (the Royal FAB’s main after a number of operations on and my words and photographs National Institute for the Blind, aim during the competition was an eye injury – by climbing Mount cannot really explain what it was and Wooden Spoon). to inform senior Kilimanjaro. like, but we experienced forest, “I am still active, and apart officers about its Scott, who joined DE&S heat and humidity, sunshine, from having limited depth work to pass the Ships in August on the Trainee hailstorms, rain and minus perception and being unable to details down their Accountant Development Scheme temperatures. play competitive sport, nothing chain of command. (TADS), has had four operations “Standing on the summit much has changed for me. During the to fix a detached retina after a below the sign after having “It gave me even more competition inquiries came in rugby accident. walked through the night up a respect for the guys and girls from industry on But in October he joined 31 steep scree slope is something out in theatre, who face extreme possible future help. others on the climb up the 5,895m else; having gone through a challenges daily and put more FAB received mountain for charity. number of physical and mental than their eyeballs on the line!” backing from “It is 350 metres higher than barriers to get there the relief was n TADS is a two-year scheme Defence Food Everest Base Camp (North), and tangible, and even the toughest of three or four placements Services whose a serious challenge for even the guys were very emotional. across DE&S aimed at raising work was on show to many fittest,” said Scott. “The climb definitely puts knowledge and exposure to MOD people during the “After being told I could things into perspective for me processes while people study challenge. never play contact sport again I personally, and I realise how lucky for professional accountancy jumped at the chance to challenge I am – despite all the operations qualifications. 42 people news

A Grand Sale of handbags and accessories was held Cakes in Foxhill for Help for Heroes. Bev Rees (C&C) and Alison Smith galore! (CPET) gathered together donations of handbags, accessories, jewellery, hats and scarves along with books, cakes and raffle prizes to sell. DE&S staff Lots of colleagues came on the day to buy get some cakes, raffle tickets and early Christmas presents. tasty backing Along with sales of Help for Heroes wristbands, the day to raise cash Let them eat cake: staff at Foxhill queue up to sample raised £523. for charity Rosanne Crowther, secretary of products, Phoenix Cards, jewellery and Cancer Research UK’s Yeovil Friends, was Aloe Vera products. joined by staff of DE&S Yeovilton to turn Dawn Harrison, community fundraiser their work place pink on 20 October and for Cancer Research UK in Somerset said: raise £1,363 for the charity. “It is only through the wonderful support The reception area was festooned with we receive from people like Rosanne pink balloons and banners. and everyone at Yeovilton, that Cancer On sale were single pink roses for Research UK is able to continue this loved ones, delicious pink iced cup cakes research into breast cancer. donated by Mortimers bakery and Bakery “Every penny raised from this event Roy-Al, pink ducks, Pampered Chef will help save more lives in the future.”

Above: Hannah Hathaway, Christine Jones and Pam French who baked cakes at Yeovilton while, right, the event is in full swing

There’s no dawdling in Devonport A team of volunteers – Devonport variety of events before the relay Dawdlers – has donated the results such as a barbecue, Plymouth Half of its hard work for this year to Marathon sponsorship, quizzes, Cancer Research. cake sales and sweepstakes. Chris Babb from Cancer Team captain Julie Simpson, Research was presented with a who works for the Queen’s Harbour cheque for £4,495 raised from a Master, said: “The Cancer Relay for 24-hour Cancer Relay for Life event Life was a fun-packed weekend with in Plymouth and supporting events musical entertainment and stalls during 2010. followed by a very moving Candle The Devonport Dawdlers is of Hope ceremony on Saturday Back row, from left, Jane Stevens, Tracy Griffin, Pauline a team of MOD staff and friends evening. Rodea, Julie Simpson, Kate Buckland, Sharon Buckland, formed to take part in the relay run “This made the weekend an Carolyn Richards, Helen Pope. Front: Sharon Evans, India at the Brickfields site over a July amazing experience and one I will Berry, Sophie Milburn, Chris Babb (Cancer Research), Tania weekend. Funds were raised by a never forget.” Milburn people news 43

Duo races Belarus and Haiti handed to charity target a happy DE&S Christmas TWO Royal Navy officers from Clyde have recently been raising cash for local STAFF at Abbey Wood started charity, Erskine Hospital. the festive season early by Lieutenant donating thousands of Christmas Mike Howarth, 39, gifts to charity. from Erskine and Teams from across DE&S Lieutenant Steve Ross have donated more than 1,800 35, from Helensburgh shoeboxes brimming with treats raised money for and gifts in aid of Operation Erskine Hospital, the veterans’ charity Christmas Child. which provides The initiative, run by nursing and medical international charity Samaritan’s care for former Purse, encourages communities members of the to donate shoeboxes full of Armed Forces toys, games and sweets to “We decided to raise money by disadvantaged children living in running the Glasgow challenging conditions overseas. Half Marathon,” said This year the boxes are being Mike. “It turned out sent to orphaned children in to be a bit of a slog; it Belarus and Haiti. was our first attempt Chief of Corporate Alan Wood, South West Regional Manager for Samaritan’s Purse receives at an event like this Performance Trevor Woolley donations for Operation Christmas Child from Chief of Corporate and the furthest either one of us had ever said: “Once again DE&S staff Performance for DE&S, Trevor Woolley run. have displayed great generosity “It is a year long process and West Regional Manager for “The end result in donating so much to those who we are very lucky to have support Samaritan’s Purse, said: “These was £500 for Erskine, have so little.” from staff here at DE&S and local shoeboxes, which have been donated by members Julia Hurrell, who co- business too. so thoughtfully filled, are not of Faslane Flotilla, ordinated the appeal on-site “We are particularly grateful just gifts for Christmas to these naval base workers for DE&S, added: “This is the this year to British Home Stores in children but are also a symbol of and from our friends and family. It was eleventh year that we have Cribbs Causeway who provided hope that things will get better.” a wonderful result supported Operation Christmas many of the empty shoeboxes More information available at and made all the child and the generosity of our that were so generously filled.” www.operationchristmaschild. aches and pains staff never fails to amaze me. Alan Wood, South org.uk worthwhile.” DINs - released this month

Defence Instructions and Notice (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:

2010DIN04-157: Acclerated disposal of defence inventory. The DE&S Executive Committee of the Management Board has empowered the Joint Support Chain to manage the disposal of excess DE&S inventory.

2010DIN04-160: Declaration of obsolete Snatch-1 and Snatch-1.5 Chile Protected Patrol Vehicles. Declares the vehicles obsolete and describes the management of their withdrawal from service.

2010DIN04-161: Orthopaedic furniture arrangements: A guide to help the MOD in the procurement process of orthopaedic furniture.

2010DIN04-163: Confirmed out of service date for the 1.75 tonne trailer. Declares the legacy trailers 1.75 tonne Arrow, Paratow and Reynolds Boughton obsolete and describes the management of their withdrawal from service.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2010.htm 44 people news

Base staff experience HIE life

Clyde held its first joint health and There were 34 stalls set up during safety exhibition when the site’s Health the two days including leading and Safety, Incident and Injury Free companies in the health and safety (IIF) and Environmental teams joined sector. forces. “This has been the base’s first joint The HIE-Life Exhibition saw dozens and safety event, but we are hoping that of big name companies come to the it will be the first of many,” said Anne. base’s IIF Suite to show workers their “What we wanted to do was show products. the one base, one team slogan in action The event was the culmination – bringing together departments at one of many months of hard work and event to demonstrate how safety and planning by IIF’s Anne MacDonald the environment matter to everyone and the base Health and Safety who works at the base whether they’re From left: Captain Michael Tarr and Seonaidh MacDonald open the event with Sue Hill, Lynne Department’s Sue Hill. at work or at home.” Eccles and Anne MacDonald

Winners

Support chain rewards Teams

Disposal Services Authority ship projects its top performers acquisition team; Joint Support Chain safety, attitudes and Staff of the Joint Support Chain had their behaviours team; commitment and professionalism honoured in Medical and General a commendation ceremony at Abbey Wood on Supplies business 26 October. performance and management team; Commendations were awarded by Director Defence Food Services Joint Support Chain, Air Vice-Marshal ration pack outsourcing Matt Wiles, covering individual and team team; achievements over the last 12 months. Defence Fuels Group Awards recognise outstanding dedication aviation and ground fuels in support of JSC objectives and projects and team; in the present climate of operational intensity Tango Troop, 122 Ammo Squadron ATSG; there were many worthy winners, ranging Kilo Troop, 531 Ammo from Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Squadron (V) ATSG; support projects to deployed tasks in theatre JSC Svcs small arms such as Operations Brockdale and Anvil. team, Donnington; Civilian and military staff received JSC Svcs technical awards, representing elements of the JSC at Above: Air Vice-Marshal Wiles services business stream, Ashchurch; Abbey Wood and further afield in Ashchurch, rewards the Defence Fuels Medical and General Bicester, West Moors, Donington and other Group aviation and ground fuels team for its work in maintaining Supplies inventory locations. surety of supply of fuel types management team. Speaking at his last commendation across the MOD including joint ceremony before leaving the JSC, Air Vice- operating bases in Cyprus INDIVIDUALS Marshal Wiles praised winners for their and the south Atlantic and outstanding achievements. dealing with issues of delivery Sgt David Lovelace, Mr Tony Emmett, Mr Patrick He also reiterated the importance of to Kenya, Afghanistan and Allison, Mr Ian Smith, elsewhere recognising dedication that many staff WO2 Stephen Pond, Mr demonstrate above and beyond the confines of Ray Pinner, Mr Gary their job specifications. John Retallick, right, is Cox, Mrs Sarah Palmer, rewarded for his chairmanship of After the ceremony attendees enjoyed a Mr Paul Didsbury, Mrs the judges for the Combined Services Val Johnston, Mr Colin buffet lunch which provided an opportunity Culinary Challenge, an event whose for recipients to chat with the director. Gregor, Mr John Retallick, reputation grows higher every year Mr Richard Pearce.

HR Information Notes are for They contain vital information for all staff in DE&S - they are the main vehicle for announcing implementation of HR changes to line managers and individuals. YOU 35/2010 – Payment of Professional Body Fees for Military Personnel in DE&S 36/2010 – Project Self Assurance - HR Ensurance 37/2010 – to be published shortly 38/2010 – DE&S Military Establishment Change Process 39/2010 – Identification and Undertaking of Mandatory and Statutory Training Requirements people news 45 Supermess event proves there’s life outside your job!

Clyde’s new Neptune Building who usually operate out of Churchill Supermess hosted a Life Outside Square in Helensburgh’s Churchill Work Day on 2 November. Estate. Clubs, welfare organisations, Commander Ian Riches, the charities and naval base base’s executive officer, said: “The New group departments set up stalls in the event has been a huge success and newly built facility. the Neptune Building Supermess is icing The idea was to give employees has been the ideal venue. and Royal Navy personnel a taste of “We wanted to capture the on the activities and services available to youngsters who live and work at the them when they aren’t at work. base and show them the variety of cake Organisations represented on activities that are out there for A new group has formed within DE&S’ Maritime the day included HMS Neptune them. Dozens of Combat Systems (MCS) team. The Surface Ship Sailing Centre, HMS Neptune p e o p l e Combat Systems Group, headed by Captain Jim Rowing Club, Help for Heroes, the h a v e Palmer, provides a single focus and design authority Naval Base Chaplaincy Service, the at tended for combat systems across all Royal Navy surface Defence Fire Service, MOD Police, the event ships. the Clyde Learning Centre as well and I’m To celebrate the launch on 25 October, the team invited Rear Admiral Bob Love, Director Ships, to cut as the base’s medical centre and sure it will a cake, baked for the occasion by Mrs Rowena Palmer. dental departments. be a regular In keeping with tradition, Admiral Love invited the Also there were f i x t u r e youngest member of the team, Rebecca Evans, to join representatives from the Naval in the him in cutting the cake. Personal and Families Service calendar.”

Specialists in

Above: Lorna Defence Support Austin, Kevin Bell and Keith Warham Solutions for long-term projects and UORs from Naval Personal ■ Safety case consultancy ■ Integrated Logistics Support and Families Service ■ Information Assurance ■ Bid support ■ Technical authoring ■ Confi guration control ■ Illustrations, 3D modelling ■ Training-needs analysis and and animation course material

We also offer secure premises, vetted personnel and conform to all Defence Standards. We are the MOD’s contracted print management supplier and provide technical support services under the MOD FATS/3 framework.

The first DE&S Chief Information Officer roadshow was well attended at Abbey Wood on 11 October with First show staff finding out what’s happening on DE&S CIO key work streams including Photography © Crown Copyright/MOD, images from www.photos.mod.uk at Abbey Alamein, the IM Passport, collocation, Please call Paul Meersman on 0800 138 4308 or data protection, MIS and information email [email protected] for more information. Wood is a governance. Future roadshows are planned for Ensleigh, Corsham and success other DE&S sites.

424393_CDS_DESIDER AD_AW.indd 1 13/01/2010 09:58 46 people news

Staff at Clyde naval base were handed an in-depth look at the world of diving, thanks to personnel from the Faslane- based Northern Diving Group. The open day raised awareness of the valuable work the group does in disposing of wartime ordnance washed up on British beaches each year. As well as educating base workers on their role, the divers also raised cash for SSAFA and the Project Vernon memorial. “Over 100 people turned up for the open day,” said Chief Petty Officer Lee Yates. “We even had children from Hermitage primary school in Helensburgh and the nearby Clyde nursery. “The day gave our team the chance to show people what we do and some of the kit we use in our diving operations and in bomb disposal. The most popular items were our bomb suits and the Mark 8 Wheelbarrow.” Although it sounds low- tech, the Wheelbarrow is actually at the cutting edge of bomb disposal technology. So named because the Clyde takes the plunge 1970s prototype was built out of a wheelbarrow and a lawnmower, today’s version is a remotely controlled as divers host open day robot that can be operated by experts to dispose of bombs from a safe distance. Divers set up a slalom event and challenged visitors to guide the Top: Wheelbarrow around the obstacles. youngsters The 38-strong group also set up a from the diving tank for the event, taking turns to nearby Clyde dive continually for 12 hours, from six in nursery the morning to six in the evening. watch a diving The event raised £100 for the Project demonstration Vernon memorial to design and install a at Clyde, while, right, it new monument at Portsmouth’s Gunwharf can get a bit Quays, formerly the site of HMS Vernon. dull during Once completed, the monument will be a 12-hour dedicated to members of the Royal Navy continuous diving and mine warfare elite who once dive – a diver trained and were based at HMS Vernon. pits his wits SSAFA benefited to the tune of £210 on the noughts from a brew-up. and crosses So far this year the team has been board. called out 78 times, with most of the call outs being World War Two mines and ordnance.

Apprentices bask in the limelight

Apprentices at Devonport enjoyed an apprentices with their NVQ and National evening of awards and celebrations as Certificates. the achievements of the 2009 apprentices Apprentice of the Year awards were were applauded and the next group of 13 won by Shaun Rich (electrical), David welcomed. Kingham (mechanical) and Laura Holmes Welcoming students, families and (constructive), and outstanding academic friends, Commodore Steve Dearden, Naval achievement to Ross Ambrose. Base Commander, spoke about the great David Kingham, who also won Best opportunities that modern apprenticeships National Certificate Project Award, said: in the engineering sector present. The “After taking a job in financial services 'hands on' training that Devonport provides straight from school, I wanted a change of with its waterfront environment would be career direction. The MOD apprenticeship Apprentices enjoy their celebration night at invaluable to them, he said. offers a lot of opportunities, and engineering Devonport Commodore Dearden presented the 2009 is a career for life." people news 47

DE&S helps Faslane hosts youngsters to a future Prince as he in science DE&S’ Engineering honours Skills team mentors have supported the Go4SET Launch at Fry’s Conference Centre, Keynsham deterrent – the fourth year of the scheme. Go4SET is a work-related submariners scheme for 12-14 year-old pupils, aimed at raising Prince William honoured Clyde naval their awareness of career opportunities base as he saluted the 500 sailors who have in science, maintained the UK’s continuous-at-sea engineering and nuclear deterrent for more than 40 years. technology (SET). Every sailor who has sailed on deterrent Teams of six patrol for more than 30 days was awarded from schools in a silver pin – and Prince William presented Bath and Bristol gold pins to sailors who served on 20 or get a taste of real more patrols. life application of SET in a ten-week Twenty patrols, including training and programme working exercising, could add up to as much as with ten DE&S- eight years under the sea – a sign based mentors. of unparalled professionalism, This year teams dedication and commitment. produced a project The presentation took place at report including Faslane. Fittingly, Prince William recommendations is the Commodore in Chief for renewable Left: Prince resources to Submarines. William be included in Four Vanguard class awards a proposed eco submarines, Vanguard, Rear classroom. Victorious, Vigilant and Admiral Another Vengeance have never missed Steve Lloyd development is the with a silver a second of continuous at sea planned visit to the pin deterrence with their Trident Bloodhound SSC missile systems since taking over project – Britain’s 1,000 mph land from the Resolution class Polaris speed record armed boats. attempt. Rear Admiral Steve Lloyd, Mentors help Chief Strategic Systems Executive, who pupils with research attended the ceremony, said: “As the motto Left: Rear and give them the on the pin states, ‘Always Ready’ this award Admiral opportunity to see Simon is in recognition of the sustained personal how issues are Lister dedication necessary to provide a credible tackled in real life. inspects the One DE&S deterrent capability and captures in a Vengeance mentor described visible way the contribution of each crew crew his experience of member to the delivery of continuous at sea mentoring as a deterrence.” chance for personal Members of DE&S Submarine Operating development Centre, Alasdair Stirling, Head of In in the areas of Service Submarines, and Jon Swift, Head project and people of Production Submarines, were on the management. Go4SET Clyde parade ground, inspecting Vengeance encourages future starboard crew and awarding pins with engineers and Director Submarines Rear Admiral Simon scientists and offers Lister and Rear Admiral Lloyd. a great development Introduced to Prince William at the VIP opportunity for DE&S technical reception, the DSM senior civil servants Right: DE&S staff. More discussed the role of DE&S in supporting staff Jon Swift information from the deterrent; the Prince immediately and Alasdair Rachel Dyer on recognised the significance of the technical Stirling at 9670 36769 or Faslane to duty holder role, and wished the team well as Engineering Skills they embarked on the post SDSR Vanguard inspect the Director intranet life extension work. Vengeance site. crew When the mission takes you to places where roads havenʼt been built, INNOVATION drives forward.

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