SPRING 2011

Banker’s Kabul interest Page 3

Guns in the Gulf Page 5

Op Telic oil toil Page 8

IN AT THE DEEP END Diving Branch first proves capability is highPage 7

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Missions | Exercises | New CMR on Bridge | Unit News | Activities MARINES RESERVES ON FRONT LINE DUTY Operation Herrick continues with 3 Commando Brigade having recently taken up the baton from 1 Royal Irish as the command group in Afghanistan. 19 Hour shifts Joining the regulars are 57 Royal section commanders. Marines Reserve officers and Other mobilised RMR roles other ranks mobilising on Herrick include HQ watchkeepers, Info don’t faze Fox doc 14. Ops personnel and a Major and Around 47 of these are A Flying Fox augmenting 42 and 45 WO2 RMR augmenting the UK reservist’s two Commando in front line roles in Land Training Team who help months at Camp Nad-e-Ali (South) including five as instruct Afghan Forces. Bastion in Helmand Province passed in a blur… but only because he was so busy helping save lives. Surgeon Commander Richard Graham, 36, works as a consultant radiologist in Bath but found his mobilised experience very different from the day job, as one of two consultant Surgeon Commander Richard radiologists working Graham with his Operation alongside coalition Herrick medal and clasp. forces from the US and Afghan National Army. “It was extremely busy in the hospital,” explained Sgn It’s not just Marines who Cdr Graham. “The most common injuries were blast deploy to Afghanistan: Royal injuries from IEDs and also gunshot wounds – with both Navy sailors deploy on a one- affecting soldiers and Afghan civilians. in-one-out basis and mainly “It was not unusual to work 19 hours a day but not take on roles in logistics, realise how quickly the time has passed – it was a fantastic experience for me and I was privileged to be intelligence, administrative able to help.” and operations. Officer In Command at the Mobilisation Mounting Cell training centre, Lt Cdr Pat O’Callaghan said: “These are personnel from across the Navy with specialist skills that are required to serve in Afghanistan. They spend four weeks with us learning valuable skills for theatre, some of it very new and very different to what they do on a day-to-day basis in ships and . “We train up to 80 personnel 12 times a year so there is a constant rotation in the main operating bases, the Forward Operating Bases, headquarters in Kabul and also working with the Afghan National Army.”

2 The Maritime Reservist F-35 JUST JON BANKS WIZZER FOR HIS AFGHAN WILSON ADVENTURE You won’t find many Swiss bankers needed to make showing interest in Afghanistan… but operational decisions. one HMS President reservist recently Jonathan has been a reservist for 10 years but had to take a six-month deployment this was the first time he into account. had been deployed as part An income analyst for a Swiss bank of Operation Herrick. in civilian life, LH Jonathan Davis, 31, “I was based in Kabul, was deployed to Kabul as a database and as well as gathering Jonathan Peter Wilson in the F-35 cockpit administrator, where he helped provide the information for the Davies with coalition commanders with intelligence database, my job was to his Operation organise the briefings for Herrick medal An RNR Air Branch pilot has taken people each day, so there and clasp the controls of an F-35 Lightning II was a lot of responsibility. and clocked up a milestone in the I could use some of the skills from my day Joint Strike Fighter development job – I felt I could make an important programme. contribution. A test pilot for BAE Systems in civilian “In 2003 I was mobilised on Operation life, Peter ‘Wizzer’ Wilson became just the Telic where I was deployed in force third Briton to take the controls of the protection for RFA ships in the Gulf. They supersonic stealth jet, and flew the Short are definitely not the sort of things that a Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) Jonathan Davis with a friendly local in a normal bank worker gets to do.” market in Kabul version in STOVL mode for the first time at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. Then, days after his first flight, Wizzer became the first non-American pilot to SCOTIA’S BISH IN KABUL CHRISTMAS fly the F-35C carrier variant, which is the HMS Scotia’s chaplain, Reverend Dr “The real highlight for me as a version the MOD intends to purchase for Marjory MacLean, has become the Bish was having Remembrance and the new aircraft carriers. It was quite an achievement for someone who first flew first RNR chaplain to be mobilised Christmas in theatre, sharing these significant moments with so many in a Cessna 150 aged just 17. to Afghanistan. impressive people.” His first sortie was of just over one Marjory spent three months spent hour duration and afterwards he said the as Kabul Garrison Chaplain in Herrick aircraft handled beautifully, adding: “All- 12. With a ‘parish’ extending across all in-all it was an absolute pleasure to fly.” UK military and diplomatic personnel in the capital, the biggest challenge was simply reaching those in her care spread Wizzer earnt his wings after he across eight separate establishments. joined the RAF in 1986, and then Every pastoral visit required a vehicle qualified as a flying instructor movement of two assets and six soldiers before taking an exchange tour from the Kabul Joint Support Unit based with the flying the in Camp Souter, home to the Chaplaincy Sea Harrier. He was obviously and the other British life-support impressed for he requested a functions. transfer and went on to see action Chaplain MacLean said of her with the navy in Bosnia, Iraq and deployment: “The hardest parts on a Sierra Leone. He left the service in physical level, were the training and 2000 and joined BAE Systems as a the journeys in and out of theatre, since Harrier test pilot and has logged Kabul takes a bit longer to reach than over 3,000 hours flying fast jets. Helmand. Once there, a delightful Wizzer has been preparing for the challenge was working in a tri-service F-35 flights since he arrived in the environment which is overwhelmingly Marjory MacLean with one of her escort US five years ago, and to date all dominated by Army personnel. vehicles in Afghanistan his flying has been in simulators.

Spring 2011 3 RNR MTO MUST ADAPT TO PIRATES TACTICS A team of Maritime Trade Organisation SAM LOGS DJIBOUTI (MTO) specialists was deployed to Dubai way back in October 2001 and although over the past 10 years the threat may have changed, the presence of RNR MTO specialists has not. Sam Martin leads a Remembrance service as Billy Somerville (left) looks on Numbers deployed may have increased and decreased, but the ever increasing threat of piracy in the past four The RNR Logistics notice with the full support of years in the Arabian Sea – there were 35 confirmed pirate specialisation is crucial to her employer in Nottingham, HM attacks on merchant vessels in the first two months of this the success of Operation Revenue and Customs. She was joined by HMS year – has resulted in a significant increase in staff over the Atalanta, as personnel from past 18 months. Dalriada’s LH Billy Somerville in a UKMTO is now manned by two officers and seven two RNR units found out. small but poignant remembrance ratings, augmented by a Merchant Navy Master. Early in HMS Sherwood’s CPO service in the French cemetery in 2011, an additional mobilisation took place with an AWNIS Samantha Martin returned from Djibouti, which also contains 12 officer being mobilised in support of Operation Atalanta; the Horn of Africa earlier this British military graves. Billy was this officer is located with the EU HQ in Northwood. year after six months based in responsible for dealing with both The Gulf of Aden and the eastern coast of Somalia is a Djibouti, where she was part of ships docking and helicopter vital artery of world trade that includes the main shipping the EU’s naval mission to deter landings, to ensure their cargo routes from the Far East to Europe and the US with over piracy in the region. was distributed effectively. 33,000 shipping movements, including over one third of Sam joined the RNR in He also spent considerable the world’s oil passing through the area each year. 1987 and is an experienced time refurbishing the local Pirate tactics are changing all the time as they adapt to Logistics specialist. As part of orphanage both outside and successes by the military. In turn the military and ship a three-person UK Forward inside. He said: “This was one of owners adapt their tactics to success by the pirates. But Logistics Support team, Sam had the most rewarding parts of the UKMTO is available 24/7 to provide the interface between responsibility for ensuring that mobilisation as I could use my the Merchant shipping community and military in the area. ships operating in the area got skills from back home to make shore-based logistics assistance. the children’s lives better.” Sam was mobilised at short

A boarding team from HMS Chatham during Operation Atalanta

4 The Maritime Reservist Tony is GUNS IN London’s finest THE GULF Congratulations go to Lieutenant Members of the RNR Seaman specialisation are mobilised throughout the Tony Scott of HMS President, year as P Squadron with the Force Protection Group Royal Marines (FPGRM). who has received the Cobra They are one of most valuable and versatile groups within the RNR and are Trophy as the Greater London specially trained in weapon handling, seamanship and fire-fighting. Reservist of the Year 2010. They act as an independently HMS Dalriada AB He is the first naval winner of the deployable Force consisting of 12 Christopher Harron trophy and was presented with his reservists from various RNR units across deployed to Bahrain in last trophy at the Greater London Reserve the country, operating from RFA ships year as part of RFA Lyme Forces and Cadets Association awards Cardigan Bay and Lyme Bay, operating Bay’s force protection. evening. in a maritime Area of Operation which A firefighter at In his civilian life, Lieutenant spans a strategically important area of Airport, Chris felt that “being taking Scott works for EMC Consulting. 2.5 million square miles, covering the from your normal work and life to His boss, Dave Cox, Vice President whole of the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf fulfilling a serious role makes all the Global Service Lines and previously of Aden and the Northern Arabian Sea. training and commitment worthwhile.” a US Navy submariner, flew in from Here, we feature three personnel who HMS Sherwood AB Rob Jones (main Boston to attend the evening, during were deployed on the above tasking. picture) found it to be a rewarding which he received a SaBRE Certificate HMS Forward’s AB Marie experience. He said: “In my force of Support from the Lord-Lieutenant Davis, a Park Ranger in protection role, I provided armed of Greater London, Sir David Brewer. the West Midlands, found protection to ships against terrorist or A member of the Mine Warfare enough fresh air to last her other threats, both in harbour and at specialisation, Lieutenant Scott was a lifetime on Cardigan Bay. sea. It was a great role and gave me mobilised from January 2009 to April “I had a fantastic time. I manned plenty to do.” 2010 to serve in the Arabian Gulf. the ship’s guns at very short notice to Having made a significant personal counter any high speed surface threat, contribution, on two occasions his the so called quick draws,” said Marie. mobilisation period was extended. Tony is HMS President’s public relations officer and, recognising the importance of social networking to potential recruits, his efforts in creating HMS President’s Facebook page and Twitter feed –the first for an RNR unit – have had clear results in the numbers joining New Entry classes. He said: “Receiving this award is a huge honour, and something I’ll be proud of all my life.” TOM PICKS UP GONG An AB from HMS Flying Fox has been awarded the Iraq Medal for his efforts on board RFA Cardigan Bay last year. Tom Beldham, who works in the Customer Services team at the Department of Work and Pensions, was mobilised for six months, and was responsible for protecting the ship from a diverse range of potential threats while she patrolled the oil platforms off Iraq. AB Beldham with his medal He was presented with his campaign medal by Captain Wyatt, Head of RNR for the South and South West. Tom said: “It was a real honour to receive this medal in front of all my shipmates. It was hard (left to right) Dave Cox with Lt Scott work, but I feel privileged to have had the chance to get stuck in and do the job I have and the Lord Lieutenant. trained for.”

Spring 2011 5 Members of RMR Bristol on Mount ROYALS SCALE Harriet in South Georgia NEW HEIGHTS Stunning scenery and hazardous conditions in ice-capped mountains went hand-in-hand for numerous RMR Bristol personnel during a training expedition to South Georgia. The reservists – who were embarked on Type 42 HMS Gloucester – made the obligatory trip to Mount Harriet, made famous by the successful assault by 42 Commando on Argentinean forces in 1982. The group also contoured around Mount Skittle to access their patrol area, St Andrews Bay, home to tens of thousands of king penguins, fur and elephant seals. They also spent two days at the huge Nordenskjold glacier, which strtetches 4km in width.

IDEAL TRAINING FOR AW BRANCH CALLIOPE Members of the Amphibious Warfare MISSION Branch found themselves training onboard MV Anvil HAD BITE Point at Marchwood Military Port in Ratings from host unit HMS Southampton. Calliope, plus Ceres Division, The AW Branch is HMS Scotia, HMS Dalriada and perhaps best known HMS King Alfred took part in a for its role in planning demanding but unusual military and executing the ship- training serial called Exercise to-shore movement Lt Cdr’s Alcock and Wallace (centre) on MV Anvil Point of troops and all their Frostbite. equipment from a busy The exercise consisted of the ratings operations room on an amphibious ship. Lt Cdr Wallace said: “MV Anvil Point is facing up to a number of challenging Lt Cdr Charlie Alcock and Lt Cdr Stuart one of the strategic roll-on/roll-off sealift situations over a 24 hour period, Wallace, who were deployed to Iraq ships on long term MOD charter and including repelling intruders, assessing during Operation Telic, drew on their provided an ideal training platform and treating casualties, even managing operational experience to instruct junior for members of the AW branch to get to media in the form of SimPress. members of the branch. grips with the requirements of the role.” Exercise co-ordinator CPO MacLennan said: “I was pleased by the professional attitude of all personnel in the execution of the mission, particularly the alertness of sentries at 0430 in wet and miserable JEREMY IN ROCK SUB MISSION conditions.” Lieutenant Jeremy Thornley from Medical School to become a doctor, I found HMS Sherwood joined colleagues in the exercise an excellent opportunity to the RNR Specialisation to tackle a new set of challenges whilst also drawing on his past experience.” take part in the latest Command Post Exercise at Gibraltar’s Alternative Headquarters. The exercise scenario was based on an operation off the Iberian Peninsula involving seven submarines and Lt Thornley was assigned to the Submarine Operations Authority. During time off, he ran to the top of the rock to see the famous “Barbary Apes” and to Europa Point where there were spectacular views of North Africa across the Straits of Gibraltar. He said: “As a former submariner in Lt Thornley (left) with colleagues from the Reservists at Calliope practised first-aid techniques that are vital on operations the Royal Navy, now studying at Sheffield RNR Submarine branch

6 The Maritime Reservist SENN-SATIONAL EARNING THEIR GRITS NATASHA’S MUD Developing team-work and leadership skills was the aim of an exercise held at HMS Raleigh and involving 120 Royal Naval reservists. FOR DIVING Known as Cornish Grit, it included King Alfred Able Rate knew would take every bit personnel from HMS Vivid, Flying Natasha Senn has of determination I had. Fox, Forward and Cambria. become the first female I have never been more Reservists were given the chance to proud to wear the baggy to pass the two-week work together to save a sinking ship blue diver’s tracksuit. in HMS Raleigh’s multi-million pound air phase diving course The first week just about simulator while their sea survival and and has joined the RNR killed me. Every morning weapons skills were also tested. Diving Branch. we jumped off a 6 metre She will now conduct board into the lake, finned underwater force across, then ran round the protection in support to the lake back to the board in Natasha Senn, the first Royal Navy, following the a heavy dry suit. We had female RNR diver a “mud run” on the Port change in policy to allow because for the first (and Solent flats but it was less women to serve in this only) time, I didn’t come running than sinking at previously all male branch. last!” least a foot and a half into Natasha, 24, explained: Natasha works full time the mud. I can proudly “I wanted to do this to for the Defence Science say I loved the mud run, achieve something that I Technology Labs as an analyst but will now deliver her skills in underwater force protection, conducting searches of the sea bed and maintaining hulls of ships both in port HMS Vivid’s AB Dom Simonis (right) and at sea. takes aim in HMS Raleigh’s computerised weapons training facility under the guidance Natasha and her male colleagues on the Mud Run of his CPO Kev Agnew.

61 INTO 71= FREEZING RMR Tyne led the annual Exercise Hairspring to northern Norway this year, which saw 61 RMR personnel deployed to conduct cold weather warfare training. Porsangmoen is located at 71 degrees north and used to house 1000 Norwegian soldiers in the Cold War to protect against a Russian invasion. The motley crew of joiners, tree surgeons, NHS staff, train drivers and students included ranks recently returned from Afghanistan. Everyone had the distinct pleasure during ice-breaking skills of a frigid swim in icy waters. Most managed to keep their heads above water and toast the Queen… though most initial oaths are unprintable!

Spring 2011 7 MAJOR DAVE’S IRAQI OIL TOIL Though not as often in the news as Afghanistan and other theatres, Operation Telic continues in Iraq as the final transitions to stability operations take place.

The Al Basrah oil platform is over one mile long. Manned by up to 100 UK, US and Iraqi Naval personnel, 80% of Iraqi GDP is generated from this uber-petrol station. RMR Bristol’s Major Dave Fielder, who works full-time at A US Coast Commando Training Centre in Guard cutter Lympstone, Devon, looks back alongside at a six-month deployment as a ABOT Maritime Liaison Officer in the sandy desert environment of Baghdad and afloat... in a very different way! “I was responsible for linking Forces Iraq to Commander Task Force Iraqi Maritime. My office was a work station in the Joint Operations Centre, a very large Ops Room equipped similarly to NASA with banked rows of personnel facing three 10ft plasma screens, all contributing in some staffing capacity at Corps level. However, I spent some time helping maintain security in and US Naval personnel and is and around both the Al Basrah Major Dave (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya one mile long. Four times up Fielder with (KAAOT) oil platforms in the and down generates the daily General Northern Arabian Gulf. four mile run, although if you Raymond The oil platforms produce in look down through the grated Odierno US Army in the region of 80% GDP for Iraq. deck and feel it sway from side Baghdad. The most modern can handle to side, you wonder about its four super tankers at once, construction.” each one taking up to 2 million Iraqi Navy – and US marine barrels of oil in a 3-4 day session. assets – provide defence against They can be a very surreal existence. When on board, it any incoming threats and also is similar to being embarked provide watch keepers for the on board ships, but they don’t Ops room as they prepare to move... well, not that much. take over this responsibility fully ABOT is still occupied by UK around the end of 2011.

8 The Maritime Reservist DOVEY’S MAJOR DAVE’S IRAQI OIL TOIL DARING EXISTENCE

CUTHBERT Defender, the fifth ship of the ON CARDIGAN Daring class of Destroyer A member of the RNR CAPABILITY Amphibious Warfare Branch, Sub Lieutenant Philip Dovey, Another reservist has enjoyed a rather daring five engaged in years in both his civilian and helping to reservist lives. provide security As a MOD civil servant, he has to the Iraqi oil worked on the Type 45 Anti Air Warfare Destroyer Program as Marine platforms was Engineer Overseer Manager, which HMS Calliope’s includes monitoring the set to work, AB Angela commissioning, harbour trials and Cuthbert. sea trials for every Type 45 from HMS An administrative Daring up to Defender, the fifth ship officer at RAF in class. Leeming in As a reservist he has served as a Northallerton, she Primary Watchkeeper onboard HMS spent six months Ocean on exercise Cold Response in on board RFA Northern Norway and participated Cardigan Bay as a in the Taurus deployment to the Far tactical command East. operator – He said: “My aspiration is exchanging vital Able Rate Angela Cuthbert to complete all of the training information requirements to be promoted to with other coalition ships over the airways. Lieutenant “It was absolutely fantastic,” said Angela. “I and then to had forgotten just how much I love being at deploy on sea – the last time was in 2001 on board HMS Operation Coventry and that was for a fortnight so this was Cougar to the significantly longer. Indian Ocean “Our primary role was guarding the oil over the next terminals and I had to keep pinching myself to few months.” believe that I was actually there, it was surreal.” S/Lt Philip Dovey

Spring 2011 9 STEEL’S THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE Cdre Chris View From Steel – who was awarded the CBE in January – has spent just over two years as CMR but is The Bridge ‘going outside’. Here’s his final address. Introducing Commodore John Keegan, the new CMR As ever your achievements speak for themselves – an impressive record of I am delighted to assume command of the Maritime Reserves and I delivering on Defence’s demands. Your ongoing commitment to the nation consider it to be a great honour to lead you all. You all know that I is much better understood, and I am arrive at a fascinating time as the work to establish the future role eternally grateful to your families, friends and employers who have enabled you to and utility of the reserves continues at a pace, and I fully intend give so much. Equally the small, busy HQ to build on the excellent work undertaken over the last years by has not rested on their laurels behind the Commodore Chris Steel. scenes. From the baseline of the SRR, the SDSR fallout continues as likely changes You should be assured that I recognise are worked out, developing further the wide range of skill sets that you have, innovative and efficient ways of working. both in civilian life and in your Service Most importantly, Future Reserve 2020 specialisations. These, alongside the depth work is addressing how Defence wants of maturity that exists across the Command, the integration of the Reserve Forces of are a unique mix and we must draw on it to all types to move in the future, as part of the full during the review. a more flexible Whole Force Concept. We Working together in this way will are at the centre of this important work enable us to move forward with absolute that will define the utility, shape and size confidence in our ability to meet the of the MR for the coming decades. This requirement that the nation places on us, means greater scrutiny than in past years, but we must be in there; understood, while ensuring that you all have plenty used, respected and above all with a of opportunity to have a rewarding and continuing relevance for the future. effective career. I will endeavour to keep Major progress includes a robust you informed as much as is possible and requirement, an increasingly usable where appropriate as the study gains number of people, gradually clearing JPA traction. data and an improving appraisal process. Wherever in MoD head office, the Naval This not only provides management Staff or in the training environment, I employers who tell me how impressed they information but ensures that structures are hear recognition about the tremendous are. accurate and correct and ultimately allows commitment that belonging to the Maritime I very much look forward to seeing for smoother promotion flows. One regret is Reserves shows, whether drill nights, myself how you operate in detail and I have the omission of a piece of work I identified other training, FTRS and operational instructed my office to make every effort to early– a review of the way we train and the deployments. It is widely valued both ensure that I can meet as many of you as composition of drill/training nights. I hope broadly, and specifically by functional possible early in my command. this will follow soon. STERLING REWARD HMS President was the venue for a remarkable achievements in the world of reception to mark the promotion of shipping and charity and in particular his The Lord Sterling of Plaistow GCVO tremendous support for the Royal Navy CBE to Honorary Rear Admiral. and the Royal Naval Reserve over many Outgoing CMR Commodore Chris years. Steel welcomed Dr Liam Fox, Secretary Lord Sterling said: “Being promoted of State for Defence and Admiral Sir Mark Honorary Rear Admiral gives me Stanhope, First Sea Lord, among many immense satisfaction and over the other VIPs to the ceremony. previous 20 years I have been delighted Lord Sterling with the First Sea Lord in the Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope to have been able to support the RNR in background congratulated Lord Sterling on his many ways.”

10 The Maritime Reservist RECOGNITION FOR Proud Prior CAMBRIA CREW takes charge Lt Cdr McKenzie of Tender with his citations

Lord Mayor of Glamorgan presents Bill Palmer (above) and Kevin Rowan with their awards. Three members of Welsh RNR unit, Objective Manoeuvre HMS Cambria, have received honours Watch-keeper. recently. Two other Cambria men received HMS Cambria’s Executive Officer, recognition for Lieutenant Commander Gary McKenzie, military service at a was honoured by the Institute of Marine presentation held Engineering, Science and Technology with a onboard HMS Ramsey Presidential Commendation for services to when the minesweeper visited Barry. the Institute. Lt Cdr McKenzie was also presented Leading Seaman (CIS) Bill Palmer with an award for the best technical received his first clasp to his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal in recognition of a lecture given to the Wales Branch in 2010. further five years service in the RNR. The lecture was entitled “The Bay Class LSD(A)”. Having completed a number of Warrant Officer Kevin Rowan was AB Abigail Prior at the helm exercises onboard the Bay Class vessels, awarded his second clasp to his VRSM in he is something of an expert on their recognition of a total of 20 years service in HMS Vivid’s AB Abigail Prior plus capabilities. As an Amphibious Warfare the RNR, during which time he has quite colleagues from her unit and Officer, his role onboard is as a Ship to literally served around the world. HMS Flying Fox had an action packed weekend onboard the 84ft ex-Royal Navy fleet tender, WOULD YOU ANSWER ‘Pride of Bristol’. The reservists learned navigation training, how to read the buoys and THE QUESTION, HEATHER! navigation marks, fixing the position of the ship and weather readings. As HMS as they filmed – to look after BBC broadcaster They each had a chance to drive the Northumberland Jeremy Paxman, who was interviewing the ship under the careful supervision of transited from her ship’s CO, Commander Paddy Allen for a major the Captain in the Bristol channel. The visitors also conducted some Devonport base historical documentary to be screened in the autumn, charting the development of the fire fighting and first aid training, to Weymouth British Empire. taking the chance to operate the breathing apparatus and conduct recently, one Unfazed Heather said: “I found Jeremy to a short exercise to find a hidden Heather with Jeremy reservist on a be charming and not as intimidating as his object in the dark to exercise trying Paxman on HMS media-minding interview persona. We had some very rough Northumberland to find a casualty in a smoke filled mission came seas on the way down and he endured the compartment. face-to-face with a fearsome foe. weather stoically and showed great interest in Lieutenant Commander (MOS Branch) the people and work of HMS Northumberland. Heather Lane was on board the Type 23 He also did a piece to camera right at the tip – whose sister ship Westminster was steaming of the fo’csle in very strong winds - should be to support coalition forces in the Libyan crisis interesting to watch.”

In the last issue of the Maritime Reservist, we featured Lieutenant Commander Robert Jaffier from HMS

for all our staff Forward, who received an Operation February 2011 Herrick medal. We are pleased to report Life in Afghanistan – how Birmingham's that his employer, the Highways Agency, Robert Jaffier RD used his planning were justifiably proud to feature Robert RMAS Messina, the Pride of Bristol skills to support the Royal Navy in their own work magazine, Network. [see Agency@work] Mary Chatfield Tour of duty reflects on the opening of the A421 scheme Spring 2011 [see Improving] 11 U-BOAT EXPERIENCE RELIVED A large contingent from HMS President recently visited Hamburg and Kiel for the London RNR unit’s seventh annual naval battlefield tour. Highlights were a private tour of the Blohm & Voss shipyard where the Bismarck was built and a visit to the world famous Hamburg Maritime Museum. The final day was spent in uniform in Kiel, hosted by the German Navy at its Baltic base. This included a visit to a and several presentations on the modern German Navy. Later that day the group visited the U-Boat Museum at Laboe and laid a wreath in a ceremony at the Submarine Memorial Moltenort. The reservists were honoured to be joined by several members of the German U-Boat Association who kindly invited them to their private hut for schnapps and beer. AB Debbie Willis with two veterans in front of a Type VII U-boat. The “Speaking to these German U-boat veterans, and honouring veterans were Lieutenant engineers operating out of St Nazaire and those killed on both sides, was a moving experience for all consider themselves lucky to have survived the Second World war concerned,” said tour organiser Lieutenant Tony Scott. LITTLE’S PROUD AWARD WINNERS It’s only fitting that LARGE reservists receive the recognition that they MOMENT deserve, not only for mobilisation but for An NHS Field Engineer services to the Maritime in IT Services in the Reserves. Here’s a round-up Scottish Borders was of other commendations: recently decorated by 1. 1. HRH Prince Michael Commodore Chris of Kent, Honorary Steel CBE presented Commodore RNR. 1 Commander Jane HMS Scotia’s Bill Little Allen and chief petty officer received an Operational Kevin Agnew with the clasps to Service Medal after his their Volunteer Reserve Service deployment on RFA Medal. Cardigan Bay with FPGRM last year. During his HMS Dalriada’s AB mobilisation, Bill was able Charles McLean, 2. 3. to reunite with his son – a sales consultant who was serving with the 2 from East Kilbride won the HMS President’s Leading Seaman Chris Adams was army – in Basra for two prestigious Captain’s Prize, for awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious weeks. being the top student, during Service. He is involved in the training and development He was then seconded 3 to RFA Wave Knight and his two weeks initial new entry of tomorrow’s RNR, an appropriate role as he nears the end of his sent to the Gulf of Aden training at HMS Raleigh this career. A regular competitor in the Royal Navy Ski Championships, for three months on anti- month. AB McLean joined HMS LS Adams also plays a major part in the unit’s ceremonial and piracy duties, and was Dalriada in September 2010 social functions. involved with the arrest of eight Somali pirates and conveyed them to Kenya In 2009/10, the Trust supported 97 expeditions to to stand trial. challenging locations in 17 countries such as Canada, Ecuador, Nepal, Greenland, Lesotho, Lapland, New Zealand, Namibia, Norway and most countries within Western Europe, donating a total of £168,000 to VRF and Cadet units; however, only £60,000 has been allocated so far in 2010/11... Therefore, if you are planning an Adventurous Training The Ulysses Trust provides financial exercise this year (even if the expedition takes place in grants to VRF, University Units and 2011), please visit www.ulyssestrust.co.uk where grant Cadet Forces for Adventurous Training application details are covered. exercises throughout the world. Bill Little on RFA Wave Knight It could be worth your while...

12 The Maritime Reservist ROYAL DATE CAMBRIA ENTERED THE DRAGON Personnel from HMS Cambria were so keen Commander Simon Cottam FOR IAN presents Cambria’s crest to to tame the Dragon Dragon’s senior naval officer that they drove all the way up to Scotland for their fiery encounter. The Welsh, of course, have a history full of tales of dragons, but this one is a little different. This Dragon was alongside at BAE Systems shipyard on the Clyde. The party from HMS sea without reservists warship, which benefits Cambria visited the new on board with offers of reservists and regulars as she training likely to prove alike.” nears completion and very popular. prepares to be accepted Commander Simon into the fleet. Dragon is Cottam, Commanding the fourth of six Daring Officer of HMS Cambria, class rated as led the trip and said: ‘This among the most powerful was a hugely enjoyable and advanced air defence visit for those members warships in the world. of the ship’s company This new fleet offers great lucky enough to attend opportunities for Royal this oversubscribed trip. Naval reservists; indeed, She also offers a great Personnel from Cambria the ship will probably opportunity for training try out Dragon’s hi-tech Captain Ian Robinson RNR OBE not have many days at onboard an active new bridge Captain Ian Robinson RNR, a former Commanding Officer of HMS Sherwood has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the NO BOTHER TO A HOVER British Empire (OBE). Accompanied by his family, Captain One job is usually enough for most and speed is so vital, it’s a huge relief Robinson travelled to London to receive people but not for HMS Eaglet’s AB whenever we find somebody and they’re OK,” said Andy. “The hovercraft – named his award from HRH Prince Charles at Andy Liston. Buckingham Palace in mid December Hurley Spirit – is particularly useful for Andy has been a reservist for nine years, mud rescue, traveling over shallow water, 2010. Fortunately the severe early winter lives on the Wirral and has served overseas weather did not hinder or spoil this very river estuaries and anywhere with large on AWFP in a recent mobilisation. A special event. expanses of sandbanks and mudflats, dedicated husband and father, he is also a He has always been at the forefront places were the tide can rush in quickly Process Manager with Airbus. As if that was of developments in the RNR to keep it and there’s no other way of reaching relevant to and useable by the regular RN not enough, he is an on-call crew member people who are stuck or injured.” service. He is currently undertaking duties for sea and mud rescue at New Brighton The 20-man team at New Brighton station in the MOD as part of the Future RNLI station, which is one of only four in cover the whole of the Mersey and up to Reserves 2020 Study team. the UK which operates hovercraft. five miles out to sea and the hovercraft also “Because the area we cover is so huge, covers the River Dee.

Eaglet’s Andy Liston and colleagues on the New Brighton RNLI hovercraft

Spring 2011 13 SEA DAYS WERE KING ALFRED IS A SHORE THING Reservists from HMS Scotia, HMS FLYING THE FLAG Hibernia and HMS Calliope left behind their day jobs to spend two days onboard the Sandown Reservists from Class mine Scotia on board HMS hunter HMS Shoreham Shoreham. They worked alongside Shoreham’s ship’s company to ensure their seamanship skills were up to date, and should the need arise, are ready and able to deploy to sea in support of Royal Navy on front line operations at sea. Over the weekend the Reservists carryout a number of seamanship evolutions under the watchful eye of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Royal Victoria Country Park in Commander Sarah West. She said: “I was Southampton has been presented delighted to take reservists to sea. We with a brand new Royal Navy Ensign have had a very busy ship’s programme to hang in their former Chapel by HMS The White over the past eight months supporting King Alfred’s CO, Commander Kevin Ensign now Op Telic in the Gulf, and I appreciate the flying at large number of reservists serving on the Robertson. Victoria Park front line and the vital contribution that The presentation reaffirms past and they make.” present relationships between the park Military Hospital. and the regional RNR personnel based on Keith said: “The old RN White Ensign Whale Island in nearby Portsmouth. had seen better days. I wanted to see if Donating the Ensign was the idea of Lt my colleagues at HMS King Alfred would Cdr Keith Whitehead, an officer with HMS donate a new one as a small thank you for King Alfred since 1985. Keith has a full time the continuing support Hampshire County SCOTS NOT job as one of Hampshire County Council’s Council gives to people like me, in the chartered building surveyors and was Reserve Forces.” recently involved with the renovation of TIGHT CLAIM the historic Chapel. The building is now Main picture: Left to right: AB Tom Kemp, CPO preserved as the Heritage Visitor Centre, Elaine Grist, Cdr Kevin Robertson, Lt Cdr Keith There is a currently displaying a fascinating glimpse Whitehead, AB Stuart Harland and Francis misconception of life into the past history of the former Harvey, Park Guide. south of the border that Scots are tight when it comes EAGLET LANDS IN PERU to splashing The Maritime Reservist has heard tour included a visit out. to the Yavari (the ship some tall tales among the feats of The term was sailed from the derring-do by reservists around the “able to peel UK eventually to Peru Eaglet crest on an orange in world. But we were drawn to the and then dismantled RMR Scotland board the ship their pocket” is following story all the way from Peru, and pulled across land personnel brave the ignominy of getting their a well known to the lake which is involving HMS Eaglet. legs waxed for charity phrase. As RMR 12,500 feet above sea level). A correspondent – a retired Naval Supply Scotland can “Imagine my surprise,” he tells us, Officer – who dealt with the Liverpool prove, the fact is something different – “when we were taken to the Wardroom unit wrote to us of letters in The Times the unit has donated nearly £25,000 to onboard. There on the bulkhead was a regarding a ship named The Yavari (from different charities over the last TWO years. crest from HMS Eaglet – you could not get the Yavari Project – www.yavari.org – a RMR Scotland has now pledged its much further away from Liverpool and I fascinating story involving shipbuilders in support to the Royal Marines Charitable wondered who would carry a crest that Birmingham, London and West Ham United Trust Fund – with a bit of effort we can far?” FC among others) which is afloat on Lake all contribute to the welfare and care of If anyone has the answer, we would be Titicaca, Peru near Puno. our family of Royal Marines and their happy to hear it. He was on holiday in Peru and part of the dependants.

14 The Maritime Reservist COASTAL FLYERS URNU ANY Two Lieutenants from Flying Fox without my shipmate though. I was proud completed the challenging Coast 2 to cross the finish line with ‘Royal Navy Coast race, an epic 140-mile journey Reserves’ written across my chest.” GOOD AT from North to South Devon by foot, bike and kayak over two days. Henry Watts and Mark Whiting had to SPORTS? cope with tough conditions ranging from fog, wind and rain to hot sunshine, plus a wide variety of terrain and plenty of big hills – ascending 32,000 feet! In total they covered 32 miles on foot, 100 miles by bike, and kayaked for eight miles. They finished a respectable 19th out of 34 teams in 21 hours 17 minutes and 36 seconds. Lt Whiting said: “That was hard but awesome fun. I couldn’t have done it Henry Watts and Mark Whiting at the finish AIR BRANCH’S CHRIS HANGS TOUGH They fly through the air with the greatest of ease... thanks to RNR Air Branch gliding instructor Lieutenant Commander Chris Bryning. Chris has been organising the RN Gliding Association’s development week for 12 years Action from the rugby competition and numbers are, well, soaring. Members from all 14 University Royal He said: “Nineteen students enrolled on the last course, Navy Units took part in a sporting including one reservist and all competition at HMS Raleigh, among enjoyed a great week’s flying. them Glasgow and Strathclyde The motto of the RNR Air Branch University URNU. is ‘Experience in Reserve’ says Each URNU fielded a hockey, rugby, it all, there are few serving BGA netball and bucket ball team. instructors qualified to lead such Glasgow and Strathclyde URNU came in an event and I am delighted to 10th overall and were the winners of the be able to help in addition to my RN Glider Association members with their craft. Inset - A bucket ball competition. The unit’s hockey other reserve commitments.” glider soars above a in Portsmouth Sound team were the winners of the plate trophy in the hockey tournament and runners-up in the netball. Lieutenant Peter Vincent, the URNU CO, said: “This annual event is always PRESIDENTIAL ROWER POWER fantastic for giving our members a chance A rowing team from HMS President to display their prowess in the sporting finished well up the field in the Great challenges, testing their fitness and building a great team spirit.” River Race on the Thames last year. In Spring this year, all 14 URNU P2000 The intrepid reservists rowed the unit’s patrol vessels congregated in Portsmouth cutter, Arthur Tisdall VC, for 21 miles from for a Squadex. London Docklands past HMS President to the finish in semi-rural Surrey. The crew battled a strong headwind but achieved Glasgow and a highly respectable time of 3 hours 5 Strathclyde minutes. URNU’s HMS President’s crew was coxed by netball team Lieutenant Andrew Thomas. The other crew members were Commander Peter Gracey, Lieutenants Tony Scott and Martin Shouler, Leading Seaman Ant Taylor, and Able Seamen Caius Freeman and Christian Rawling. The day was a special one for Freeman, as he mobilised the following day for a six- Oarsome power from the month deploymentHMS President’s to the rowers Arabian power Gulf past with President team FPGRM.one of the bridges in the race

Spring 2011 15 SNOW BOTHER

Pictured: LH Morgan in the groove TO NATALIE...

But the Royal Navy snowboard instructors were fantastic, I would recommend picked up Gold and Bronze medals in anyone to give it a go. The race afternoon Three HMS Cambria snowboarders the beginners snowboard race, whilst LH was terrifying, at one point I didn’t even Natalie Morgan picked up Gold in her braved the cold weather and icy think I would make it to the start, as category for the Grand Slalom ‘C’ class the track to get there was quite tricky, slopes in Tignes, France at this year’s race. especially on a snowboard. The course Royal Navy Alpine Championships to Leading Hand Morgan, who only learned was icy and a lot of people fell during bring back medals. to snowboard on her previous trip, said: “I the race. I was just grateful to get to the AB Sophie Carman and AB Bethan Morris was worried I would be out of my depth. bottom in one piece!” MUSCLES IN BRUSSELS WHEELY WELL DONE ROB

A speedy descent for Rob Smith

HMS Vivid biker Rob Smith was the Royal Navy’s best-placed finisher in this year’s Inter-Service AB Damien Spratt and AB Debbie Willis in good spirits before the race mountain bike championship. Despite snow hindering UK best times – Peter was only seven Petty Officer Smith finished third in the travel last Christmas, seven seconds outside the four-hour championships to round off a long and tiring season, members of HMS President mark. despite only taking part in six of the 10 identified Inter- HMS President’s runners Services rounds. joined 10,500 runners in the The 38-year-old said: “When I planned my races I included LS Ant Taylor, and AB 70th anniversary Brussels didn’t factor in the Inter-Services so to get third place James Croft. Ant had only just Marathon. having only ridden six of the rounds tops off what’s returned from mobilisation in the Despite being unable to resist been a very enjoyable season.” the delights of the strong Belgian Gulf where he had been working In recognition of his achievements he was presented beer the evening before, all with FPGRM. Since the race James with the RN & RM Cycling Association President’s President runners completed the has deployed to the Arabian Gulf Trophy by Commodore Mark Beverstock. PO Smith race. Cdr Peter Gracey and AB where he is working with the MTO deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. In civilian life he Debbie Willis obtained personal branch. works as an administrator for the Defence Maritime Logistics School based at HMS Raleigh.

While the editorial team takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. The Maritime Reservist is a free, bi-annual For more information on the Maritime Reserves, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royal-naval-reserve or publication16 distributed to reservists in the UK. www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/units-and-deployments/royal-marines-reserves The Maritime Reservist All images crown copyright. If you would like to contribute to the next edition of this magazine, please forward your story/images to The Editor at calum. [email protected] or contact 01436 677231.