Sep 10 Issue 28

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

HMS Daring reports for duty

Defence Secretary outlines the scope of MOD reform See inside

X-ray vision Latest Lynx Jackal makes All change Catcatchers on the front line is hot stuff another splash at JSCS of Clyde SEP 2010 Navy Days early last month. last early Days Navy ’s during visitors of thousands hosting in-service while her date achieved and colours, flying with tests various her all passed has 45 Type The Navy. Royal the with M Daring HMS cover image Insider 5 18 FEATURES 26 24 19 22 has formally been declared ready for service service for ready declared been formally has

The next generation Harrier Formula 1to putdrive into savinglives The fullsixyards! Lynx 9AgoeshotandhighinAfghanistan Programme approach to capability supplier. contracts awarded to Cosworth, aleading Formula 1engine be helpingUKtroops onthefront line,thanks to abrace of Technology currently usedinFormula 1cars could soon industry anditssupportchain. in aproject whichisemploying upto 10,000people inthe Laird ontheMersey. Theyard joinsothers inbeinginvolved a bulkheadfrom onepartofthefirst carrier atCammell carriers has now begunconstruction. Work hasstarted on The sixthyard to beinvolved inbuildingtheUK’s two aircraft enemy. praising itswide-ranging capabilities to take thefight to the only monthsafter arrivingonthefront line.Users are already The Lynx 9Aupgraded helicopter hasshown itsversatility UK alliesisalready in the pipeline. enhancement programme to allow even closer working with aircraft hasmoved to asingle standard ofsoftware. Thenext The GR9upgrade isnearingcompletion whichwillmeanthe managing equipmentandpeople onathrough-life basis. based onaprogramme approach, amajorstep forward in along equipmentproject lines.Defence needscapability The MODhasplannedandmanagedmilitary capabilities LA (Phot) Martin Carney Martin (Phot) LA 14 12 10 10 8 6 4 NEWS

Jackal praised again First pan-MODITsystem live intheatre Technology timelineisannounced More carrier contracts signed More Tornados for thefront line Watching like a(Desert)Hawk New techniques helpsubmarinework on An alternative to replacment ofcorroded seatubes front line. produced it,thistimefrom anofficer backfrom the vehicle andtheDE&Sindustry teams that More praise hasbeenheapedontheJackalpatrol systems, isgoingoperational. management capability for network connected Eracent, theMOD’s first pan-defence asset policy. technology and industry new MOD’s the trailed has Technology and Support Equipment, Defence for Minister The HMS Vigilant Vigilant HMS services andpartsfor thenew aircraft carriers. suppliers across theUKwhowillprovide vital Four more contracts have beensignedwithseven month. a hours flying 130 extra an or cent, per 20 by hours flying boost will They Afghanistan. to sent been have aircraft Tornado GR4 RAF Two more delivered to theAfghanistan front line. remote-controlled surveillance aircraft, have been Upgraded DesertHawks,thehand-launched, Vanguard

class submarineshasbeenappliedto during herlatest maintenance period. SUPPORT TO OPERATIONS General Sir Kevin 29 Contract improves efficiency An extended deal for refurbishment of O’Donoghue ammunition containers and munitions packaging will save the MOD money. Chief of Defence Materiel 31 DSDA becomes JSCS The Defence Storage and Distribution Agency ‘On current plans we expect to know has become Joint Support Chain Services, more on the outcomes of the Strategic a single provider structure for delivering services and capabilities. Defence and Security Review around the end of October. ’ PEOPLE NEWS

35 Safe hours mean charity cash In his speech on 13 August the aircraft, saving both time and money Money has gone to charity to mark safe Secretary of State laid out the when compared with either the pure working hours at a new Clyde jetty. fundamental principles under surface or air routes. which the SDSR is being carried Outside Operation Herrick, 36 Out of Africa out and announced the strategy DSCOM has tasked two C-17 aircraft DE&S staff develop adventure training and for reforming the Ministry of in support of the Department for leadership skills while away in Namibia Defence. A Defence Reform Unit International Development-led is being established to lead in the efforts to assist the Pakistani reorganisation of the Ministry of authorities following the recent Defence into three ‘strategic pillars’. flooding, and more than 75 of one of which will be Procurement humanitarian aid, tents and medical desider and Estates. The Secretary of State supplies have been flown to Assistant Head, Public Relations: also explained that he wanted a as at the time of writing. Ralph Dunn - 9352 30257 or 01179 130257 cultural shift which will see a leaner At sea, DE&S personnel from [email protected] and less centralised organisation the Fleet Support Unit (FSU) have combined with devolved processes exercised their conflict role by Deputy Editor: which carry greater accountability embarking in RFA Lyme Bay to Steve Moore - 9355 68719 or 01225 468719 and transparency (see pages 16-17). provide immediate engineering [email protected] While these statements set a advice and support to four RN MCM vision for the future I recognise that vessels thereby ensuring that they Distribution Manager: at this stage they will not provide remain on task in the Gulf. RFA Dick Naughton - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 you with the important detail of Diligence is also on station in the [email protected] what it may mean for you personally. region and her secondary role of On current plans we expect to providing operational maintenance Design support: know more on the outcomes of the and repair to deployed units has Mark Hawke - 9355 68669 or 01225 468669 SDSR around the end of October. also been re-established by DE&S [email protected] The Departmental Reform work is personnel from NP1600. planned to run through much of 2011 On the equipment front, the Advertising: although I would expect that we will is benefiting from new Anthon Linton – Ten Alps Publishing, 1 New Oxford start to see the new business model equipment entering service. The Street, High Holborn, WC1A 1NU Tel: 020 7657 for defence firming up sooner rather attack HMS Astute was 1828 than later during that period. placed on contract in early 1997 and [email protected] In the meantime our primary HMS Daring in focus remains support to current 2000. Since then our project teams Printing: operations, where recent and their partners in industry have developments have included the worked hard to overcome many dispatch of two additional Tornado very difficult challenges. I am very GR4 aircraft deployed from the UK pleased that the lead vessels in both to join the eight Tornados already programmes are now being accepted provided to support the multinational into service by the Royal Navy, with desider is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees force and increase flying hours by a ceremony to mark HMS Astute’s and the equipment capability sponsor. Copies can also around a quarter. acceptance due as desider went to be made available to readers outside the MOD, including Defence Support Chain press. those in the defence industries. While the editorial team Operations and Movements (DSCOM) Finally, 1 August saw the stand- takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, continues to provide sterling support up of Joint Support Chain Services, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. to all three services deployed bringing together the services and Views expressed in desider, and the products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by around the globe. In the last month capabilities previously provided DE&S or the MOD. alone, more than 4,700 personnel by DSDA, British Force Post Office have been moved in and out of (BFPO) and the Disposal Services © Crown Copyright Afghanistan using both military and Authority (DSA) into a single chartered air transport. In addition, business unit. The new organisation This magazine is produced on more than 1,400 tonnes of equipment will continue to deliver the highest Cocoon 50 Silk which contains (including helicopters) have been levels of service and support to 50 per cent recycled and de- flown into theatre by military and our Armed Forces and will enable inked pulp from post consumer chartered freight aircraft, while further streamlining of activities waste and Forest Stewardship Council certified material from another 370 tonnes have taken the within the Future Defence Storage well-managed forests. Please recycle innovative ‘Sail-Fly’ route utilising and Distribution Programme ( see this magazine the Defence Ro-Ros and chartered page 30). 4 news

Navy hands Astute a Watching over the enemy warm welcome – like a Desert Hawk HMS Astute has been welcomed into the Royal Navy. As desider went to press Astute officially became 'Her Majesty's Ship'. First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said: “The Astute class is truly next generation – a highly versatile platform capable of contributing across a broad spectrum of maritime operations Eye in the sky: Desert Hawk around the globe. A is launched in the desert, left, highly complex feat while controlled by a soldier on of naval engineering, the ground, above she is at the very cutting edge of technology, with a suite of sensors and weapons required Troops in Afghanistan are Report: Tim Foreman essential in delivering highly to pack a powerful being watched over by upgraded flexible and responsive punch. eyes in the sky. Intelligence, Surveillance, Target “Today is an important milestone Upgraded Desert Hawks by Lockheed Martin, allow it Acquisition and Reconnaissance along the road to – the hand-launched, remote to operate more effectively in (ISTAR) to soldiers on the front full operational controlled surveillance aircraft – difficult conditions and provide line.” capability which will arrived in Afghanistan towards our soldiers with greater Staff Sergeant Dan Gardner follow after a further the end of last month. situational awareness in a timely from 47 Regiment Royal Artillery series of demanding The Desert Hawk records manner. recently used Desert Hawk on seagoing trials video day and night, sending “These air vehicles are operations in Afghanistan, testing the full range of the submarine’s it directly to troops on the He said: “Desert Hawk capabilities.” ground. The latest version has provides an eye in the sky that Rear Admiral been bought as part of a £3 Hawk eye has become indispensable Simon Lister, DE&S’ million Urgent Operational to troops on the ground in Director Requirement to provide a Afghanistan. added: “To my further boost to the surveillance o The aircraft is just 91 cm “The fact that it is hand- mind Astute is a capability on the front line. long, with a wingspan of 137 cm, launched and lightweight 7,000- Swiss The Desert Hawk’s cameras but it can fly for 90 minutes with a means we get a very quick and watch. There is an range of nine miles. extraordinary amount have been upgraded, giving o Desert Hawk is operated in thorough appraisal of the tactical of expertise that goes a huge improvement to image Afghanistan by 47 Regiment, Royal situations faced on operations. into putting one of clarity and stability. Artillery. “It is used in a variety of these submarines It also has a new wing design o It is light and easily roles, including reconnaissance together. There are which improves its performance transportable by patrols, weighing and surveillance of troops stages when it’s like in the hot and high conditions of about the same as three bags of and patrols and it provides blacksmithing and Afghanistan. sugar (3.7 kg). valuable situational awareness there are stages when o It can be dispatched in it’s like brain surgery. Minister for Defence ten minutes and is virtually to of troops in “So to see Astute Equipment Support and undetectable once it is in the air. contact with the enemy.” commissioned is Technology, Peter Luff, said: momentous not “The improved Desert Hawk only for the Royal is a remarkable piece of kit. Navy, who have been It provides a detailed picture eagerly anticipating ISTAR assets in theatre this quantum leap of what is happening on the forward in capability, ground for our troops, giving but for the thousands them an operational advantage Desert Hawk is one part of the range of ISTAR assets that are operated by of people around the and keeping them safer.” the Royal Navy, RAF and Army to support UK Forces in Afghanistan. The ISTAR aircraft systems supporting troops in Afghanistan include: country who have Duncan Robbins, DE&S’ • Sentinel aircraft and radar system which provides wide area detailed been involved in the programme manager for mini- most challenging of surveillance of ground movements; Unmanned Air Vehicle systems, engineering projects.” • Sea King helicopter Airborne Surveillance and Control radar; HMS Astute said: “Recent technology • Raptor (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado GR4) which can returns to sea for advances have resulted in front read the time on Big Ben from the Isle of Wight; further trials of the line troops getting crystal clear • Reaper, Desert Hawk and Hermes 450 remotely piloted aircraft, which submarine and her imagery from the cameras now provide tactical levels of surveillance direct to troops on the ground; crew before she is being introduced. operational. The RAF’s Combat ISTAR assets like Reaper remotely piloted aircraft “General improvements and Tornado GR4 can provide detailed surveillance for ground forces but in Desert Hawk 3 introduced can also deliver an armed response should it be required. news 5

Portsmouth New and not hosts a great so new: HMS Daring, centre, day out lines up at Navy Days with other Thousands of Royal Navy ships people enjoyed a great day out as Navy Days took place in Portsmouth at the end of July. Commodore Rob Thompson, Naval Base , said: “Navy Days was a huge success. The mainly dry and warm weather played a part but a big draw was seeing the Royal Navy’s ships and personnel at close hand. “The event proved an exciting opportunity to show the general Daring public the wide role of the Royal Navy and what its men and women are up to is fit and across the globe – from taking the fight to the Taliban in Afghanistan to countering pirates in the .” ready for T45 support Navy Days crowds are able to commended duty The innovative share in DE&S’ good news support contract for the Type 45 has earned a DE&S Ships HMS Daring is formally available change for the Royal Navy. Her between the MOD, industry and Operating Centre for Royal Navy tasking. technology and design make the Royal Navy has been critical commendation. The first of the Type 45 her an easy ship to fight with to achieving 's success." The Type 45 achieved its in-service and my ability to control the HMS Daring, along with in-service support team earned their date at the end of July and can airspace around the task force is sister vessel Dauntless, were in award for signing officially begin to play a role in unsurpassed. Portsmouth that weekend as part the first platform operations around the world. “My ship's company and I are of Navy Days, the Royal Navy's level, performance HMS Daring was proud and privileged to serve annual event that gives the public incentivised support commissioned into the fleet in in this truly magnificent ship, the chance to meet the people and contract for a complex July 2009. Since then the ship forging the way for the class. The the ships of the modern Navy. warship. has been undertaking a series potential that I have witnessed to HMS Daring will undergo Other teams commended included: of MOD-managed trials and date promises that this capability further operational training and HMS Westminster acceptance activities to test and is set to become the cornerstone capability development before upkeep joint project confirm the ship's technical of the future Royal Navy.” her first operational deployment team; HMS Montrose capability and ensure that it is Head of the Type 45 next year. DNA(2) team; Cammell ready to join the Royal Navy as a programme, Commodore Steve Laird cluster support front line warship. Brunton, said: “This milestone team; Falmouth-based Afloat Support cluster Paddy McAlpine, is the culmination of a huge team – RFA Argus; Daring's commanding officer, amount of hard work over five Type 26 team; HMS said: “Daring represents a step years of construction, and Grimsby repair team. another two years of trials and development, by 4,000 workers at the Clyde and Portsmouth shipyards, many more at suppliers across the UK, and staff at DE&S and in the Royal Navy. “The strong relationship

The achievement of HMS Daring’s in-service date was celebrated by a Type 45 event for staff at Abbey Wood, left, while members of the team joined in with a cake sporting the ship’s crest, right 6 news

NEWSREEL Navy handed new distress beacons UORs are a success story More than 100 submarine has been developed by position. Intermediate distress beacons have Thales UK for submarines and short-range There have been 1,150 been accepted into service to provide distress alerting location is aided by the Urgent Operational with the Royal Navy after and position information SEEPIRB’s onboard Requirements between successful trials. via radio transmissions on locator beacon. 2002-3 and June this The SEEPIRB bouys a satellite-aided tracking L a u n c h i n g year, according to ( s u b m a r i n e - e j e c t e d frequency. can take place Parliamentary figures. emergency positioning Once search-and- at maximum Around 550 were for indicating radio beacons, rescue forces are alerted operational depth operations in and pictured right) will be used via the satellite-aided and submerged 600 for operations in by all classes of submarines, tracking network, they can speeds of up to 15 Afghanistan. Some including Astute. SEEPIRB converge on the confirmed knots. UORs have been subject to re-approvals as requirements have evolved and some have been provided in both theatres, so a single Bastion receives more capability may be counted more than once in these numbers. The average cost of a UOR in life-saving medical kit 2009-10 was £8 million.

Bills on time Report: Hannah Swingler

The MOD and its New life-saving ventilators have been trading funds pay delivered to medics treating injured troops in 98.67 per cent of Kandahar bound invoices within ten Afghanistan. days of receipt, latest The Vela Comprehensive Ventilators will be figures from Defence used in the intensive care units at the Armed Equipment, Support and Forces’ hospital at Camp Bastion. Technology Minister Bought under a £500,000, seven-year-contract Peter Luff show. Since with US company Carefusion, 24 ventilators will May the MOD began treat severely injured troops before they are measuring performance against a target of transported back to the UK for further treatment. payment within five A further five ventilators will be retained in working days, with the UK for essential training. 95.47 per cent of bills Chris Lund of DE&S’ Medical and General paid within that time Supplies team, said: “These new models are a during June. Agreed welcome addition to the equipment our field terms of business doctors and nurses use in theatre and the require the MOD to pay invoices in 30 calendar feedback we are already receiving is that this is a days, and the MOD’s great piece of kit. performance for June, “The delivery of this equipment demonstrates excluding trading funds, our commitment to provide the best possible was 99.4 per cent. kit and levels of care to our troops out in Afghanistan.” NATS success The Velas will replace the in-service ventilator, the T-Bird, which has been declared Air Commodore clinically obsolete for Afghanistan. ‘Ginge’ Crayford, Clare Dutton, Defence Specialist Nurse Assistant Chief of Advisor, added: “The care of severely injured Staff Battlespace Management at Air service personnel and civilians on operations Command, was at poses a considerable clinical challenge that is National Air Traffic met by highly trained medical and nursing staff Services’ Swanwick across the chain of care. centre in Hampshire “Delivery of this timely and increasingly to mark completion, sophisticated care is predicated on meeting the three years ahead of highest achievable standards of clinical care schedule, of Project despite the austerity of the circumstances.” Eastern Sunrise. A Tornado GR4 takes off from RAF Lossiemouth, It is part of the NATS above, on the first leg of its journey to The enabling contract provides full support and MOD strategy for Afghanistan. The UK has sent two more RAF including consumables, spares and preventative military controllers to Tornado jets to Kandahar Airfield. maintenance packs, in addition to training of operate on the same The deployment follows a request by the users and maintainers. technical platform Commander of the International Security Nick Hill, UK and Ireland commercial and ops room as NATS Assistance Force (ISAF), General David Petraeus, colleagues. The project manager for CareFusion based in Basingstoke, for an increase in air support to provide greater said: “The MOD purchase of 29 CareFusion Vela completes transfer protection to ground forces. of London operations The aircraft will join the eight RAF adult ventilators is once again another positive from West Drayton to Tornado GR4s already provided to support the outcome for us both in the UK and as a global Swanwick, and Scottish multinational pool and will boost flying hours company. control to the new NATS by 25 per cent, or an extra 130 flying hours per “We look forward to supporting this Prestwick Centre. month. installation and working with the MOD on future projects as they arise.”

8 news

NEWSREEL BAES in Carrier 1 Uni link up BAE Systems has takes on launched a long- term partnership with the University of , worth diesel at least £1.25 million over the next five years. The tie-up is the second of four to be announced in the power maritime engineering sector and is part of the The first set of diesel generators have company’s Skills2020 been installed on the first of the carriers. strategy to invest in the The generators were lifted into position skills needed to remain on their seats in the forward machinery competitive room of Queen Elizabeth Lower Block 2 . (machinery spaces, stores, switchboards, and some of the ship’s accommodation, ASTOR team weighing around 6,000 tonnes), which name change is currently under construction at BAE Systems’ facility in Portsmouth. DE&S’ ASTOR (Airborne Each ship will have two Rolls-Royce Stand-off Radar) team MT30 gas turbines and four diesel at Abbey Wood and generator sets giving a total power of 109 RAF Waddington is megawatts, enough to power a large town. The generators were supplied by Converteam on behalf of the Power and Propulsion Sub Alliance. Power will be generated to distribute electricity at various voltages throughout the vessel, including crew members’ now the Sentinel team, reflecting the Sentinel laptops. It will also govern the electric aircraft (above) which propulsion system, shaft lines and the team supports. propellers that drive the vessel through E-mail addresses the water, along with steering and will continue to use stabilisers. ASTOR prefixes until The automation necessary to control reorganisation next month. and all of the above, known as the Integrated Platform Management System The first of the diesels is lowered into place in Portsmouth is also included. Lunch date Abbey Wood staff . . . while latest contracts are signed are invited to the next Defence Academy – College of Management n A contract for the Another £33 million worth of supply chain. We have currently storage facility has been and Technology contracts has been awarded for the placed around £1.25billion worth lunchtime seminar on awarded to Wincanton and nation’s new aircraft carriers. of contracts with companies right 20 September in the is worth £18 million CFB lecture theatre. Four contracts have been across the UK, which means that the n A £15 million Ian Lawson of The announced by the majority of contracts to supply parts contract for the installation Work Foundation will Alliance to seven suppliers from for these impressive ships have now of cables and containment speak from 1-2pm on across the UK who will provide vital been agreed.” on the modules being Enabling Outstanding constructed at Govan services and parts for the ships. DE&S Head of Capital Ships, Tony before final integration Leadership. To book This includes the massive Graham, added: “Since embarking on email admin.cmt@ at has been storage facility near Glasgow, where our epic voyage to build the carriers, defenceacademy.mod. awarded to Balfour Beatty uk components and equipment for both we have managed to overcome every Engineering Services. ships will be securely stored before ‘test’ that has faced us. n A contract worth being fitted onto the carriers, “We have placed equipment more than £44,000 This brings the total to around contracts to supply large items such has been awarded to Bay refit Glasgow based company £1.2billion of £1.5billion worth as propellers through to smaller Edmundson Electrical for RFA Mounts Bay of sub-contracts awarded on the items such as hose connectors. component parts called was due out of A&P programme, which is supporting “Some of these items need to be glands, which are used to Falmouth this month thousands of jobs across almost safely stored until the ships are ready pack and make airtight the as the first ship of her every region of the UK. for their installation. cables that run throughout class to undergo a Alliance programme director “With six shipyards demanding the ships. refit. The MOD has a n Jetway Associates of Geoff Searle said; “The Aircraft equipment and supplies on a 30-year contract with Wiltshire has been awarded ship repairers A&P to Carrier Alliance has been making continuous basis the central store is a contract for £137,000 for provide upkeep support excellent progress over the last 12 going to be kept very busy.” the supply of hose baskets, to the Royal Fleet months, both in the build of the n Sixth yard starts building: which form part of the fire Auxiliary worth more Queen Elizabeth and across the pages 26 and 27 fighting equipment on the than £300 million. ships. Connecting & Protecting

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Advertisement First pan-MOD system goes live in theatre Eracent, the MOD’s first pan- and security related data such as It also provides information defence IT asset management antivirus status, implementation for the security organisations capability for network connected of operating system and within the three services and systems, is going operational in application patches. the computer network defence Afghanistan. Eracent is managed community to monitor critical And it will soon be installed by Information Systems aspects of management of on the UK element of the and Services’ EtB team. In systems. Afghan Mission Network (AMN), Afghanistan, Eracent is currently Eracent user accounts are Fit for allowing better management deployed on J1/J4 IOS, DII available for those who have a of information systems with Deployed and is scheduled to go need. Specifically tailored user purpose? benefits for defence. live on Overtask in November. training or bespoke reports can The use of an asset Use of the Eracent tool has be provided to meet individual Here, Millbrook’s management tool is critical meant resources needed to requirements. EtB’s exploitation Julian Bryan looks to acceptance onto the AMN analyse systems and identify team will provide briefings. under Project Overtask. Eracent particular software or hardware Further information on at one of the key will provide configuration configurations has been vastly Eracent – e-mail DES ISS ISP- components of a management, as well as software reduced. EtB-servicedesk(multiuser). successful supply chain: “A number of elements go into delivering the right equipment, but one that is Minister outlines MOD’s often overlooked is the importance of collaboration across technology timeline the supply chain, both between the end- user and industry - and also within industry itself.

“It is only through ongoing communication between the different View from the front line: Peter Luff and tiers of the industry International Security supply chain that and Strategy Minister the end-user will Gerald Howarth are receive the standard pictured in a Warrior and quality of vehicle on a recent equipment needed visit to UK Forces in Afghanistan at the frontline, in a timely manner. That way, ‘best in class’ technology, often the result of SMEs working together, will further improve the breed. Indeed, the need for collaboration and ever-greater efficiency is perhaps The Minister for Defence In a speech to the defence that science, innovation and truer now more Equipment, Support and industry at the RAF Club, technology would play an than ever, given the Technology has announced Peter Luff said: “Listening to important part in the new probable nature of the timeline for the publication industry is very much a central policy. military financial of the MOD’s Industry and part of the process; it is already “We must keep looking to the budgets in the near Technology Policy. informing the SDSR. I know this future by shaping the industrial future.” A Green Paper will be is a challenging time and I am and technological means to face published by the end of this anxious to involve them closely. it,” he said. year, following the conclusion “I am determined that our “The 21st century of the Strategic Defence and new policy will give the clarity battlespace is one of new, Security Review (SDSR) this that industry needs about how emerging threats – and these autumn . we intend to work with them. provide industry with an Following further “The process and the opportunity. We have already consultations with industry, resulting White Paper will seen the operational impact of academia, Parliament and provide more detail on two of my combining science, innovation others, a White Paper will be highest priorities – supporting and technology. This approach produced next spring to set out exports and helping small and will be integral to creating the the approach to industry and medium-sized enterprises.” battle-winning capability of our technology until the next SDSR. Mr Luff also confirmed modern Armed Forces.” MultiProduitsUK_210x297_DH_uk 24/06/10 14:09 Page 1

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Value through Partnership Plans to eliminate “wasteful spending” and reduce the budget deficit present us with Making a spash: Jackal continues challenging times ahead. to impress However, suppliers who fully integrate themselves with their customers and understand their business requirements and drivers Jackal earns more praise can deliver impressive results. Customers can focus from the front line on their core functions without having to concern Troops on the front line in its initial supportability, the confidence and reliability themselves with day-to- have again praised the Jackal but as an Urgent Operational that the Field Army has in the day estate management vehicle as it performs its tasks in Requirement this was to vehicle.” and support services; Afghanistan. expected and in fact was Lt Col Butt recalls numerous suppliers have a more More than 500 of the occasions when lives have been strategic insight into protected patrol vehicles have saved during roadside bomb customer requirements, been produced for UK use. incidents. estate usage and demand Procurement and support is ‘A quantum “Of particular note was for services, facilitating handled by DE&S’ Protected during its initial deployment in strategic and tactical Mobility team. leap forward in 2008 with the Pathfinders when decisions and improving Lt Col Simon Butt served in a vehicle hit a mine and, although Afghanistan recently with his the commander sustained minor long-term planning and the capability parent regiment the Mercians. wounds, the rest of the crew control. “Jackal was a quantum it affords survived unscathed. leap forward in the capability “I remember debriefing the Interserve is at the it afforded commanders and commanders’ commander on his return and, forefront of this troops on the ground,” he said. to quote, ‘If it had been in any approach. We provide a “Its mobility, protection and other vehicle, then I would not comprehensive range of firepower enabled flexibility and minimal in comparison to be standing here alive today estate, equipment and durability that had hitherto been other programmes that were and most likely others would not support services that not lacking in previous vehicles. delivering during 2008/09. have been either!’ only deliver to customers’ “It was not without its “The fact that more than He added: “Of course with expectations but support teething problems, especially 500 have been delivered shows its success came the inevitable their strategic goals - requirement to improve on the early versions. reducing risk, maximising Sea Kings test out powerful weapon “Again the DE&S team with quality of service for end its strong links with the various Crews in the Commando Helicopter Force have an improved door users and delivering best industries involved were able to possible value in these gun ahead of 16 Air Assault Brigade’s deployment to Afghanistan next month. continue producing the Mark 1 challenging times. 846 Naval Air began training aircrew on the FN Herstal and were then able to produce M3M .50-inch-calibre door-mounted weapon system while supporting Jackal 2 and Coyote, which 16 Air Assault Brigade during final training on Salisbury Plain. Sea King benefited from lessons that had HC4 helicopters have operated on Operation Herrick since 2007. been identified in both training The aircraft can now be armed with either the 7.62mm general and operations. purpose or the M3M, the latter only having recently been fully cleared for operational duties. “This is no mean feat at all in www.interserve.com n Lynx Mk9a shines in Afghanistan – pages 24 and 25. the circumstances.” Only the most loyal supporters travel with you wherever you need to go.

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Desider Magazine 210x297.indd 1 11/8/10 12:27:32 14 news

Saving money on IT support New techniques used to

The UK’s hydrographers will be saving money on their IT support, thanks refurbish sub’s sea tubes to DE&S’ Information Systems and Services. An alternative to From last month the replacement of corroded UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) started using sea tubes on Vanguard class the MOD’s SSM (single submarines has been applied on source maintenance) HMS Vigilant, using composite contract which delivers repair technology. IT support across the The new method, cheaper MOD. and much quicker, has been With 200,000 assets identified during the current worldwide on contract the MOD has created three-year Long Overhaul Period an in-house IT support and Refuel on HMS Vigilant by structure with efficiency Babcock at Devonport. savings of around £3 The submarines’ 11 sea tubes, million a year. measuring up to a metre long The contract with a 200mm outside diameter, includes: allow water to pass from the sea • Hardware and software support through ballast tanks into the pressure hull via a hull valve. (especially for IT out of Sea tubes will be refurbished rather than replaced on HMS Vigilant scope of DII/F Systems) They are prone to corrosion • Equipment rollouts and normally replaced during replacement as the way forward, corrosion. Externally, Babcock’s and installations refit. cutting work on the tubes from carbon fibre and epoxy resin • IT system But manufacture of new eight months to two. composite technology is applied management tubes is time-consuming and Tubes will now be lifted in a layering process and the sea • Management of manufacturer warranties complex and can involve lifting out of the submarine, cleaned tubes are then re-installed. More details from tubes in and out by at least and weld-repaired to ensure This is the first application of Mark Taylor on 9355 four times to make sure they fit. they are watertight. They are composites to restore submarine 68927 (01225 468927) or The new approach sees then glass coated on the inside sea tubes, although the method is [email protected] BMT_Desider AdHPHv3.pdfrefurbishment 6/7/10 11:47:44 rather than to protect against long term proven in other applications.

Our marine expertise is well known But did you know we provide land acquisition support too?

A wide range of government and industry customers engaged in the development of technically complex, highly integrated systems rely on the systems engineering skills resident in BMT Defence Services.

To find out more, call Stuart Olden, Land Business Development Manager on Tel: +44 (0)1225 473 595 or email: [email protected]

© BMT Defence Services 2010 Credit: istockphoto.com “Where will our knowledge take you?” You asked, we delivered...

The upgraded Lynx Mk9A has now been on operations in Afghanistan since May 2010 prompting a UK MoD press release on 21st July 2010 to say: “This is a massively capable aircraft. The manufacturers have done a fantastic job. Its capability means that we can take the  ght to the enemy if required.” (Lynx Mk9A Pilot, Afghanistan) ...the capability they need.

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M-10-0147-01_A4.indd 1 30/07/2010 13:07:47 16 news

Reform group takes shape The MOD review - which will begin now A radical agenda for MOD change and take the conclusions of the Strategic Defence and Security Review into account - will be overseen by Lord Peter Levene, a former Chief of Defence Procurement. Reform under the spotlight as Lord Levene will chair a group of experts from the public and private sector that will set out recommendations on how to achieve new group gets down to work the Defence Secretary’s vision. Lord Levene said: “The MOD is facing significant challenges and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important review, which is a real opportunity to reshape the organisation and put it on a healthy footing for the future.” The Steering Group will include the 2nd Permanent Under Secretary Ursula Brennan and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton – further members will be announced in due course.

n Lord Peter Levene of Portsoken was appointed Chairman of Lloyd’s in 2002. He has enjoyed a long and varied career in business, Government and banking. His defence experience includes advising Defence Secretary Michael Heseltine before serving for six years as Chief of Defence Procurement. He will chair monthly meetings of the Defence Reform steering group, with the first scheduled for this month. n Baroness Sheila Noakes was Shadow Minister in the Lords for the Treasury and Work and Pensions from 2003 until May 2010. Prior to that, she was a partner at KPMG. n George Iacobescu has been at the Lowdown on the eye in the sky Canary Wharf Group since 1988, initially as a senior vice president overseeing the Dr Liam Fox has met the people behind the eyes in the sky which spy on the procurement and construction of the first enemy in Afghanistan. phase of Canary Wharf. He met crews and support personnel behind the RAF’s Combat n Raymond McKeeve has been a partner Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) in law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner’s private equity and venture capital practice, aircraft at RAF Waddington last month. advising clients on corporate issues. The aircraft and crews provide ground forces in Afghanistan with n Bjorn Conway is a partner at Ernst unrivalled surveillance of insurgent activity and the location of potential & Young, where he leads the aerospace, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). defence, security and resilience business. The Defence Secretary saw the RAF Regiment’s counter-IED procedures n Dr David Allen, a former managing that are based on the intelligence gained from the ISTAR assets and analysts. director at BP, joined the Defence Board last Dr Fox is pictured, above, inside an E-3D Sentry aircraft being shown January. He retired from BP in 2008, having filled a variety of roles in his 30 years there. capabilities by Flt Lt Jamie Bingham.

‘It is crucial for the future of defence that the MOD is as efficient, effective and fiscally responsible as possible. This review will give us a blueprint for a department that is leaner, more effective and better able to deliver what our Armed Forces need’ – Liam Fox, August 2010 news 17

he Ministry of Defence is to be and contain those who threaten the UK “And fifth, the risk in the real world reformed in a process which will and its interests, and where necessary that this capability currently protects us Tchange the way it is run. to intervene on multiple fronts. It will from or is likely to protect us from in the Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox also, crucially, keep our options open foreseeable future.” announced the review along with how for a future in which we can expect our A Defence Reform Unit will be the Armed Forces can be reformed ‘to highest priorities to change over time.” established to carry out the required produce more efficient provision of Investment was needed in changes in the MOD. Two broad defence capability, and generation and programmes to put UK defence on a principles would be followed. A sustainment of operations’. sound footing for the years ahead and structural reform will see the MOD In a speech to the Royal Institute divest ourselves of the capabilities which reorganised into the three pillars of of Chartered Surveyors Dr Fox said we are unlikely to need in a world where Policy and Strategy, the Armed Forces, the country faces a legacy of debt - the the moral climate demands precision and Procurement and Estates. The interest on which for the next year alone weaponry and where the battlespace second is a cultural shift which will see a will exceed the budget of the Ministry of increasingly embraces the unmanned leaner and less centralised organisation Defence. and cyber domains. combined with devolved processors with There had been no Defence Review “We are contrasting cost-savings and greater accountability and transparency. for 12 years, despite UK Forces being the capability implications with the risks Dr Fox stressed that a logical committed to conflicts in the Balkans, that we face in the real global security management structure would be “foreign policy leading to a defence strategy, then portfolio management which identified capability gaps, followed by specific programme identification and finally physical procurement.” A radical agenda for MOD change The new three pillar structure is designed to make this easier and to stop the constant over-specification and then , Iraq and Afghanistan and environment. This requires assessing re-specification of programmes which with enormous changes in the global any proposed change in a current has led to cost overruns and programme security picture. programme or platform against a series delays. Dr Fox said the Strategic Defence of criteria. Dr Fox described the new reform and Security Review (SDSR) will not “First, the cost-saving in years zero to unit as ‘a heavy-hitting steering group of simply be a random selection of cuts but five, five to ten, and beyond ten. internal and external experts (who) will an objective process by which the shape “Second, the capability implications – guide the hard thinking and challenge of the Forces required will be reached what capability will be lost as a result of preconceptions’. by the end of the decade. He said: “The this decision and what other assets do we In turn, it will be supported by a civil National Security Council has agreed possess that might give us the same or a service implementation team with a remit that the overarching strategic posture similar capability? to complete their blueprint for reform by should be to address the most immediate “Third, the operational implications – September 2011. threats to our national security while what operations that we currently carry Dr Fox also announced that there will maintaining the ability to identify and out, or are likely to carry out, will we be be a review of how the Forces undertake deal with emerging ones before they unable to undertake as a result of this the tasks of force generation and become bigger threats to the UK. change? sustainability. “This flexible, adaptable posture “Fourth, the ability to regenerate He said: “We need to challenge some will maintain the ability to safeguard the capability, at what cost and in what of the fundamental assumptions which international peace and security, to deter timeframe. drive force generation, such as tour lengths and intervals, taking into account the varying pressures on our personnel resulting from widely varying missions to see if we can update our practices and produce greater efficiency while implementing the military covenant.” Work on this should be completed by next spring. The Defence Reform Unit will work with the Chief of the Defence Staff and the service chiefs to find ways of giving greater devolution for the running of the services themselves. Dr Fox said the MOD must get away from the over-centralising tendency that has become itse hallmark in recent years and added they would also consider whether the current senior rank structure across the services is appropriate for the post-SDSR world: “We cannot demand efficiency from the lower ranks while exempting those at the top,” Dr Fox said. He concluded by saying that SDSR and other changes represent a radical agenda for change and show how the Government is committed to governing not in its own interest, but in the national Dr Fox speaks to British troops during a visit to Lashkar Gar in Afghanistan on 11 August. interest. 18 defence enterprise

echnology currently used in Formula 1 cars could soon be helping UK troops Ton the front line. Cosworth, who supply Formula 1 engines and electronics, has been awarded two contracts worth more than £170,000 to explore how technologies used to protect racing drivers could protect front line troops. The contracts were announced as a Williams F1 car met one of the fastest protected vehicles used by troops in Aghanistan, the Jackal, at a Motorsport Industry Association event at the House of Lords in July. The contracts are for:

• A Military Vehicle Accident Data Recorder that could capture information about the severity of incidents, such as improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts, and display it in a simple, easy-to-read format. The data could be used to better understand the incident, aiding in the development both of equipment and tactics, techniques and procedures used to counter IEDs. • A Blast Event and Vehicle Integrity System intended to allow a rapid assessment of the condition of a vehicle following an incident. The information could be used by engineers to assess a vehicle’s condition, and potentially spot ‘hidden’ damage such as twisting of the chassis more easily. It could also be used by commanders in the field to inform decisions on the best course of action following a blast – whether to continue or to return to base for repairs, for instance. It combines Cosworth’s motor sport sensor and data acquisition technology with blast simulation modelling from GRM Consulting.

Cosworth is based in Northampton and the two research contracts will last for six months to assess how these two innovations Above: Racing driver Andrew could be applied to the military. Jarman in a These contracts are just two examples of Jackal, which how working with the motorsport industry Formula 1 all set has brakes has provided enhancements to military made by equipment. motorsport DE&S’ Protected Mobility team supplier Alcon, has taken a leading role in supporting to put the drive with Trooper engagement activies while the Centre for Oliver Parsons Defence Enterprise has funded submissions on a Williams F1 car from motorsport companies. Picture: MIA Other examples of working with the into saving lives industry include: • The NAR Group drew on their Defence Minister Chief Executive of experience of supplying equipment for the Lord Astor of Hever Cosworth Group, Paris- Rally to design a new dust-proof said: “Marrying Tim Routsis, said: cooling system now used on the Panther, motorsport “We are delighted Mastiff and Ridgback armoured vehicles, technology and to be using our military need is electronics increasing the number of vehicles available an exciting and expertise to for operations; innovative way improve the safety • Lola Composites, who specialise in forward. In the of our troops in the manufacture of racing car bodies, are Centre for Defence Afghanistan. It contributing their expertise in helping to Enterprise the MOD is encouraging build the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air has a very good to see how the System (RPAS); and; mechanism for Centre for Defence embracing cutting- Enterprise, is • Williams F1 Hybrid Power has edge research recognising the adapted its technology to develop a that could benefit potential of the electromechanical flywheel to increase the our troops in the technology in power efficiency of diesel generators that future.” businesses like power Forward Operating Bases. Cosworth.” capability 19 Building capability – the programme approach

‘The MOD has historically planned and managed military capabilities by focusing primarily on equipment projects. But what defence needs is military capability that brings together all Defence Lines of Development, not just equipment, so the front line has capability that is adaptable for fast changing operational circumstances – today and in the future. The programme approach to capability delivery is a major step in the MOD’s drive to manage on a through-life capability basis’

Vice-Admiral Learning to operate on a Paul Lambert, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff programme basis: – Capability pages 20 and 21 20 capability Capability programmes – the way forward

aking a programme approach is moving how DE&S manages the delivery of capability away from just focussing on the equipment element of capability to Tone that integrates all lines of development – training, equipment, personnel, infrastructure, doctrine, organisation, information and logistics. Programme boards were set up just over a year ago, bringing together related equipment projects and associated lines of development so that requirements defined in the planning process are met by taking delivery decisions on a capability basis that take account of through life implications. Chaired by heads of capability in their role of senior responsible officer (SRO), programme boards bring together the front line user, owners of the lines of ‘Deciding and managing the development and advisors from science and technology, commercial and finance delivery of capability solutions functions. on a pan-DLOD basis is crucial DE&S has a number of roles on programme boards. As equipment Defence Lines of if we are to manage the inter- Development owner, the DE&S member is responsible for assuring the delivery of the equipment element of the capability and provides advice on industrial aspects of the dependencies, risks and programme. opportunities across related DE&S also provides the programme support function which works to the SRO projects as well as truly exploit and other board members, co-ordinating the programme plan and drawing together technology for the benefit of the programme-level information against the priorities set by the programme board. front line. ‘This is now even more vital given that defence, like other parts of the public sector, will need to make the tough choices When capability programmes were set up last year Learning to the precise detail of how they would operate wasn’t on how best to use resources’ known. operate People from the Capability Sponsor, the Front Andrew Tyler, Line Commands, the lines of development and the key enabling functions had to work together in a very DE&S’ Chief Operating Officer on a different way. A deliberate decision was made to get started programme anyway and learn from what works best, and then capture that good practice within a Practitioner’s Guide basis so it could be trialled further before becoming the way we do capability delivery. The programme The Capability Delivery approach focusses Practitioners’ Guide is the result on all lines of of the last year’s learning from development experience. The guide is structured including logistics. around the pillars of good An RAF C-17 delivers programme management and supplies on their way includes what people operating the to the front line programme approach have found to work in the defence environment.

So what of the future? How the programme evolves

The programme approach will continue to evolve and mature over the coming months, particularly as programme boards contribute to the planning round and the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Major-General Alan Macklin, Director Major-General Programmes and Technology Group, Alan Macklin, said: “The MOD’s programme approach Director takes the pan-Government guidance on Programmes portfolios, programmes and projects and Technology and blends it with practical experience Group at DE&S to lead the way across government in

More information on Capability Delivery and the programme approach from Jo Osburn (DES PTG-CAP DEL IMPL-AM1) or Cindy Levy (DES PTG-CAP DEL IMPL-PLO) or through the Acquisition Operating Framework (Through Life Capability Management / TLCM: Capability Delivery) capability 21 Capability programmes – the way forward

What they say about the Practitioners’ Guide

Although this kind of change to ways of working will take time to embed, there are increasing examples of how the Practitioners’ Guide is already bringing improvements to how we work together across organisational boundaries in delivering capability to the front line.

Lt Col Tony Moore, HQ Land Forces

“The Capability Delivery Practitioners’ Guide has proved a useful handrail for non-equipment DLOD owners. Our understanding has improved and links with the Programme Support Offices continue to develop and strengthen. “There has been some progress in HQLF in developing a programme level DLOD plan, as well as an improvement in the quality and depth of information being used to support programme level decision making. “We are confident as a Front Line Command that this increasing maturity of the programme approach will help to generate better and more coherent operational capability. “It has been particularly useful to understand that the other Front Line Commands have very similar challenges and we have all benefited from each other, helping to increase the pace and quality of progress.”

Air Commodore David Stubbs, Head CBRN Capability

“Programme board members are increasingly joining up business and taking firmer ownership of the whole capability management piece throughout the life of a particular capability. “Board members are quick to Personnel are a vital part of the programme approach, being one important Defence Line of highlight good practice from other areas Development. HMS arrives home from deployment that we can adopt or adapt to our own business. The Practitioners’ Guide is the first real authoritative document that sets out the concept, processes and procedures. “This ready reference guides us all for much of our daily work and is bringing coherence and process convergence to my So what of the future? How the programme evolves own programme boards across the MOD unified customer.”

how we deliver outcomes. Under the into an easy to read, ready reference, Mark Batters, governance of 2nd Permanent Under- authoritative guidance that should Dep Head Maritime Platforms PSF secretary’s MOD PPM Council, we have become the well thumbed handbook a joined-up performance improvement on the desk of those in the capability “The Maritime Platforms Programme programme, co-ordinated by the MOD’s delivery business. piloted the development of a process PPM Centre of Excellence, that includes “Having encouraged and learned from which focuses on relevant programme all TLBs with the programme approach experimentation and diversity, we now risk rather than those which should be as the unifying feature that ensures the all need to align behind the approach handled elsewhere, such as at project various strands deliver the final outcome described in this guide and operate on a level. represented by military capability with consistent and repeatable basis if we are “Being able to share good practice the front line user. to realise a step change improvement in with each other has enabled PSFs to “The Practitioners’ Guide synthesises our performance at a time of declining accelerate our development against the knowledge assembled thus far resources – both manpower and money.” the standard and consistency set by the Practitioners’ Guide. “This ought to make a big contribution More information on Capability Delivery and the programme approach from Jo Osburn (DES PTG-CAP DEL IMPL-AM1) or Cindy Levy (DES PTG-CAP DEL to how TLCM works and achieves the IMPL-PLO) or through the Acquisition Operating Framework (Through Life Capability Management / TLCM: Capability Delivery) benefits for the front line and MOD as a whole.” 22 harrier Harrier – battleworthy for the next generation

he Harrier has proved its worth in The GR9 combat situations from the Falklands Tto Afghanistan and is now undergoing extensive upgrades to keep it battleworthy into upgrade the next decade. The final Harrier GR7 airframe entered the upgrade programme last March and the force programme moved to an all GR9/GR9A in-service fleet (the ‘A’ denotes the aircraft is fitted with the has nearly more powerful Pegasus Mk107 engine). The penultimate phase of the GR9 programme is now nearing completion, with delivery of the completed upgrades to Capability E(A) standard right across the Harrier fleet. allowing Upgrade includes revised software to allow training missions to be flown without the need to carry a captive training round, the Harrier since the aircraft’s own software is now able to emulate the weapon system; full control over the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod fleet to using the aircraft software and Hampa mission planning suite; and embodiment move to a of Saturn secure communications into the aircraft. Alongside the Capability E(A) release, single the Sniper targeting pod was also cleared for operations aboard carriers HMS Illustrious standard of and HMS Ark Royal. The upgrade has been well received by the RAF Cottesmore front line and has allowed the Harrier fleet to Harriers take off from software. move to a single standard of software. Kandahar DE&S’ Harrier team is now working on future enhancements to improve the capability The next of the aircraft, with delivery of Capability E(B) next September as the final phase of phase is all the GR9 upgrade programme. Capability E(B) will provide network enabled capability through twin secure set to begin communications with Link 16 and fly with both these components and also Variable Message Format (VMF) data- integrates the Air Force Application link, that allow closer working with UK Program Development (AFAPD) message allies. Harrier is the first UK fast jet to formats. The E(B) programme also addresses obsolescence in the aircraft video recording and data entry systems. The programme is currently undergoing trials at BAE Systems Warton, where the Harrier GR9 made its first test flight with the Tactical Information Exchange Capability (TIEC). TIEC has been integrated onto Harrier under a contract awarded to BAE Systems in 2007. TIEC will enable Harrier GR9 pilots to join the digital battlefield, meaning they will be able to communicate in near real- time with other friendly forces, getting intelligence on the position of all friendly and hostile forces and passing on their own information to other participating units. The TIEC programme will provide the UK Joint Force Commander with an enhanced capability for Harrier GR9s and Tornado GR4s. Work is also underway to integrate Spear, a development of the dual-mode and part of the next generation of air-launched smart harrier 23 Harrier – battleworthy for the next generation

Tried . . . and severely tested Ordered to Afghanistan as the only combat jet able to operate from austere landing sites, Harrier completed an uninterrupted five-year deployment in theatre, during the longest period of high-tempo sustained operations since World War Two. During this time, the Harrier proved itself extremely reliable and effective, with Joint Force Harrier accomplishing 8,557 operational sorties, 22,772 flying hours and a technical serviceability rate of more than 99 per cent. Its current support arrangements are proving cost effective and flexible in the face of changes to the fleet. With these upgrades, the Harrier will retain its place as a significant, flexible and unique contribution to national power projection, being the only UK fast jet able to operate from a carrier or from a short or no runway.

weapons onto the Harrier for 2012. Capability E ensures the Harrier’s relevance to its planned end of service Harrier – set and guarantees its ability to take part in to show off national or coalition operations. its versatility Angus Currie, BAE Systems’ Business into the next Director Harrier, said: “This is a big step generation forward in capability for Harrier and is critical for RAF operations. “In an emerging era of network enabled capability, it is essential for the UK’s front line combat aircraft to exploit the information provided by new, resilient, high capability information infrastructures of which Tactical Data Link networks, accessed through TIEC, form a key part.” Development flying of TIEC on Harrier will continue this year leading to design authority clearance in mid-2011 and delivery of an operational capability later next year. Captain Paul Hammond, leader of DE&S’ Harrier team, added: “This capability upgrade maintains the relevance of Harrier to beyond its current out-of-service-date and ensures our capacity to participate in small-scale focused intervention operations.” 24 lynx Faster, higher, stronger

It may be the Olympic motto but it applies just as much to the abilities of the new ersatile is a word often used for UK Squadron of the Army Air Corps. Lynx 9A air assets, given the range of tasks Deputy Squadron Commander Captain Vthey are performing on the front Pete Marfleet said: “It’s fantastic to have the line. new Lynx Mk9A with its upgraded engines performing Months after going operational in as it means we can be here throughout Afghanistan the Lynx Mk9A – reputed to be the summer, supporting the troops on the the world’s fastest helicopter – is proving ground through the toughest time of the in ‘hot to be a vital part in the UK’s battlefield year. capability. “The increased aircraft performance and high’ Crews from the Army Air Corps say means we can concentrate on bringing the it has massively enhanced their ability fight to the insurgents.” – it is light and agile and perfect for the The aircraft’s value in the battle against conditions rapid deployment and extraction of small insurgents lies in its versatile performance. numbers of troops. Crews can track insurgent movements The Lynx Mk9As have increased fire and watch over vulnerable areas with its on the power, more powerful engines, and the sophisticated surveillance camera. ability to operate all year in the harsh ‘hot This ‘overwatch’ capability helps protect Afghanistan and high’ Afghan environment. massive convoys which resupply front line The helicopter, capable of lifting troops in the forward operating bases. surprisingly heavy loads for its size, is Convoys can be vulnerable to attack as they front line currently flown in Afghanistan by 672 track across the desert from base to base lynx 25 but, with the Lynx and its formidable weapons systems circling above, the insurgents stay away. Capt Marfleet said: “Success for us means we’ve got a or a support helicopter in and out of a patrol base without any trouble. “Just our presence in the overhead and the threat from our weapons systems means that the enemy wisely keep their heads down.” In combat operations the aircraft provides an offensive and a command and control capability by operating overhead and directing the battle or providing the force commander with a bird’s eye view of what’s happening on the ground. Previous versions struggled with temperatures higher than the mid-30s Centigrade. Afghan summers regularly see temperatures soar over 45C which meant other aircraft could only fly at night and even then their lift capacity was limited.

‘The manufacturers have done a fantastic job. Its capability means that we can take the fight to the enemy if required’

The squadron’s Qualified Helicopter Instructor Danny Rae, a warrant officer with 30 years experience, said: “This is a massively capable aircraft. The manufacturers have done a fantastic job. Its capability means that we can take the fight to the enemy if required.” The aircraft was modified with speed. Lauched as an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) in early 2009, DE&S’ Lynx team worked closely with AgustaWestland and delivered the first aircraft to the Army Air Corps last November to allow pre-deployment training, with four helicopters deploying to theatre in April this year. Above: Lance Corporal Gary Lovett mans the Lynx Mk9A 50 calibre heavy machine gun. The UOR completes this month with the delivery of the 12th converted aircraft. Below and opposite page: a Lynx Mk 9A lands at an operating base in Afghanistan. Last February a contract was let with AgustaWestland to convert the remaining ten Mk9s to the Mk9a standard. This will sustain the capability and permit a four-year extension to the out of service date to 2018. For the Lynx team it has been an outstanding success. Pete Worrall, DE&S’ Director Helicopters told team leader Capt Richard McElwaine: “You and your team can rightly be proud. Not many people in their working life have the privilege to work on such important projects, deliver them in record time and see such positive feedback from the front line. Very well done!” Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt of Joint Helicopter Command added: “Lynx 9A is proving to be absolutely tremendous in theatre. please thank the team.” The Joint Helicopter Force is made up of helicopters from all three services supporting the multinational coalition effort, including Chinooks, Merlins, Apaches and Sea Kings. 26 carriers The full six yards!

he final shipyard in the nationwide Merseyside Tprogramme to build the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers has the latest started its part in the construction of the first ship on the Mersey. to go under company will build two of the sections that will starter’s make up the ship’s flight – destined to be the size of three football pitches. orders as Together these sections will weigh 7,500 tonnes – more than a Royal Navy Type 45 Cammell destroyer. The work is worth £44 million to Cammell Laird and will keep more Laird than a third of the 1,200 strong workforce busy until 2012. makes DE&S’ David Farmer, Deputy Head of Capital Ships, joined more than 100 of it six UK the shipworkers to witness the huge steel plate being eased into position in the shed shipyards where the construction will take place. He said: “Although I know the ship’s to start dimensions well, on seeing the sheet of steel that was laid even I was struck by its work on size. “This is just one bulkhead of one the Queen small section of the ship and it really puts the whole project into perspective. It’s Elizabeth fantastic to see real progress continuing to be made and recognisable sections of class the ship coming together. “Everyone at Cammell Laird is so carriers proud to be involved in this project and I know they will attack this work with Report: complete dedication and commitment.” Sally May

Pictures: Andrew Linnett

Above: Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security and Strategy, is shown around the Birkenhead yard of Cammell Laird, the sixth UK yard involved in the carrier project while, right, he chats to apprentices employed on the project. carriers 27

Minister for International Security particularly exciting to see so many much more than an air base, capable of and Strategy, Gerald Howarth, started young apprentices learning their trade on providing support to land operations the crane that laid the first of the steel such a prestigious project.” and humanitarian assistance in disaster plates for the ship’s giant . Six shipyards across the UK are zones. They also play an important role As he toured the yard, the Minister contributing to the massive construction in conflict prevention; their scale, range met some of the workers involved on project – Govan and Rosyth in , and capability, making them a powerful the project – including some of the 72 Portsmouth and Devon in the south of statement of intent.” apprentices. , Newcastle and now It was an historic day for Cammell He said: “Aircraft carriers represent in the north – supporting around 10,000 Laird, marking as it did the return of a national asset for the UK. Power and jobs at the shipyards and throughout the shipbuilding to the famous yard after 17 versatility make them a formidable war supply chain. years. But the company is no stranger fighting tool, and they are able to fulfil Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, to aircraft carrier construction, having a wide range of requirements in an Rear Admiral Philip Jones who also launched three previously in its 182-year increasingly diverse and changing global attended the event, said: “Carriers history. defence landscape. offer invaluable freedom of action Managing director, Linton Roberts “The workers that I met today are with four acres from which to project said: “We are extremely proud to be rightly proud to be a part of it, and it’s power anywhere in the world. They are involved in the building of this great national flagship. Not only does this project allow us to support the national effort, it also underlines the growing reputation and capability of Cammell Laird and our skilled workforce.”

Above: the first steel for the flight deck makes a public appearance at Birkenhead.

Left: Gerald Howarth announces the start of work alongside Rear Admiral Phillip Jones, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff.

The fully interactive Aircraft Carrier Alliance website is now live at www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk 28 support to ops

Teams play key role Type 26 safety – now it’s in census The 2010 Maestro simpler, cheaper, better and Merlin census of equipment has been set for 30 September. A common safety and The census environmental plan has been confirms equipment existence and location. issued for the Type 26 vessel Returns are sent to (conceptual study, right) – the first units and contractors for such a large maritime project. holding assets. DE&S The new document is shorter, teams play a key role easier to manage, will reduce cost in the Maestro census through life and make the safety as asset managers are responsible for audit simpler. investigating each “One of the recommendations discrepancy reported from previous projects is that, by units against with a large number of hazards Maestro-tracked it becomes increasingly difficult equipments of their to manage them effectively and concern. difficult to identify which hazards The first Maestro returns are expected have the most impact,” said Dr level during the assessment and easily managed hazard log. to be with asset Sinnathamby Vijayakumar, the phase. During design phase “Type 26 builds on lessons managers on 18 project’s MOD safety manager. when all systems are defined and learned from other projects October and will “As a result, Type 26 is selected the top down analysis in the surface fleet and future continue on a weekly adopting a top down functional will be supplemented by a submarines. It is the first time basis until next March. approach for hazard analysis; this bottom-up analysis. the MOD and BAE have been Project teams involves the allocation of hazards “Hazards identified during so integrated,” Dr Vijayakumar will investigate each discrepancy to update within a hierarchy which allows the bottom up analysis will be added. The project will deliver Maestro so the system for more efficient management. managed within the hierarchy a series of multi-role warships accurately reflects the “This analysis will make it developed in the top down which will eventually replace the location of equipment. easier to manage risks at high analysis to give a comprehensive current fleet of Type 23 .

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Desider ad 185w x 130d september.indd 1 16/08/2010 09:33:44 support to ops 29

Improvements pass another hurdle Aspire helps DE&S to A key enabler for improving demonstrating its operational Networks leader, said: "The air defence of joint forces has benefits through analysis by Dstl UKCEC project team within lead the way completed its assessment phase. at Portsdown West, have both JSENS, in conjunction with BAES, Co-Operative been met. its subcontractors and other The next intake for Engagement Capability (UKCEC) By networking plot data from key stakeholders in the US as the Aspire leadership has BAES Surface Ships at Filton many radars of differing types, well as the UK, have achieved development programme as prime contractor, supported more robust data is available another important milestone in begins next January on by Lockheed Martin UK (Havant), to produce stable and accurate conducting the assessment phase a 12-month programme BAES Insyte (New Malden) and tracks. CEC-fitted units see an to time and cost. offering a variety of MBDA (Filton). identical track picture enabling “This has resulted in the development opportunities. Twin goals of producing a them to act as a team. recovery of cost growth due Aspire has an important low risk solution for integrating UKCEC will be interoperable to previous planning round role to address the CEC into Type 45 destroyers and with the US CEC equipment. decisions and we now have a leadership capability gap Type 23 frigates using a common Steve Wyatt, DE&S’ Joint mature and technically low risk in DE&S, a conclusion of a architectural solution, and Sensor and Engagement project ready for Main Gate.” recent review by DE&S non- executive director Wendy Barnes. The review reaffirmed the importance of Package deal saves cash leadership skills to drive through the acquisition and wider defence change agenda. Aspire aims to raise and improves efficiency capability and forms part of the MOD’s wider approach to preparing Band C and Left: Nik Vjestica Bs in particular for future of Austin Hayes leadership roles. and Roger Perkins, Applications and Defence General information are available Munitions senior from the team on 01225 commercial officer, 472361. Applications are flanked by DE&S, are open to military and Longtown and civilians at Band C/B and company staff at the military equivalents. The signing in the Royal closing date is 29 October Armouries, 2010.

An extended deal for further five-year extension. refurbishment of ammunition Commander Peter containers and munitions Gilbert of the DE&S team packaging has been signed. said: “For the MOD, this The five-year, £18.5 partnering agreement has million partnering agreement secured greater flexibility with Austin Hayes, a coating from industry in reaction to contractor in Yeadon near our increasingly dynamic Leeds, builds on an existing operational requirements, and contract with the company. incentivised the development Austin Hayes will supply of innovative ideas that could a range of more than 50 make the total recovery refurbished munitions process even more efficient. packaging components for use “Such partnering composite packs foam inserts by munitions manufacturers demonstrates that, with supplying British troops on innovative thinking and the operations and in training. right attitudes on both sides, It is anticipated that up contracting for sustainable to half a million items will products and services is be recovered from the UK achievable and brings and abroad each year to be genuine benefits to the processed at Longtown and MOD, the contractor and the refurbished to ‘as new’ by environment.” Austin Hayes. The company’s managing This will enable DE&S’ director Nik Vjestica added: Defence General Munitions “This contract will provide a Waterproof cases Alu-Light cases team to save up to £20 million stable platform from which a year which would have been we can work with the MOD spent on new items. The new to develop more cost effective Defence & AerospAce pAckAging agreement has options for a solutions for the taxpayer.” Tel:01525 852444 www.polyformes.co.uk 30 support to ops

‘Entente Cordiale’ sees the French move in at ABW

An exchange of staff between DE&S and The UK and France are already The arrangement also allows DE&S its French equivalent is on the cards after close partners on a number of defence to place its staff in the DGA in future, and a new Memorandum of Understanding. equipment programmes, and there are opportunities for exchanges which could Chief of Defence Materiel, General Sir French staff working at Abbey Wood on a benefit both organisations will be kept Kevin O’Donoghue, and Laurent Collet- variety of collaborative projects. under regular review. Billon, the French National Armaments Later this year, the DGA is due to send DE&S guidance on implementation Director, put pen to paper to help the two engineers to Abbey Wood to work of this MOU will be available shortly. exchange of personnel between DE&S, in the Combat Air and Land Equipment More information from the International and its French equivalent, the DGA. operating centres. Relations Group (ABW x30276). 'Business as usual’ as support

The Defence Storage and Distribution gets more efficient Agency’s (DSDA) agency status formally came to an end on 31 July. A day later the Joint Support Chain Services (JSCS) was established. In line with reducing the number of ‘arms length’ bodies in Government and with the changes proposed in DSDA’s work as a result of the Treasury-led Operational Efficiency Programme, the retention of DSDA’s agency status was no longer a requirement for the future Joint Support Chain. The formation of JSC Services supports integration of provider services within the JSC Operating Centre and introduces a single provider structure delivering the services and capabilities previously provided by DSDA. JSC Services also encompasses the British Force Post Office (BFPO) and the Disposal Services Authority (DSA) creating a business unit responsible for storage, distribution, postal, courier and disposal services. This integration will provide a more robust and efficient business unit which Mail to the front line: JSCS will encompass delivery of mail to troops on operations, will continue to deliver the highest above, as well as the rest of the Armed Forces. Below: storage and distribution will continue in the new business unit levels of service and support to UK Armed Forces. Further streamlining of activities will take place to ensure maximum value for money for defence and the UK taxpayer. As work continues to explore ways in which the organisation can operate more effectively and efficiently, JSC Services is carrying on ‘business as usual’. Support to current and future operations remains JSC Services’ highest priority and will not be affected during this period of change. Head of JSC Services Neil Firth said: “Supporting operations is why we exist and I know that I can continue to rely on JSCS staff to provide the highest levels of service and customer delivery to support our Armed Forces.” Further information contact JSC Services communications on 01869 256128. support to ops 31 New scanners give medics 20/20 vision Britain’s largest base in Helmand Province has opened two CT scanners to revolutionise trauma care for UK Forces. They were launched at Camp Bastion Hospital by the Director General , Major General Michael von Bertele, who said: “These scanners are the gold standard in trauma care. They allow the staff to accurately identify the injuries a patient has and then give them the right care as quickly as possible.” The two new scanners and the new building which houses them form a contract worth £2.8 million which was awarded to contractors KBR in February as part of an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR). The buildings are built to stringent NHS standards, including backup power, air conditioning and lighting. To have two of these machines dedicated to trauma care would be the envy of many NHS hospitals. The scanners are General Electric 64-slice scanners, capable of more than 10 times the detail than the existing equipment in only a fraction of the time. This means casualties can be treated much faster. The new scanners provide a more resilient capability that is more modern, reliable and better supported than that currently in service. The scanners are used in a number of ways, from scans following head injuries to full vascular reviews following IED blasts. This allows the doctors to see any internal injuries before surgery. Surgeon Commander Richard Graham said: “These machines are a very important addition to the hospital which allow us to carry out much faster scans and reduce the time that a patient must wait before potentially life saving surgery. “They give us a much higher definition to work with and we Above: Consultant Radiologist Surgeon Commander Richard can have a rough diagnosis within Graham studies a scan from the new two minutes. Because this is the CT scanner, right, in Camp Bastion next generation of equipment Field Hospital, Afghanistan the patient also receives a lower dose of radiation than previously Pictures: US Marine Corps and is therefore even safer to all involved.”

New contract takes Navy repairs under water

Underwater engineering throughout the UK and overseas when Operations said: “All MOD departments support for maintenance and repair of required. are encouraged to use this contract Royal Navy and UMC has formed an alliance with because of the benefits it offers such ships has been guaranteed by a new Babcock based at Devonport and as competitive rates for UWE design DE&S contract Shearwater Marine Services, creating work; competitive rates for dive spreads DE&S’ Salvage & Marine Operations the Underwater Engineering Support throughout the UK; and free user rights team has placed the contract with team. for all UWE procedures developed.” UMC International which will enable This will enable UMC to build on The contract will run for five years enhancement of in-water maintenance their own underwater engineering with three more optional years. It has and repair cabailities to the fleet by expertise by drawing on knowledge and an estimated value of £500,000 although developing underwater engineering experience from the other members. is an enabling arrangement with tasks procedures, technologies and Geographical locations of the team raised as and when required. equipment. will provide cost-effective diving More information, contact Ian Blair It will also provide a route for cost support in Royal Navy operating areas. or Ian Brinklow on 01225 885323 or effective in-water activities for vessels Ian Brinklow of Salvage and Marine 01225 884395. 32 people news Back home from the front

Above: Jim gets down to some upgrade work from his bed while, right, he’s all set for his UK return

Jim Saunders is back definitely recommend anyone home with DE&S after Project manager upgrades to go who gets the chance. It upgrading Urgent Operational gives you a real insight into Requirement equipment in tracking kit on the front line the way things get achieved in Afghanistan. theatre compared to how you The project manager range. Ground forces have its position could be displayed think they should get done,” he within Director ISTAR’s also seen the benefit in this on a screen in as little as 40 said. Tactical Data Links delivery capability and are now the seconds. “It also emphasises how team is responsible for HeATS biggest users.” “I volunteered to do the the simplest job can be a and GraTS, tracking systems A beacon transmits in-theatre upgrade along with real pain to accomplish. for helicopters and vehicles, information to the nearest my requirements manager, a Just getting flights from one commonly known as Blue Iridium satellite to be serving member of the Royal location to another can take Force Tracker. displayed on a screen for users Artillery. It seemed like a good hours, sometimes days. “The system was designed in theatre to see. idea at the time!” said Jim. “It was also really good to to show where your assets are Design changes and a He was trained by QinetiQ put a face to a name. You spend once they went beyond line of new data delivery system to perform the upgrade in months talking to someone sight ,” said Jim. developed by QinetiQ led to various locations in Camp on the phone, offering them “This means you know major software and hardware Bastion and Lashkar Gah. support but somehow it seems where your helicopter is once upgrades. New technology “The trip was a strange but easier once you have actually it has gone over a mountain meant the beacon reporting rewarding experience. I would met them and had a brew.”

Jenna Clare’s deployment as a policy advisor – ‘the highlight of my career so far’ – came out of Jenna enjoys her ‘highlight’ tour the blue soon after her return from honeymoon. Her post was advising the commander for of issues, and based in Bastion meant she was HQJoint Force Support (Afghanistan) in Camp able to get out easily to engage directly. Bastion. “I racked up the air miles between Bastion “I had thought that I knew what to expect, and Kabul in particular in my engagement with both from the role and from the living and working the British Embassy, especially on issues such as conditions,” said Jenna, pictured right. detention, as well as visiting Kandahar, Lashkar “ I had already visited Afghanistan twice in Gah and Musa Qala,” she said. a previous role as Afghan desk officer at PJHQ. “As an MOD civil servant it is only by However, every tour is different, even in the same witnessing operations that you can really role, as the operational situation develops and understand the necessity behind the huge range of with the constant changes in personalities. support the MOD provides back home, and I would “The element of the unexpected is one of recommend an operational tour to anyone who the great things about an operational tour – you wants to really understand defence. can take the opportunity to really shape how “It is also important if you want to work well you deliver to the overall effort and you have an with military colleagues to have supported them in extraordinary amount of autonomy to do so.” their ‘natural habitat’ – on operations.” Jenna, based at DE&S’ Information Systems o Jenna deployed as part of the S2O support and Services, worked closely with other policy to operations programme. More info: susan. staff in theatre and back in the UK on a huge range [email protected] people news 33

Larkhill Rob’s dedication earns science award briefing day announced Rob Pattison of DE&S’ Engineering Skills Director support team has had his commitment to science and This year’s briefing engineering in the west country honoured. day for those involved in Rob, pictured right, was named as the most dedicated planning or programming STEM Ambassador for the Bristol and Bath area. trials will take place at STEM Ambassadors, formerly known as science and engineering ambassadors, are volunteers from Larkhill on 16 November. industry and academia who work in, or come from, STEM The briefing, run by disciplines. the Army Trials Planning Rob was presented with his award as Graphic Science Office, is open and free held their second annual ambassadors’ reception to show to all in defence, aimed recognition, celebrate excellence and the sharing of ideas. at DE&S teams, dstl, Rob has helped recruit more than 30 STEM HQ Land Forces and Ambassadors from DE&S who have gone on to do activities in schools. the army’s trials and He was also involved in developing a workshop to development units. support ‘How Science Works’ at The Grange School looking It will be opened at protective materials, which he has now delivered by Major-General Alan several times in primary and secondary schools. Macklin, Director STEM Ambassadors can inspire young people through Programmes and a variety of means; illustrating specific careers, helping Technology Group at with classroom activities or assisting in clubs, challenges and competitions. Further information on STEM from Rob DE&S. ([email protected]) Those attending will get a good understanding of processes and procedures when planning an army equipment trial, necessary timelines Your Say forms all set to and the capabilities and limitations of trials development units. Bookings to CGS hit DE&S staff mailboxes EqptStratA-BM-TPO-E1

The 2010 MOD Your Say survey will open on 27 September and close on 29 October. The last date for receiving paper surveys is 21 October. If staff personal details are correctly recorded on HRMS, a survey will be delivered to personal or role email Home of the addresses (ending @mod.uk) or by post for skill zone grades. BATTLEFIELD MISSION Every time the survey has been held DE&S’ employee engagement score has Millbrook is an improved. independent world-leading This is because DE&S works organisation specialising in the best as an organisation when already much of what was development, people are committed and have promised has been delivered. a desire to do a good job. For example, leaders are enhancement and research The survey asks whether making more floorplate visits; of military vehicles, as well as being staff feel respected, involved, DE&S is working with DCP home to the MoD heard, well led and managed to develop a new approach to Battlefield Mission and valued. performance management; DE&S’ most recent TLB the Change Management engagement score was 57 per guide has been reissued, For further information: cent, which is good. Engaging Leaders workshops contact Bruce Lornie on Survey results will be acted are continuing, ‘GEMS Live’, +44 (0)1525 408476 on to improve engagement in has been introduced while the [email protected] DE&S. leadership project has been www.millbrook.co.uk/military Key drivers of engagement refreshed and the shadowing for DE&S will be focussed on to scheme relaunched. make a real difference. there is a Staff can view the action TLB action plan and individual plan on the DE&S intranet. operation centres should have a Please take 15 minutes local plan too. to complete a survey – staff Good progress has been feedback really does make a made with the TLB plan and difference. 34 people news

Conversion Gill earns course to her service commercial medal The Commercial Conversion and Development Programme Gill Dennis’ 26 years with has been launched to the Civil Service has earned her re-skill people from other functions in the MOD the Imperial Service medal. and develop them into Gill started her career in commercial officers. the Department of Transport in It is open to anyone in 1983 where she was a typist and pay bands D to B1 on level went on to become a PS in the transfer, and recruitment MOD in December 1995. starts with those at Band During this time Gill was C2 followed by other grades after initial assessment of PA to the Heads of Commercial the programme. within Ships at Abbey Wood, Application is through the most recent being Phil the JOB process and Tozer who presented her with successful applicants will her award. join a virtual pool until an The medal is awarded to appropriate position has eligible civil servants who been identified. As demand may vary a have given at least 25 years’ permanent posting cannot meritorious service. be guaranteed, but it will Gill retired last December give successful applicants but came back to receive the chance to develop new her award, where friends skills thereby increasing job and colleagues gathered for opportunities for the future. celebratory drinks. Further information from Lesley Kelson (DGDC Gill said she was delighted CC-DEP-1a/01225 468187) with the medal and was pleased or June Harris (DGDCCC- to come back to Abbey Wood DEP-1/01225 472351). Phil Tozer presents Gill with her Imperial Service Medal and catch up with everyone. Fund is braced Specialists in Defence Support to help you out

The Civil Service Benevolent Fund is bracing itself for a Solutions for long-term projects and UORs greater call on its resources this year. The fund is for current and former civil servants, plus ■ Safety case consultancy ■ Integrated Logistics Support staff of associated organisations and dependents. It provides information, advice and financial assistance ■ Information Assurance ■ Bid support to thousands of people who are struggling. ■ Technical authoring ■ Confi guration control The MOD is one of the fund’s top five government ■ Illustrations, 3D modelling ■ Training-needs analysis and departments in terms of support – last year it provided more and animation course material than £700,000 of help to defence civil servants and former members of staff. Defence Permanent Secretary Sir Bill Jeffrey is keen that MOD staff are aware of the charity, how they can be helped, and in return, how staff can help the fund where possible. We also offer secure premises, vetted personnel and conform Fund staff carry out workplace visits to raise awareness to all Defence Standards. We are the MOD’s contracted print of how they can help. More information on 020 8240 2400. management supplier and provide technical support services under the MOD FATS/3 framework. Managers given ‘near miss’ reminder

DE&S line managers are reminded they must report ‘near miss’ incidents. DE&S’ Incident Notification Cell was set up to improve reporting, analysis and investigation of accidents to DE&S staff or those affected by its activities and/or infrastructure. Notification of ‘near miss’ incidents is especially Photography © Crown Copyright/MOD, images from www.photos.mod.uk important. Data can identify activities and infrastructure which Please call Paul Meersman on 0800 138 4308 or could cause serious harm in the future. It is vital all events are reported. Managers are also reminded that significant email [email protected] for more information. incidents must undergo investigation. Information on reporting incidents is available on 9355 68227 during office hours.

424393_CDS_DESIDER AD_AW.indd 1 13/01/2010 09:58 people news 35

Main picture: Clyde’s new Valiant Jetty. Far right: Derek Paterson, left, and Alan Robinson

Companies clock up

n Once completed, a million safe hours the Valiant Jetty will serve the Clyde base for the next 50 years, accommodating any of CONTRACTORS working on training and educating them the Royal Navy’s nuclear Clyde naval base’s new Valiant And there’s on safe working practices, and powered, conventionally Jetty celebrated a safety allowing them to have input armed submarines. milestone when they achieved into safety systems. charity cash too n The floating jetty is more than one million safe “The message we tried 200 metres long, 28 working hours on the site. as Clyde jetty to get home was that safety metres wide and more The facility is being is everyone’s responsibility than ten metres deep – constructed by a joint venture takes shape and we set up a committee making it as long as the company from AMEC and giving the workers a way to Navy’s current aircraft Morgan Sindall, and, when bring up their concerns at our carriers and more than completed, will serve the Royal Since then AMEC and safety forum. It has really paid twice the tonnage. Navy’s Astute submarines. Morgan Sindall have been dividends. n Able to float up and To mark the million hours working to finish the project, “While the jetty was in down with the tide, the workers at the jetty presented installing a Linkspan Bridge build in Greenock we operated jetty is secured to the £1,200 to the Children’s to connect it with the shore, an incentive to safe working,” bottom of the Gareloch Hospice Association Scotland, installing the enormous main said Alan. by four giant piles, with £500 from the company restraint piles and laying the “For every 28 days without each as big as Nelson’s and £700 from the workers. new sub sea cables. a lost time incident, the Column. The complex construction “To get past one million companies would donate £750 n The jetty is expected operation saw contractors hours safe working is a great to local charities. It was a great to be fully operational assemble the jetty at Inchgreen achievement,” said Alan initiative and raised thousands. in time for the arrival of in Greenock and float her 12 Robinson, who is project safety “When the jetty arrived the second Astute class miles to her new home at advisor. here at Faslane the guys asked vessel, HMS Ambush, in Faslane where she arrived in “The key was to involve all if they could do something 2011. May last year. the workers on the jetty project, similar.”

Staff encouraged to contribute as Trainees add up to success DE&S launches shoebox appeal Seven DE&S trainees from the MOD Corporate Accountancy training scheme are The 2010 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal will be launched celebrating success after completing their final this month. Chartered Institute of Management Accounting DE&S staff will be asked to fill shoeboxes by early November so examinations. they can be presented to charity reps. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the charity and the 11th These trainees have spent the last three to four year the appeal has been held at Abbey Wood. years working towards their CIMA qualifications, The MOD is the largest single donor of boxes in the south-west while also undertaking their normal day-to-day and last year more than 1,800 boxes were donated by staff from Abbey jobs. Wood, Foxhill, Corsham and other DE&S sites. This year the target is David Noble, Director Finance, hosted an event at least 2000. to celebrate their success with representatives Empty shoeboxes/leaflets/posters or other information to support from CIMA and the CATS team in attendance. the appeal can be obtained from Jules Hurrell at Abbey Wood on 030 Successful trainees were Joseph Abbott, Helen 679 38083 or 9352 38083. Churchill, Matthew Hamber, Adrian Hatch, Leaflets will advise on the contents suitable to put in the boxes. Stephanie Kelf, Susan Langley and Lee Williams. 36 people news DE&S staff develop Out of adventure training and leadership skills while on Africa MOD scheme in Namibia

Above: Vanessa Arruda, second from right, is joined by Emma Humphries (information provision division, Feltham), Adam Forgiel-Davies (MOD Main Building) and engineering graduate Hannah Green. Above right: the team together in Namibia. Below: DE&S work gets smiling results

Charity work, adventure training and a four-day trek across the semi-desert charges stay still and move out at the last dangerous animal encounters were the plains. second’. I thought: yeah right as if I could highlights of this year’s MOD Leadership For three weeks the team worked from do that, just like a matador! Development Programme in Namibia – 5am to 10pm, roughed it by living in tents, “Overall this adventure was a truly including five people from DE&S. cooking and eating around a campfire, rewarding experience; I learned a lot Twelve MOD employees took part with with no electricity, occasional showers about myself, others, and to stay away Tamara Richards, Paul McRoberts, Steve under a tree, and a hole in the bushes as from wild animals!” Emmery, Robert Crerar and Vanessa a toilet, Arruda from DE&S, Vanessa added: “My They embarked on an expedition to most memorable moments build a school playground and undertake were witnessing the a trek through the Namibian savannah. San children’s immense The expedition was part of the happiness when we leadership programme run with the opened the playground, charity Raleigh International. The aim the sense of achievement is to develop people through a series of for completing the trek challenging tasks while making a valuable – something I never contribution to one of Namibia’s most thought I would be able ancient tribes, the San also known as the to complete without Bushmen. collapsing – and my “Our first course challenge required three lucky escapes individuals to raise £1,200,” said Vanessa from dangerous animals Arruda of DE&S’ International Relations including a big cat, a Group. black mamba and a black “I raised the amount through small rhino. events including a successful cake sale in “This last encounter the Typhoon team. particularly stayed in my “The next challenge saw the mind: As we hid silently team planning and building a school behind a bush Isak, the playground in Donkerboss, a remote local ranger who guided sandy area in north-eastern Namibia; us through the savannah, and the adventure training challenge was said:’ If the black rhino people news 37 Cats get the cream at Clyde

Two sick feral kittens found wandering try to find them a good home. I don’t around Clyde naval base’s new Duo rescued with think we’ll have much trouble finding accommodation blocks are well on their someone to look after them as they’re way to recovery thanks to the quick some loving care by beautiful cats.” action of the base’s environmental health The Royal Navy has a long association department. naval base staff with felines with many vessels carrying A cleaner in one of the base blocks a ship’s cat until 1975 when the fleet spotted the moggies and, seeing they they are fully better they will be banned them from sailing. Despite this, were clearly hungry and ill, quickly neutered and we all the Navy’s dockyards have feral cats reported them to Environmental w i l l living on the premises – helping to keep Health at the site. the mice and rat population low. “It took me quite a while to catch Clyde has around 35 to 40 the kittens,” said John Belshaw, at present with kind-hearted Clyde’s pest controller. “But once base staff usually looking I did it became apparent that they after them. were in quite a bad condition. The “From time to time I hear smaller kitten in particular was very about people getting a telling- ill and run down. You could see that off for feeding the base cats,” it was having problems with its said John. “But the base has a eyes and I took them to Lomond duty of care to look after all the veterinary clinic in Helensburgh wildlife at the site and the feral for a check-up.” cat population is no exception. If The smallest kitten had cat base staff want to use their own flu – a virus which can cause money and time to feed them then a host of problems in felines. there’s no problem. Antibiotics, eye ointment and “We take measures to make some tender loving care were sure that all the animals at the all on the prescription. base are healthy and we neuter the “They’re already a lot feral cats to prevent their numbers better,” continued John. getting out of control.” “They must be because they’ve got the run of my office and are getting into all sorts of mischief. Left: John Belshaw with Clyde’s “ O n c e latest residents while, below left, the police dogs of the future have been a popular attraction for staff at Devonport

. . . while it’s simply a dog’s life at Devonport! Tiny police dogs of the a healthy weight and are very well and future are learning to walk thriving. We are all very proud of them and taking solid food for the and their mother Willow.” first time. Willow has produced only the The appealing 12 Belgium second such litter for the MOD Police Shepherd puppies, born Force as part of the new programme in July, are the first MOD to breed its own dogs for the future. Police Force dog recruits Previously, the police service bought in to be born to the unit in new dogs. Devonport naval base. This is a first for the police dog unit For now, they are in Devonport. There have been two the cutest attraction at previous such litters bred especially the kennels in the base. by and for the MoD Police. The first at Sergeant Matt Robertson the breeder’s kennels, the second was said: “Not surprisingly, at police headquarters and this now the people are queuing up to third – a coup for Devonport. come and see them. Once the pups have reached the “The puppies are age of eight weeks they will leave their learning to walk and crèche and go for development training their eyes are opened – a major step towards playing a crucial fully. They have all put on role in the UK’s security. 38 people news Put it on your card – it’s cash back to the MOD

Fisherman Trevor Warren reels Woolley, centre, DE&S them in Chief of Corporate Services, A Royal Navy petty accepts the officer who funs fishing cheque on courses at Clyde naval behalf of the base has made angling MOD histroy by being crowned champion at the military fly fishing open for the second year running. Petty Officer Warren Malcolm, above, of HMS The MoD has received a rebate the MoD the biggest public is a smarter and more efficient Caledonia in Rosyth cheque for £1,262,548 from sector user of the GPC. way of purchasing. took the award at its Government Procurement By using the GPC, the The GPC comes under Lake of Menteith near Card (GPC) provider, process cost saving to the MOD the control of the Defence Stirling. Barclaycard Commercial, for in 2009 was approximately £37 eProcurement Services team. Warren regularly 2009. million. Further guidance on runs classes on fly This brings the total rebate GPC is the mandated first eProcurement can be found casting and deep sea for the GPC since ministerial choice payment mechanism at: http://defenceintranet. fishing at Clyde base. approval in March 2000 to £7 for all purchases of goods and diiweb.r.mil.uk/ million. services up to the value of D e f e n c e I ntranet/Admin/ n Superintendent The cheque was presented £5,000, that are not covered by OrderSuppliesAndServices/ Fleet Maintenance at to Trevor Woolley, DE&S Chief central or enabling contracts. It GuidanceOnEProcurement/ Devonport provided of Corporate Services, and some willing hands Daren Gregg, Director CPET, to breathe life into a by Denis Bauer, Barclaycard Faslane to get allotment. Commercial. Plymouth Highbury The cheque represents a historic bell Trust, a charity for share of profits based on a people with learning formula which includes the A historic bell associated with disabilities, had been number of GPCs in issue, the a string of distinguished Royal allocated a neglected average card spend and the Navy ships is to be displayed as part of the Astute submarine allotment close to its total GPC spend for the last jetty project at Faslane. headquarters. year. The bell, left, from the Royal Navy The MOD undertakes on former HMS Valiant returned to volunteers cleared average 110,000 transactions the UK recently on board HMS 30 bags of weeds and a month from approximately Albion from the US where a rubble and laid a path 15,200 cards. family had been keeping it as an to make it safe for The total GPC spend in heirloom. wheelchair users. 2009 was £268,373,914, making 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 28/2010 – DE&S Military Administration Support to Operations 29/2010 – Deployment Warning Roll (DWR) Augmentation of RAF Personnel within DE&S 30/2010 – JPA Appraisal Guidance for DE&S Line Managers 31/2010 – The requirement to notify Mil HR Team of changes to the DE&S Military Workforce 32/2010 – HR Assurance 33/2010 – DE&S Led Service Inquiries people news 39

Steve takes helm at Devonport

Commodore Steve Dearden is the UK’s submarine nuclear propulsion new man at the helm of Devonport naval programme and the successor deterrent base. in particular. Cdre Dearden is a nuclear engineer He said: “It is a tremendous privilege and has arrived at Devonport from to take over the reins as naval base his former post as Director of Nuclear commander of what is Europe’s largest Propulsion, Abbey Wood. naval base. He previously served for three “I know there are many challenges years in Washington DC as the first ahead but I am delighted to be back in UK liaison officer to the US naval Plymouth.” nuclear programme, charged with Cdre Dearden, who succeeds Cdre establishing an enduring US/UK Ian Jess, is married with three children technology exchange in support of the and lives in Bristol. In: Commdore Steve Dearden

Almost five years after the start of Revise – the Revolutionary In- Teams spark new life Service Support project – DE&S’ Surface Attack Medium (SAM) team and MBDA held a workshop to reinvigorate the Revise relationships into five-year link-up and philosophies. Approximately 40 people across the combined team and covering functions ranging from technical through project management to commercial and procurement took part in the exercise. A ‘managing communications’ exercise brought together events and incidents that have occurred while Sea Skua, ALARM (air launched anti radiation missile) and Brimstone have been in service and combined them into a single, eventful morning. Teams working in separate places identified relevant points of contact within the organisations, assisted in the identification of the issue and provided a course of action to resolve the problem. The exercise was a way of establishing which existing methods Team of communication worked, which did members get not and then to assess what needs to Revise under be done to fill the gaps. way Paul Monis of SAM said: “The exercise tested our ability to absorb and transmit information efficiently and to the correct recipient. Working Safety candidates pass their test closely with MBDA on a daily basis we think we communicate effectively All 18 candidates who attended Managing basics of H&S management. but it did us no harm to test Safely training courses earlier this year have Successful completion will allow individuals these skills under pressure passed with flying colours. to fulfil duties as line managers and support with out-of-the-ordinary DE&S’ Occupational H&S team arranged their team in the delivery of occupational H&S the courses at Bath and Bicester accredited by objectives. incidents”. the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health The course has been recognised by central Janet Mansell of (IOSH MS). government and added to the National Core MBDA added: “Having The successful candidates are Richard Competence Benchmark (a pan government not attended a Revise Adams, Adam Black, Andy Bryant, Ross method of equating specialist training with workshop before I found Campbell, Lindsay Fitzpatrick, Guy Hargreaves, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)) and the whole atmosphere very Michael Hesketh, Joseph Mitchell, Lee Patten, is deemed to equate to a Level II qualification. welcoming and a good Sandra Robinson, David Scally, Kevin Slade, Further details on specialist H&S training Jane Stachel, Stephen Tyson, Rosette Venvell, can be obtained by contacting the DES S&EP HS opportunity to network Barry Wesley, Charlotte Wilde and Brian Wright policy team via email (DES SE CESO-OHSE-HS- with both members of the IOSH MS is a four-day course and covers the Office) project team and MBDA Revise team.” F-35 LIGHTNING II

UNITED KINGDOM DELIVERING ON DELIVERING

THE PROMISE. THE PARTNERSHIPS

With each flight test, the F-35 Lightning II continues to deliver unprecedented performance as the world’s only international 5th generation multirole fighter. While each variant is uniquely designed to operate from different bases, all three variants – conventional, carrier and STOVL – set new standards in network-enabled mission systems, sensor fusion, supportability and maintainability.

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