Nov 11 Issue 42
desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support
Frigates fit for the fight
Materiel Strategy maps out a future for DE&S See inside
40 years Down, deeper A sideways Terrier The knives of service and down view of kit agility are out lockheedmartin.com/f35 NOT JUSTAN AIRCRAFT, THE UK’SAIRCRAFT
The F-35 Lightning II isn’t just a cutting-edge aircraft. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration. Today, a host of UK companies are playing their part in developing and building this next-generation F-35 fi ghter. The F-35 programme is creating thousands of jobs throughout the country, as well as contributing LIGHTNINGLIGHTNING IIII to UK industrial and economic development. It’s enhancing the UK’s ability to compete in the global technology marketplace. F-35 Lightning II. Delivering prosperity and security.
UNITED KINGDOM
THE F-35 LIGHTNING II TEAM NORTHROP GRUMMAN BAE SYSTEMS PRATT & WHITNEY LOCKHEED MARTIN
301-61505_NotJust_Desider.indd 1 7/14/11 2:12 PM des Steve Moore [email protected] [email protected] Ralph Dunn [email protected] Dick Naughton © Crown Copyright desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)207 +44 Fax: 1810. 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 1NU WC1A London Holborn, High Street, Shun Tamura Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Deputy Relations: Public Head, Assistant expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care inthose the While editor the takes defence industries. including MOD, the outside readers to available made be sponsor. and the can also equipment Copies capability relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the by cleared be must advertorials for content All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily not are advertised, Printing: Printing: from well-managed forests. Stewardship Councilcertified material post consumer waste andForest cent recycled andde-inked pulpfrom Silk 90gsmwhichcontains 50per This magazineisproduced onCocoon FEATURES 30 28 26 22 is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees employees DE&S to charge of free distributed is
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A400M ishotstuff Terrier develops abark Ammunition factory opened Carrier ontrack atRosyth Yellow Bookrules setfor reform Mapping thefuture ofnuclear subs fitted outinBarrow successful first dive duringthelatter stages ofbeing put together in three cycles through to 2014 2014 to through cycles three in together put successfully thatanumberoftyres burst! has passed acrucialaborted take-off test so The RAF'snext generation transport aircraft time withsuccessful user evaluation trials continued itsprogress towards service intwo years' Terrier, theArmoured EngineerTractor, has business another factory, thistimeinCheshire, openedfor DE&S' ammunitiondealwithindustry hasseen operations line front of realities the in lesson a for Afghanistan in troops visited Cole Cheryl singer as spotlight the under came Equipment Carrying Cole to Afghanistan Ambush, thesecond first the for schedule assembly The suppliers hasbeeninvited to bid of single-source contracts where only onedefence Money can besaved following anindependentreview service Navy Royal left have that of nuclear submarines disposing defuelled for proposals DE&S on sought be to are Views Elizabeth Ambush takes adive
aircraft carrier will see the vessel's hull hull vessel's the see will carrier aircraft capable warships intheworld DNA(2) command system, makingthemamongthemost fitted withtheSeawolf mid-life upgrade andthenew joining agrowing numberofType 23frigates to be HMS Richmond HMS cover image 14 Astute
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Picture: Babcock Insider november 2011 Bernard Gray
Chief of Defence Materiel Have your say on nuclear subs
‘We must address the interface between DE&S and the MOD to get the right incentives and accountabilities and transform Awaiting the way DE&S operates’ disposal: former Royal Navy nuclear submarines I hope those of you who were effective way. Both these things moored up not able to come to my town are fundamental to improving at Rosyth, hall sessions at Abbey Wood in the current situation where, on October have had the opportunity average, projects take 80 per to read my letter, setting out the cent longer to be delivered and latest position and developments cost 40 per cent more than MOD on the Materiel Strategy. There is estimates at Initial Gate. also more supporting information, To achieve this, the Materiel available to you on the Defence Strategy is working on three Intranet and in this issue of fronts. The first is around the desider. DE&S purpose, role and boundary. Public invited to contribute to important disposal debate Much has changed since the Your inputs helped develop the briefings I gave earlier this year. view that while DE&S executes We are now nearing the point several roles its core purpose is at which we will give formal the delivery of equipment and its The public are being asked for their advice to Ministers on a range of support. The Board then found views on proposals for disposing of potential options for the future of there was no compelling case to defuelled nuclear submarines that have DE&S. This is a very exciting time, change DE&S’ boundaries. left Royal Navy service. as we have a real opportunity to We then turned to the question The consultation is being held address many of the constraints of DE&S’ business capabilities. by DE&S’ Submarine Dismantling and frustrations that we currently We have taken a range of views Project to deliver a safe, secure and face in delivering equipment and on DE&S’ capability. Independent environmentally responsible disposal support to the Armed Forces. analysis shows a clear gap of 27 submarines from the former HMS Your continued engagement between where we are now and Dreadnought (Britain’s first nuclear and support as we work through best in class. A key issue for the powered submarine) through to the this process is hugely important Materiel Strategy is therefore how Vanguard class when they leave service. and I have planned significant to create an environment where Around 90 per cent of each engagement with you and our we can make the investment we submarine will be recycled. Before other key stakeholders, the Front need in our capabilities to be able the submarine can be broken up by an Line Commands, Main Building, to operate effectively. environmentally licensed ship recycling industry and the trades unions to Our conclusion is that we must facility though, radioactive materials from the nuclear reactor must be ensure we put advice to Ministers address the interface between removed in a nuclear-licensed dockyard. at the end of the year that allows DE&S and MOD to get the right Consultation seeks the public’s views them to make a decision in incentives and accountabilities on three key decisions – how radioactive principle on the way forward. and transform the way DE&S material is removed, where this is done The three desired outcomes operates, to improve its and which type of site is used to store of the Materiel Strategy are fundamental capabilities. the radioactive waste. that MOD gets best value To do this, we are now focusing in defence materiel, has a our efforts on understanding balanced equipment and support different potential operating programme and that DE&S has an models for DE&S and on three engaged and motivated staff and options, to identify the key issues the behaviours, accountabilities, and differences between them. skills, and processes required to These options are a Trading Fund, do the job. an Executive Non-Departmental These outcomes are linked, Public Body and a Government because to be able to achieve best Owned Contractor Operated value the MOD needs to ensure (GOCO) organisation. Each of its aspirations are affordable, these options will have significant and the outputs DE&S is asked pluses and minuses attached, to deliver are balanced with the and it is important we understand right level of resource to do so. these thoroughly. That is our We then need to ensure that objective and I will write about DE&S has the capability to deliver further developments in future Philip Hammond, right, joins the Prime Minister at those aspirations in the most issues of desider. Royal Wootton Bassett on 16 October news 5
Good practice is key to Have your say on nuclear subs disposal plans Public consultation is not a frequent activity for MOD equipment projects, disposal project manager Mike Cushen has admitted. “Our preparations, based on the Government’s code of practice for consultation, have involved a great deal of co-operation with other parts of Government, such as the Department for Energy and Climate Change, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, as well as the Scottish Government,” he said. “These have ensured that our proposals are coherent with wider policies and plans and have helped us to learn lessons from their experience of consultation on nuclear decommissioning. We have also sought wider counsel through an independent advisory group – including members from industry, regulators, local authorities, academia and special Public invited to contribute to important disposal debate interest groups – which has pointed us to good practice and challenged our thinking from almost every angle.”
Minister for Defence Equipment, at Rosyth and Devonport, the oldest of Support and Technology Peter Luff said: which has been there for 30 years. Local events shape “We recognise there is keen interest in But capacity to store them will be this project from the reached at the end of the way forward public, especially in this decade and the cost those communities ‘We should not of maintaining them is The 16-week consultation exercise began on Friday, that may be involved rising as they age and 28 October and events are being held in the Plymouth leave the and Rosyth areas, where the candidate sites for in submarine increase in number. dismantling are located. dismantling activities, problem of The Minister, These include public exhibitions and workshops, and that the solution who visited one of the where the project team will discuss the proposals and must inspire public disposal submarines stored afloat answer the public’s questions. confidence. at Rosyth, the former Defence Minister Peter Luff said: “We are keen “That is why for future HMS Resolution, added: to hear your views, so I would encourage you to take we are holding this “I have seen for myself some time to read this document, to attend an event if you can, and to submit your comments. It is by getting public consultation generations’ the excellent condition in the views of as wide a range of people as possible that – to explain to the which these submarines we will reach the right decisions for communities, for public what submarine dismantling are maintained, which is a testament to defence and for the future.” involves and to seek their views on our the commitment and engineering skills After the consultation period, the team proposals.” of the workers that maintain them. will consider the feedback as it makes its Currently, decommissioned “However this is not sustainable recommendations to the MOD on the options to take submarines are stored afloat and and it is not practical to maintain the project forward into its demonstration phase. Public consultation is open to everyone and continually maintained, in a similar way them indefinitely. We should not leave more information is available at www.mod.uk/ to in-service submarines, to keep them in the problem of disposal for future submarinedismantling a safe condition. There are now 17 stored generations.” Consultation closes on 17 February 2012.
Philip Hammond is the new Defence Secretary
Philip Hammond MP is the new Secretary circumstances in which this opportunity unquestionable and I look forward to working of State for Defence. He was appointed on 14 arises. I think Liam Fox did a brilliant job with them to help shape defence for the October after the resignation of Dr Liam Fox. starting to build a sustainable future for our better.” Mr Hammond said: “I have always been Forces. Mr Hammond was raised in Essex, a huge admirer of the professionalism and “I look forward to picking up the baton attending school in Brentwood before the dedication of our Armed Forces, so it is from Liam and working closely with the going on to read Politics, Philosophy and a real honour and privilege to be asked by Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Economics at University College, Oxford. the Prime Minister to take on this role and International Development Secretary to Before his election to the House in 1997, work with them in maintaining our nation's ensure that our defences are robust and that he followed a business career in small and security. the finances that lie behind them are equally medium-sized companies in manufacturing, “This is a particularly important time for robust. consultancy, property and construction and defence. The priorities are the continuing “Finally, I pay tribute to our Armed oil and gas in the UK and abroad. operations overseas and the transformation Forces and the civilian personnel Mr Hammond moves to the MOD from his Philip Hammond, right, joins the Prime Minister at of the way defence is organised. who support them. Their dedication, position as Secretary of State for Transport. Royal Wootton Bassett on 16 October “I am obviously saddened by the professionalism and heroism is He is married with three children. 6 news
NEWSREEL Typhoon sales ‘Yellow Book’ reform will predicted An increase in keep DE&S out of the red interest from other nations in buying Typhoon has been predicted by Peter Left: Lord Luff, Minister for Currie, Defence Equipment, holding his Support and report, is Technology. Along joined by with Saudi Arabia Susanna and Austria, where Mason, it is in service, Oman DE&S' has announced its Director intention to buy the Commercial aircraft while India Corporate has chosen it for Programmes, the final phase of along with its combat aircraft members of competition. Mr Luff the review told Parliament: “I team confidently expect an increase in interest, following Hundreds of millons of suppliers half way through its highly successful pounds could be saved by Report set to save the project. And when there is air defence and introducing new rules for millions on single no competition suppliers can ground attack industry. price contracts without fear of a roles over Libya. Rules on single-source competitor undercutting them. It has consistently source contracts demonstrated contracts, where there is only They can also feel confident of exceptional levels one defence supplier invited winning follow-on work even if of reliability, to tender, should be changed, their performance is poor. performance, Lord Currie of Marylebone Suppliers know their costs accuracy, and overall recommends in an independent Currie to review them. I better than the MOD and often cost-effectiveness report. welcome his report and its use high-powered commercial over and above Over the last five years, recommendations to deliver and financial resources to our very high expectations.” the MOD has done roughly 40 value for money to our Armed negotiate, resources which the per cent of its procurement Forces and the UK taxpayer. MOD often ends up paying for (averaging £8.7 billion per year) “Through careful through the overheads charged Afghan future without using competition. implementation, I would be back under existing rules. The UK will still Examples include Queen disappointed if we couldn’t Current pricing have a military Elizabeth class carriers, deliver savings rising to £200 arrangements are known as relationship with Astute submarine production, million per year – although I the Yellow Book, amended only Afghanistan after the Defence Information expect this will take a number of slightly since 1968. the end of the Infrastructure (Future) and years to reach its full value.” Recommendations from Lord combat role in Tornado maintenance. Single-source contracts have Currie are focused on a better 2014. “The UK will This is high, given MOD been used when only one supplier equipped front line, improved continue to train Afghan security policy to use competition is available. For maintenance value for money for the taxpayer forces and we will whenever possible. contracts DE&S is often limited and a more efficient defence provide the lead “Current arrangements for to the supplier who designed and industry. at a new Afghan single source procurement have built the equipment in the first Consultation across National Army been in place for over 40 years place. Government and industry will Officer Academy and it is clear they are no longer Some large long-term run until 6 January next year. For from 2013,” Armed Forces Minister Nick fit for purpose,” said Peter Luff, projects have been split copies of the report and a chance Harvey said. “At this Minister for Defence Equipment, over a number of individual to contribute to the consultation stage it is too early Support and Technology. contracts, but it would have been go to www.defenceconsultations. to comment on the “That is why I asked Lord prohibitively expensive to switch org.uk exact number of troops who will be deployed in these non-combat roles Vetting makes a switch in latest defence change from 2015 and beyond.” The latest chapter of defence reform has seen last July bringing together a range of corporate the Defence Vetting Agency become part of Defence services to support all areas of the MOD from one Sentinel move Business Services from the beginning of last month. organisation. The NSV function undertaken by the The move was announced by Under-Secretary for DVA will be provided under a new business model Intelligence Defence Andrew Robathan. renamed as DBS National Security Vetting. gathering Sentinel The DVA was formed in April 1997 bringing “This change in operating status will have no aircraft, operating together the four National Service Vetting (NSV) impact on the DVA’s customers, and will deliver over Libya, are to organisations serving each of the armed services and efficiencies and wider savings to Government,” said relocate to Gioia the MOD. Since then DVA has successfully delivered Mr Robathan. del Colle air base NSV services to the MOD and industry contractors, “In particular, it will reinforce the DVA’s ability to in southern Italy and has also provided similar services to a wide deliver planned business improvements from its new from RAF Akrotiri in range of other Government departments. Cerberus IT system to drive up service to its internal Cyprus. Defence Business Services was launched and external customers.” Delivering Aircraft Service Provision with the MoD...
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M-11-0123 13 bases advert (DSEI).indd 2 20/09/2011 10:49:09 8 news NEWSREEL Carrier hull assembly Stamp of approval schedule is unveiled The Royal British Legion collects UK and foreign stamps to turn into cash for The assembly schedule for its annual Poppy the hull of the first of the Queen Appeal. DE&S staff Elizabeth class carriers at are urged to cut or Rosyth has been announced. tear stamps from The first centre block section envelopes leaving of Queen Elizabeth was lifted approximately half a onto the lower mid block at the centimetre of paper around the stamp. end of September. Please collect within Assembly of the rest of the teams and, once an carrier hull will take place in amount has been three cycles which will take the collected, send programme through to 2014. them to: Lt Dave Assembly of the first lower Sweetman, Bldg 405 and centre blocks and associated A3, MOD Corsham, Westwells Rd, sponsons, which provide a wider Corsham SN13 9NR. flight deck, makes up Assembly Cycle A, which will continue through to next summer. Libya costs Assembly Cycle B will see the huge Lower Block 02, which revised will arrive from BAE Systems Revised cost in Portsmouth next year, join The first centre block is lifted into place at by the Goliath crane at Rosyth figures for Lower Block 01. Operation Block 01 contains the Ellamy, the UK’s forward sections from the keel and a major achievement in The Alliance’s Programme contribution to up to the flight deck, including itself. Director Geoff Searle added: operations over the bulbous bow, which was “Having the facility and “After many years of engineering Libya, from mid- built by Babcock at its Appledore infrastructure ready and able design, planning and block March to mid- December, are shipyard in Devon and shipped to support the assembly and build, it is fantastic to see the around £160 million. to Rosyth last year. integration process is also the assembly of Queen Elizabeth The estimate of the This will take place between result of a massive programme starting in Rosyth. cost of replenishing next summer and spring 2013. of work in itself that has taken “This marks the start of munitions used Remaining blocks, including over three years, including the the next important phase of in Libya remains the stern sections and island work to the docks and main the programme to deliver at £140 million. structures, will be assembled entrance and the installation of the nation’s flagships and is a Additional costs incurred by the in Cycle C, with the hull fully the crane, but also many more testament to all of the hard work MOD on Operation assembled by 2014. less visible elements. across the Alliance to reach this Ellamy will be borne Progressive outfitting“We’re now focusing the point.” by the reserve, and will see electrical cabling, team on delivering Assembly The two 65,000 tonne will be in addition mechanical pipe systems, Cycle A successfully and on- carriers, at 280 metres long, 74 to the core defence ventilation, and fittings and schedule, in line with the metres wide and 56 metres high, budget, it has equipment installed. programme plan set two years will provide the Forces with a been announced in Parliament. Babcock Project Director ago.” four-acre military operating Sean Donaldson said: “After The carriers are being base which can be deployed meticulous planning, seeing the delivered by the Aircraft Carrier worldwide. first lift and the assembly of the Alliance, made up of DE&S, One of the versatile vessels Closer links first carrier actually beginning Babcock, BAE Systems and will be a centrepiece of Britain’s is very exciting – a key milestone Thales. military capability. Gloucestershire defence manufacturer L-3 Ballistic shorts hit the front line – six weeks early TRL Technology is opening a new recently-developed ballistic knee length shorts testament to the hard work and dedication of the international have been fielded troops in Afghanistan six – weeks PCE team. Working with our partners at dstl and office in Abu Dhabi ahead of schedule. industry we have delivered a layered system of to expand its The shorts, named Pelvic Protection Tier 3, have clothing and body armour that is making a real presence in the been issued to personnel whose roles demand a and proven difference to troops on the ground in Middle East and greater level of protection on patrol such as those Afghanistan, protecting our troops from the fallout of provide increased, operating hand-held metal detectors to search for these attacks and providing a system designed with localised support IEDs – improvised explosive devices. comfort and mobility in mind.” for its customers This fielding marks the culmination of a £10 Bought under a £2.8 million contract with and partners in million ground breaking project to provide troops Northern Ireland-based Hawk Protection, the Tier 3 the United Arab with a three-tiered pelvic protection system to shorts are designed to be worn over the previously Emirates (UAE) mitigate the affects of bomb blasts on the front line. issued Tier 1 ballistic underwear and either over and surrounding Colonel Peter Rafferty, DE&S Personal Combat or under Tier 2, a detachable piece of pelvic body countries. Equipment (PCE) team leader, said: “Delivery of armour designed to be clipped to a belt and worn as this third and final tier ahead of schedule is a real a protective pouch or codpiece. 10,000ways to a more buildsECuRE u.K.
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300-61848_10000Ways_DES.indd 1 9/7/11 2:05 PM 10 news
NEWSREEL Safety system revised
A heavily revised version of ASEMS – the Acquisition Safety and Environmental Management System – was rolled out in September. ASEMS is now made up of three parts – Policy, comprising requirements previously published in SEI No3 supported by safety and environmental leaflets; POSMS and POEMS (project oriented safety management system, and project oriented Ambush heads for the depths environmental management system); Assurance and Audit Procedures comprising Second information previously published in POSMS and Astute POEMS. It can now be found at http:// submarine www.aof.dii.r.mil. uk/aofcontent/ completes tactical/safety/ index.htm Pictures: BAE Systems first dive
Money talks the commanding officer to see everything come together fire-fighting, damage control of Ambush has expressed his in order to dive the boat for the and submarine escape,” added Jon Thompson, delight at the successful first first time is very satisfying. Commander Green. the MOD’s Director General Finance, dive of his submarine. “It has been a superb team Lieutenant Commander will speak on ‘The The second of the Astute effort between BAE Systems Richard Brooking, Ambush state of MOD’s class nuclear attack submarines Submarine Solutions, DE&S’ Weapons Engineering Officer, finances’ on 24 is in the latter stages of being Submarine project team and added: “We have seen from November in fitted out in Barrow. Ambush’s company.” the Libyan operations how the CFB Lecture And, in a specially dredged Weeks have been spent important submarines are in the Theatre at Abbey area in Devonshire Dock basin, ensuring systems have been modern defence arsenal. Wood from 1-2pm. Bob Barton, she dived to periscope depth to tested, commissioned and “Everyone on board is managing director check her trim and test systems. handed over to Royal Navy staff keen to get the boat to sea and of the Niteworks Commander Peter Green and Ambush’s crew has spent is delighted that things are programme said: “This is a major milestone months training in preparation progressing so well. will speak on 6 for Ambush and shows she is for dived operations. “This first dive marks the December. Bookings firmly on track to exit Barrow “Personnel have trained start of what is likely to be a 30- to admin.hq@ early next year in order to in their own watchkeeping year career for Ambush.” defenceacademy. mod.uk or tel: commence her sea trials. positions but also in whole ship Ambush will undergo final 96161 4828. “Nuclear submarines are functions, such as first aid, testing and commissioning some of the most complex of systems before departing machines on earth and therefore n Anson keel event: pages 24, 25 Barrow next year. Hard work RAF Tornados DE&S launches its fraud policy update operating over Libya from Gioia del Colle Chief of Defence Materiel Bernard Gray has “All of us have a responsibility for ensuring that in Italy have clocked launched an updated DE&S policy on fraud the opportunities for fraud are minimised and to up more than awareness and prevention that sets out the report any wrongdoing.” 7,000 flying hours, responsibilities of the organisation’s staff and Mr Gray added that fraud was unacceptable and the equivalent of promotes the highest standards of integrity. that senior management were expected to set an approximately two Mr Gray said in a foreword to the policy: “I example with a personal and visible commitment to years’ worth of require all employees in DE&S to exercise due regularity and propriety in all they did. The policy is training sorties in diligence and to observe the highest standards of at http://defenceintranetds.diiweb.r.mil.uk/sites/ the UK. personal honesty and integrity and to safeguard the polestar/cs/DocumentLibrary/20/2173_20110906_ public assets for which they are responsible. Tackling_Fraud_and_Corruption-U.pdf
12 news
Cheryl Cole puts a Jackal Girls patrol vehicle through its paces during a three-day visit to troops in Afghanistan. allowed! The Girls Aloud singer was also taught how to fire weapons and took part in exercises with Cheryl front-line personnel during her time with Task Force Helmand. She handed over a Pride gets to of Britain award to Brigadier Ed Davis, Commander Task Force Helmand (3 Commando grips Brigade) to commemorate the work of British Forces during 10 years of operations in the with country. Ms Cole took part in a helicopter sortie in a Royal front Navy Sea King, was given an insight into a shura (consultation with local line leaders) and was taught how to make a safe entrance into compounds using ladders and kit specialist equipment to avoid improvised explosive devices.
Cheryl Cole is pictured in the driving seat of Left: Ms Cole adjusts her ballistic glasses, a Jackal patrol vehicle, top, while, above, she protective eyewear issued to all personnel is shown the capability of the Apache attack on operations. Above: a lesson in the helicopter capability of CVR(T) from 9/12 Royal Pictures: PO (Phot) Hamish Burke Lancers
Defender – Type 45 destroyer number five – has Now Defender heads to sea begun her first stage sea trials. Her departure was due two years to the day after she first DE&S Head of Destroyers is important to recognise that knowledge, has been crucial entered the water following Commodore Stephen Braham this achievement is due to the to the overall progress we her launch at BAE Systems’ said: “As Defender sets sail lessons learned from the build are making as we build the Govan yard on 21 October on her first set of sea trials – and in-service support of the remainder of the class. 2009. the shortest yet of any of the four other ships in her class. “Departure on sea trials The ship, the penultimate of ships in the Type 45 class – it “This contribution, this is an important step in any the six-strong class, will spend vessel’s programme and just over three weeks at sea for Defender an exciting off the west coast of Scotland, Flashback: Defender at opportunity to demonstrate during which she will undergo Govan in October, 2009 the impressive range of her platform trials to test her capability for the first time.” speed, manoeuvrability, The ship will go to sea for power and propulsion. her second stage trials early Defender, with a crew of next year, ahead of handover to BAE Systems, Royal Navy and the Royal Navy in the latter half key supplier personnel, will of the year. Outfit continues on also undertake weapons trials Duncan, the sixth vessel in the and demonstrate auxiliary and class, and it is planned for her domestic services. to be at sea next year. news 13
NEWSREEL Iron Duke gets ready Fire over Libya
From the start of current operations to take on Artisan in Libya to 6 October, UK forces employed around Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke 1,470 precision guided munitions, will be the first Royal Navy ship 110 direct fire to receive the new Artisan weapons, 4,100 radar. rounds of direct Artisan – designated Type fire 30mm cannon 997 by the Navy – has begun rounds and around tracking trials on the Isle of 240 high explosive Wight. or illumination rounds from 4.5 It will equip Type 23 frigates, inch naval guns, amphibious ships and the according to figures Queen Elizabeth class aircraft released by Armed carriers to set new standards Forces Minister in surveillance and tracking Nick Harvey. accuracy. It is also proposed for New Precision guided the Type 26 expected in service munitions used radar Main picture: include Dual Mode after 2020. HMS Iron Duke Seeker Brimstone, The new radar, while begins Below: Artisan Enhanced Paveway undergoing testing, will be during testing II, Paveway. IV, tracking commercial flights, tracking Storm Shadow including those from regional missiles and airports, and passing shipping. trials Tomahawk Land These trials follow Attack missiles. Direct fire munitions successful testing of the include Hellfire antenna sub-system in the missiles and CRV-7 Cowes antenna test facility, a rockets. radar assessment and calibration Meanwhile, training chamber built to enable full- materials for operators power testing of systems in a and maintainers are under Easier access controlled environment. development for delivery A series of tests demonstrated through the Royal Navy’s Pre-qualification to DE&S’ satisfaction that the Maritime Composite Training questionnaires, sub-system was processing data System. generally unnecessary for low between the antenna that would Group Captain Mike Quigley, risk procurement be on the ship’s mast and the leader of DE&S’ Short Range below £100,000, will radar system cabinets elsewhere Air Defence team, said: “This still be used where on the ship. is an important milestone in an a ten-year availability support specific risks make HMS Iron Duke will receive important programme for the package to ensure the radar them necessary, its new radar during next year's Royal Navy. The pace at which will meet the Royal Navy’s for instance where refit. In preparation for that a the development is progressing demanding operational needs. there is a need to ensure a minimum complete Artisan system will be is very encouraging.” BAE Systems currently capability to moved to the land-based test site Artisan’s accuracy will maintains the existing Type protect classified in Portsmouth where the radar provide air traffic management 996 radar – which Artisan will information, will be integrated and tested for the Queen Elizabeth carriers. replace – under an innovative Minister for Defence with the rest of the Type 23’s The contract was originally and flexible in-service support Equipment, Support combat systems. awarded in 2008 and includes contract. and Technology has said. An April 2011 change in policy making Staff at DE&S have again been very well, very wisely and very questionnaires praised for their work during a effectively by skilled and talented unnecessary for Minister debate at Westminster Hall. people. low risk, low value Peter Luff, Minister for “It is inevitable that we procurement means Defence Equipment, Support and concentrate on the problems, smaller firms pays Technology, told MPs on 19 October because that is the nature of have easier access to Government of the ‘remarkable‘ job done by Parliament and holding the contracts. tribute ‘skilled and talented people’ as Government to account is what we he answered criticism of how the do. Bay handover to MOD spends its budget. “Nonetheless, I pay tribute “The scale of what we spend is to all those who do their jobs RFA Largs Bay, sold huge and it is right that honourable remarkably well, whether they are to Australia earlier DE&S members should be concerned in the Armed Services, the Civil this year, has been about how we spend that money,” Service, the MOD at Abbey Wood handed over at he said. or the (rest of) Defence Equipment Falmouth. She will staff “It is also right that we should and Support. They all do a great job be renamed HMAS Choules. say that much of that is spent serving our nation.” 14 news
Advertisement All change at Devonport
Collaboration, communication, innovation
Millbrook’s Julian Bryan, head of special projects and vehicle group, comments on the ever-increasing need for innovation and even better communication, as budgets come under greater pressure:
“Cuts in defence spending mean that important decisions have to be made in order to keep levels of service to the front line of a high quality. Two critical factors moving forward are the need for innovation and an ever-greater level of communication. Indeed, we have to understand and recognise where true innovation is coming from in Richmond work begins as Northumberland starts sea trials the future.
“For that to happen, frank Arrival: HMS Richmond gets ready for her talking is important, as well refit at Devonport as embracing the knowledge and expertise of people who understand their subject matter. Open questioning An upgrade to her Seawolf target the size of a cricket ball at trials. from both sides is also missile and command systems twice the speed of sound from DE&S’ project contract critical – people should tell it will form the centrepiece of a more than 20 miles away and manager Peter Mercier and how it is either technically or philosophically and not worry refit for HMS Richmond. launch two missiles to destroy Babcock’s head of operations, about people’s perceptions of And lessons learned it. warship support Mike Weeks their ideas and understandings. on a support period for New installations for both have both pointed to previous fellow Type 23 frigate HMS ships include a new command work on Type 23s informing “Such debates lead to Northumberland – now on sea system – known as DNA(2)– decisions on HMS Richmond. better communication and more open collaboration, trials after leaving Babcock’s that will be more cost effective “We look forward to both inside and outside the facility at Devonport – will help to maintain and is compatible continuing to build on the services. This situation leads on the extensive £20 million with other new ships entering excellent working relationship to a stronger supply chain overhaul. service. with Babcock from the previous and an improvement in both equipment and quality to the Installation of the Seawolf Upgraded communications upkeeps,” said Mr Mercier. front line. short range defence missile systems are also being installed Mr Weeks added: “Our system on both ships is part to enhance operational close relationship with DE&S’ “From this, it is clear that true of a £300 million upgrade capability and interoperability Surface Combatants team and innovation lies in the process programme being rolled for the future. extensive experience gained of developing good people and strong relationships within out across the Type 23 fleet. DE&S signed the Richmond from similar successful projects well-lead organisations.” It is designed to combat refit contract with Babcock in on HMS Westminster and HMS the increasing threat of September. Work is expected to Northumberland will be key To continue this discussion faster, lower flying and more last until next spring, with the to delivering this programme write to us on Twitter @millbrook_co_uk or to find manoeuverable missiles. ship due to return to the Fleet successfully, safely and at out more information on our This system can track a in the summer following sea optimum value for money.” military sector, please visit www.millbrook.co.uk or call 01525 404 242. Ship on time and in budget HMS Northumberland’s Standard Support Period (Docking) was completed on time and in budget. Along with the DNA(2) Command System and the Seawolf mid-life update, the ship has also been fitted with the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future), a new automatic small calibre gun and Nato radial filters to protect fresh air supplies. The 250,000 staff hours involved overhaul of 900 items of equipment, installation of 20km of cable, and application of 10,000 litres of paint. DE&S programme manager Tim Geary said: “This has been a challenging project, but strong working relationships have enabled the partnership to deliver the ship ready on time and in budget. The project is on track to deliver the ship back into service in December Heading out: HMS Northumberland after completion of sea trials.” news 15
NEWSREEL Ammunition deal helps Rees to lead trade body
Rees Ward is the update another factory new Chief Executive of the UK's Aerospace, Defence and Security (ADS) trade organisation, Left: Peter Luff succeeding Ian opens the new Godden who has factory at Radway retired. “ADS has Green. emerged as a strong organisation, Below: 7.62mm delivering ammunition made quality services by BAES' Global to a growing Combat Systems membership,” said in Cheshire Mr Ward. “It is ready to take the next step in its development and I feel privileged to be invited to lead the organisation at a time when our members look to us for effective interaction with Government and supporting them as they sustain The latest munitions factory and grow their in the UK has been opened businesses.” in Cheshire as part of DE&S’ partnering agreement with BAE Systems. Still among The handover of the new best payers facility at the former World War Two site of Radway Green, near Peter Luff, Minister for safeguard at least 1,000 jobs.” The MOD continues Crewe, marks the latest phase in Defence Equipment, Support Radway Green has more than to pay the vast majority of its UK the £2 billion MASS (Munitions and Technology, attended doubled ammunition production suppliers within 10 Acquisition – the Supply the handover from builders since 2005 and has met every working days, and Solution) deal for a sustainable Shephards. “I am heartened major milestone in the drive to most within five, the and modern manufacturing the MOD and BAE Systems are transform the factory. The story latest figures reveal. base to meet MOD future investing in the local economy,” at Washington in the north east In July 98.9 per cent requirements. he said. and Glascoed in south Wales is were paid within 10 Costing £83 million, the “This site has a long-held a similar tale of raised output on days while the figure for August was new factory will produce high reputation for producing the best old equipment while undergoing 98.7 per cent. The quality small arms ammunition quality small arms munitions major change. MOD can report on for British Forces. and the rebuilt plant will ensure MASS guarantees ceiling invoices paid inside It will have a production that record is maintained. prices for ten years and includes five working days, capacity 50 per cent greater “BAE Systems’ investment in incentives to make savings, where the figure for than previous factories and three major munitions factories shared between the MOD and July 2010 was 95.7 per cent and for will be equipped with energy in partnership with the MOD BAE Systems. It also provides for August was 96.8 per efficient equipment to improve will sustain a key manufacturing the development of new, better- cent. the site’s carbon footprint. capability within the UK and performing and safer munitions.
Tanker bids
Brothers in arms – it’s MASS in motion Final bids have been requested Soldiers from the Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal in the ongoing Artillery have visited BAE Systems’ Munitions sites to talk about international life on operations in Afghanistan and the importance of the range competition for the Military of ammunition provided to DE&S under MASS. Afloat Reach and The tour was organised by Lt Col Chris Sanderson of DE&S’ Sustainability Defence General Munitions team. (MARS) Tanker He told workers: “There are soldiers returning from contract, Minister Afghanistan who would not be alive if it wasn’t for the quality of for Defence the ammunition you produce. The British Army is 100,000 strong, Equipment, Support but we must add another 1,500 people in munitions to that total.” and Technology Peter Luff has said. The winning bidder Left: Lt Col Chris Sanderson (DE&S), Gunner Shaun Grimes and is anticipated next Bombardier Mick Braybrook (both 29 Commando Regiment Royal year. Artillery) inspecting Afghanistan-bound 105mm Light Gun ammunition packed by Ross Berryman at Glascoed 16 news Torbay checks in for latest Work has begun on maintenance to help take HMS Torbay through to the end of her working life. The nuclear powered attack submarine will undergo around 300,000 hours of work by Babcock maintenance staff on its Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP) in Devonport. Project manager Cdr Martin Gill of DE&S’ In-service Submarines said: “Torbay’s RAMP is the largest package to date but I have every confidence that by utilising the improved planning, communication and execution processes the joint project team will complete the RAMP on time. “A more capable and safe Torbay will return to the Fleet ready to operate for the rest of her commission.” Communications upgrades will include improvements to internal communications, especially through bulkheads, with the installation of the Cromwell radio antenna upgrade, and final installation of the Ship Alongside upgrade which is used in harbour to provide connectivity, television and telephone services on board. The RAMP will also mark a ‘first’ with an extensive painting package to better camouflage the submarine when operating in shallow waters. It is likely the tailshaft will be replaced which will require 33 weeks in dry dock. Babcock boat manager Jon Lewis said the sheer volume of work within the RAMP will create an enormous challenge to balance resources. Ready for There will be challenges around the painting her RAMP: package which impacts on other work on the HMS pressure hull such as upgrades to the submarine’s Torbay in sonar system. Devonport
When it comes to the nation’s security, you Achieving new need outstanding engineering partners with the highest levels of experience, integrity depths in and creative thinking. BMT has all these, which is why we’ve worked with Government departments and defence agencies, submarine design major defence and industrial contractors in the UK and overseas since 1985. We don’t just design submarines, warships and auxiliaries, we also provide you with a watertight business case, ongoing support and valuable peace of mind. So when you decide to work with BMT, you’ll be putting together a highly successful partnership.
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BMT half page_DESider_Subs_Nov2011.indd 1 06/09/11 13:21:11 news 17
Advertisement Albion hands over to Bulwark
HMS Albion, pictured left, is back in Devonport after six months in the Mediterranean and Middle East. She is now to move into extended readiness under the terms of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Commanding officer, Captain James Morley Royal Navy, said: “Everyone on board is tremendously proud to have served in such a capable and versatile ship which is the vanguard of the UK’s contingent capability. “Although it is a sad day for us to see such a modern ship placed Save energy alongside for such a long time, we all look forward to welcoming her back into the Fleet in 2016.” HMS Albion has handed over its duties as the Royal Navy’s very high readiness command ship to her sister ship HMS Bulwark. Time to get HMS Albion will spend the next five months in Devonport unloading stores and preparing for her extended readiness. The ahead of the ship is then due for a refit before regenerating and taking over from HMS Bulwark in 2016. cold winter months...
Interserve is dedicated Reacher is a highlight to supporting the MOD’s commitment to reduce its energy bill of Paradigm factfinder by 25% over the next three years. With the cold months The 44th and final Reacher just around the corner, terminal – delivering operational now is the time to communications to UK Forces – has been accepted into service. ensure effective Energy Reacher, in service since Management Systems 2007, is used on current and controls are in operations and has also place. supported overseas and UK- based exercises. By establishing and It delivers reliable and implementing correct flexible communications and heating settings work is underway to increase and sensible use of throughput, building on lessons lighting, significant learned from operations. fuel savings and The last terminal was accepted by Major-General better environmental Tim Inshaw, DE&S’ Director performance can be Information Systems and achieved across all Services (ISS), during a visit to Major General Tim Inshaw accepts the final Reacher into service from sites. Paradigm Services’ Hawthorn Mr Peter Bruton (Paradigm), flanked from left by Col Neil Fraser, Wg Cdr site at Corsham for an update Damian Orton, Mr Ken Hadfield (Paradigm), Cdr Andy Titcomb and Mr Delivering on Spend on satellite communications Pete Lymn to Save Programmes Picture courtesy of Paradigm support to operations and before the onset of technology development plans. Autumn and Winter will Through the Skynet 5 230 people with 41 MOD staff satellite terminal, generators also maximise potential Private Finance Initiative (PFI), from the Networks Beyond and fuel – on call 24/7. energy savings by up to Paradigm owns and operates in Line of Sight (BLOS) team. Maj-Gen Inshaw saw a FAST partnership with ISS the Skynet Major General Inshaw was (flexible, agile, scalable and fifty per cent. military communications shown the High Integrity transportable) welfare cabin, Exploring new satellite constellation which Telecommunications System, part of Paradigm’s Welfare efficiency models delivers secure strategic developed for UK national Communications Everywhere will be a positive communications to overseas emergencies by Paradigm and programme. Cabins are based bases and operational the MOD. on ISO shipping containers, step towards helping deployments. This exploits Skynet 5, but and fitted with a generator, the MOD meet its The constellation consists also provides IT and telephony, air conditioning, telephones, demanding energy of seven military grade plus a transportable rapid internet workstations, video saving targets. satellites; three new Skynet response capability which has messaging, Wi-Fi hot-spot and a 5 and four legacy Skynet 4 already been deployed for the satcom terminal. satellites. Commercial satellite recent visit of the Pope and golf’s Finally Maj-Gen Inshaw communications, focused on Ryder Cup to the UK. was briefed by Dr Phil Wadey, welfare services for deployed It ensures that the Cabinet Head of the Space Directorate, personnel, are part of the PFI. Office can operate independently on the refurbished Spacecraft www.interserve.com Hawthorn is Paradigm’s of the UK telephone network with Operations Centre, which he main operations centre of transportable systems – crew, then formally opened. 18 news Terrier – digging a big reputation
Progress on the Terrier Armoured Engineer Tractor project has continued with completion of user evaluation trials. Royal Engineers used three demonstration vehicles on tasks that Terrier will be expected to perform in service, which is scheduled for 2013. Trials were to prove that Terrier is capable of extended use in arduous battlefield conditions and to obtain user feedback so the final vehicle design could be fine tuned. Terrier project manager Heath Wardle of DE&S’ Manoeuvre Support team said: “During demonstration we have been undertaking intensive reliability growth and system acceptance trials to a battlefield mission profile. However there is no substitute for user feedback directly in a less controlled trial environment.” Royal Engineers put new armoured tractor The two-month trial began on 18 July with amphibious operations through its paces in demanding trials qualification by 1 Assault Group Royal Marines, 11 Amphibious Trials and Training Squadron at Instow in Devon. Controlled freshwater dip- tank trials were followed by Above: Terrier the vehicle driving onto and passed its sea off a landing craft anchored trials, driving onto off the beach at 1.5m deep. and off a landing The vehicle was fitted craft off the Devon with a fording kit including coast a snorkel to protect the engine cooling vent designed Left: Terrier by 11(ATT) Squadron. dug more than a kilometre of The vehicle successfully anti-tank ditches completed the trial. during its trials at Representative battlefield Bovington missions, including a five- day exercise, were then undertaken at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Training ‘There is no substitute Group, Bovington. The vehicles dug more than 100 for user feedback in pits for Warrior vehicles and AS90 self-propelled guns, 142 a less controlled trial fire trenches and more than a kilometre of anti-tank ditches. environment’ In addition, the vehicle undertook lengthy road and – Heath Wardle, DE&S cross-country manoeuvres while towing the AVRE Trailer laden with two fascines as well as ‘special to role’ activities that included obstacle and surface clearance and route denial. Mr Wardle added: “In addition to confirming Terrier is meeting those requirements tested on the trial, we have identified Above: Terrier shows off its some potential improvements to the ability to clear surfaces while, final vehicle design settings that we are right, obstacle clearance exploring with the users and vehicle proves no problem manufacturer BAE Systems.” news 19
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Mk4s wave goodbye to Bastion Land
A Sea King Mk4 soars above Camp Bastion as the Royal Navy’s Commando helicopters complete their final mission in support of Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) and return to the UK. Crews will prepare for further contingency operations and convert to the newer Merlin helicopter. The Mk4 is due to be withdrawn from military service in 2016. In four years supporting Operation Herrick, Commando Sea Kings flew more than 3,800 missions totalling approximately 12,500 flying hours. Sea n Navy Merlin milestone: page 27 Landing sees JSF take a great leap forward The Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) provides Test and Evaluation The UK’s version of the Joint Strike Fighter has moved a step and Training Support Services to MOD. forward as the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant has completed its first vertical landing at sea on the The majority of your costs are funded flight deck of USS Wasp. centrally by MOD, ensuring you receive The F-35B test aircraft BF-2 landed safely, part of initial ship exceptional value for money for all of trials which lasted two weeks. The UK has chosen the Carrier Variant of the F-35 but still your evaluation requirements. has two STOVL aircraft to undertake initial training of pilots and maintainers. UK STOVL test aircraft will be used to conduct joint initial operational test and evaluation with US services. Evaluating military capabilities from concept Mike Bullock, deputy leader of DE&S’ Joint Combat to disposal, the LTPA provides innovative test Aircraft team, said: “This is in an important milestone in the and evaluation of military and civil platforms, JSF programme and demonstrates continuing maturity in the systems, weapons and components on land, STOVL variant. at sea and in the air. “Maturity of STOVL is important to us and the landing on USS Wasp clearly demonstrates technical maturity in this To find out everything you need to know about aircraft. the LTPA and how to make use of it, go to: “The mission systems on the Joint Strike Fighter are common across all three variants so we get huge learning from our STOVL jets.” The landing tests also collected data on how the aircraft www.LTPA.co.uk integrates with the ship’s landing systems, and deck and hangar www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. operations. Vice-Admiral David Venlet, the F-35 programme’s executive officer, added: “Signs of dependable performance are emerging across broad aspects of the development programme. The US Navy, Marine Corps and industry team of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Pratt and Whitney and Rolls-Royce continue to work tirelessly to deliver this aircraft.” 20 news A400M is red hot in tests
A400M – the RAF’s next transport aircraft – has passed two more crucial tests on its way to civil and military certification. Toulouse Airport was the venue for a high-energy rejected take-off test which confirmed capability of the braking system to stop the aircraft safely following an aborted take-off at high speed and high weight. The aircraft, loaded to the maximum take-off weight, made a simulated take- off which was aborted at V1 speed, the maximum speed at which the pilot decides whether to continue take-off or not. As specified by testing authorities the aircraft was then stopped for five minutes before firefighters were allowed to cool the brakes and wheels. As is typical in this test, three of the aircraft’s tyres burst. There was no further damage and the test was highly successful. Emergency evacuation tests using paratroopers, conventional troops, a medical evacuation configuration and a mixture of troops and cargo at the Above: firefighters cool down A400M after the A400M final assembly line in Seville aircraft passed its aborted take-off test, which were successfully passed using the fifth burst three of the tyres, right development aircraft which is mostly complete and due to fly before the end of Pictures: Airbus Military themve year. Desider advert oct 2011_Layout 1 05/10/2011 09:18 Page 1
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news 21
Weapons teams pool their talents
Two DE&S teams – part of the Weapons Operating Centre – have merged. With effect from 17 October the Freefall team has joined International Guns, Missiles and Rockets (IMGR), with the IGMR leader having responsibility for Freefall business. The Freefall group, now renamed IGMR-Freefall Weapons will remain largely unchanged as part of IGMR. Location and telephone numbers of Freefall personnel stay the same.
Science is focus of new deal British and Indian scientists will work together to develop cutting edge technologies for defence and security. Under a new agreement, the two countries will pool their science and engineering expertise on projects such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, advanced explosives, and factors affecting human performance on the battlefield. The MOD’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Sir Mark Welland, above left, has signed a Letter of Arrangement with Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Director General of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This opens the way for collaboration between scientists from DRDO and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl). Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Peter Luff, said: “Science and technology is one of the foundations of our bilateral relationship with India. I’m delighted that scientists from both countries will be able to share their impressive expertise in this field and have no doubt it will lead to even greater innovation in defence Shoreham and security technology, benefiting both our nations.” – out of Rosyth and back in Home of the the Fleet BATTLEFIELD MISSION
HMS Shoreham, the Royal Navy’s newest Sandown class Millbrook is an single role minehunter, is back with the Fleet after an on- world-leading time, on-budget maintenance programme at Rosyth. independent The ship is the second single role minehunter to have organisation specialising in the the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) development, installed, enabling information sharing and collaborative enhancement and research working across defence. of military vehicles, as well as being An overhaul of both main engines, renewal of hull paint with foul-release system to improve speed and fuel efficiency, home to the MoD and upgrades to living quarters are among a large number Battlefield Mission of improvements carried out by contractors Babcock. Close working between DE&S and Babcock before the support period built on the exprience of HMS Blyth’s recent docking period. A work package identified cost reductions, For further information: ensuring optimum value for money. contact Bruce Lornie on DE&S’ programme manager David Winstanley said: +44 (0)1525 408476 “This is an excellent result for a project which has seen [email protected] a significant number of material supply difficulties. The www.millbrook.co.uk/military success is a testament to the strength and durability of the partnering arrangement and the valuable contributions from the wider stakeholder community.” Babcock project manager Dave Gibb added: “We are delighted to have returned HMS Shoreham on-time, in- budget, and with improved operational capability at optimum value for money.” 22 materiel strategy Options for the future make-up of DE&S
hief of Defence Materiel Bernard Gray told hundreds of DE&S staff Cduring town hall sessions at Abbey Wood that he and the Board had narrowed analysis of the future options for the organisation. He emphasised to staff that no decisions had yet been taken but on current plans he intended to propose to the Secretary of State a range of options, supported by robust analysis and recommendations, next month. He anticipated the MOD would be in a position to announce a decision early next year. Mr Gray, who also took questions from staff at the presentations, said there would be comprehensive engagement on the options within DE&S and MOD, trades unions, other Government departments and industry. He set out five potential options and highlighted three that had been judged to be the most appropriate for further detailed consideration. They were:
• A Trading Fund, similar in operation to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory;
• An Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, similar in operation to the Olympic Delivery Authority or the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority;
• A Government-Owned Contractor- Operated (GOCO) organisation or organisations, similar in operation to the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
And he also explained that following detailed analysis and, contrary to the views in his 2009 ‘Report on Acquisition’, the Board was satisfied there appeared to be no compelling reason to separate from DE&S the Joint Support Chain, Information Systems and Services and the three naval bases at Faslane, Devonport and Portsmouth. “In order to be able to determine our ‘Moving away from being an ‘on vote’ MOD own destiny what structure do we need?” asked Mr Gray at his town hall session to Top Level Budget holder will give us more staff on 10 October. “Moving away from being an ‘on vote’ freedom. Just staying as we are or moving MOD Top-Level Budget holder will give to the status of an agency will not give us us more freedom. Just staying as we are or moving to the status of an agency will enough freedom to meet the challenges we not give us enough freedom to meet the challenges we have got – particularly in the have got – particularly in the coming decade coming decade when the pressures on the budget will remain a significant challenge to when the pressures on our budget will remain keep in balance. “And we don’t think that turning us into a significant challenge to keep in balance’ – a private company is the sensible thing to Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel do. “We have made a lot of progress on the materiel strategy 23 Options for the future make-up of DE&S
The Chief of Defence Materiel has told DE&S theatre, came onto DE&S’ books. Mr Gray said a number of functions staff the latest thinking on the Materiel of DE&S had been looked at, particularly running the naval bases, the Joint Support Strategy and proposals for the future of the Chain and Information Systems and Services (ISS). “All have been the subject organisation he plans to put to the of keen debate over the last few months,” he said. Secretary of State “There was an argument that we in DE&S should be focused on our core business of acquiring and supporting equipment. But when you look at it in detail it is a finely balanced argument as Materiel Strategy since we last met,” Mr and time. Moreover, insufficiently robust to whether we should retain these other Gray told staff. “A lot of work has been risk analysis had been undertaken on too functions or not.” done to validate data and consider new many projects. On the naval bases Mr Gray said data and this is an update on where we This analysis had been backed by that some of the activity was more are.” benchmarking work done by consultants closely aligned to operations while Mr Gray explained that the strategy Booz, which drew on a wide range of data much of the support work was clearly had three aims: to achieve the best value from comparator organisations. It showed the responsibility of DE&S, which also for defence materiel, to balance the DE&S needed to perform better. possessed much of the commercial equipment and support programme, Mr Gray said that the analysis by expertise required in the bases. On and to build a DE&S with engaged and the Materiel Strategy team had also the support chain Mr Gray said it was motivated staff with the behaviours, shown that DE&S expenditure was important to retain that close relationship accountabilities, skills and processes somewhat higher, at £18.3 billion last with project teams which meant that required to do the job. year, than had been generally assumed. delivery to Operation Herrick was so “We are looking at what is our This was because expenditure on some much better. On ISS Mr Gray said there purpose and what roles DE&S should consumables, such as ammunition used in were elements of the communications undertake, what activities should be network which might belong more inside DE&S and what we can leave inside comfortably to the new Joint Force other areas of the MOD. Command, yet there was a lot of other “Collectively the system is work which was closely linked to many of underperforming in procuring equipment the platforms provided to the Forces by on time and on budget. There is no contest ‘Collectively the DE&S. about this any more. We have an issue “We can’t say that somebody else with our outturns which across key system is would do these functions dramatically projects are 40 per cent higher than our better than us,” he said. “And there is original cost estimates for projects and underperforming in likely to be some frictional effect in our time to in-service dates are about moving these functions elsewhere. Our 80 per cent longer than we originally procuring equipment view therefore, which we will be offering estimate.” up to the Secretary of State, is that all While these failings were not on time and on budget. three components should remain within necessarily all the result of action There is no contest the DE&S boundaries.” by DE&S, since some were due to Mr Gray felt it was important to move departmental programme adjustments or about this any more’ away from the MOD to give DE&S more changes of specification, ED &S did play a freedom to make decisions and have role resulting from over-optimism on cost more of a stake in its own future. And the range of options to be presented to the Secretary of State offered different degrees of separation between DE&S and MOD head office and different models of how the relationship between the two would work. He said the objective was to enable DE&S to carry out its tasks more effectively, benefiting for example from more freedom in recruiting people with the right skills and buying the right information systems. “We need to flush out all the issues on these options ahead of time,” he added. “Here are three options of how you could take this organisation forward and make progress with it, each with its own pluses and minuses.” 24 astute submarines Anson – keel with a modern twist
he main construction phase of Building of the fifth of the Astute class submarines the fifthAstute class submarine has begun in front of an enthusiastic audience at T– unveiled last month as Anson – has been officially marked by Defence BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow Minister Gerald Howarth. The traditional keel-laying ceremony took place at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions’ shipyard in Barrow-in- Furness, Cumbria, on 12 October. It is a significant step towards the delivery of the nuclear powered attack submarine to the Royal Navy. The ceremony marked the transition of the submarine’s construction from fabrication of the pressure hull units to full construction. BAE Systems’ workforce and more than 100 guests witnessed Mr Howarth unveil the 190-tonne unit, measuring 11 metres high and wide and 7 metres long. The keel is a large beam around which Flag day: Defence Minister Gerald Howarth is joined by local youngsters the hull is built. It is the first part of the 7,400-tonne vessel to be constructed. The unit will house the manoeuvring room module, which is the control centre for the propulsion plant, and the diesel generator module, which provides crucial back-up for the boat’s electrical systems. Together they effectively form the electrical pulse of the submarine and the unit is one of the most sophisticated and heavily outfitted of all the units. Mr Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy, said: “The keel-laying for the fifth of seven immensely powerful Astute class boats marks another milestone in our Playing to the gallery: submarine workers watch from the sidelines as the keel is laid for Anson programme to equip the Royal Navy with the most advanced nuclear submarines.
Report: Tim Foreman and Hannah Swingler
Pictures: Andrew Linnett astute submarines 25
“It demonstrates this Government’s ongoing commitment to investing in the equipment that will form the basis of the Future Force 2020. This exciting project is helping to maintain the skills required to build such boats in the UK and sustaining thousands of jobs.” The Astute class of seven submarines sees the first-of-class HMS Astute already in service with the Royal Navy, the second boat, Ambush, is currently being fitted out in Barrow and recently completed its first dive. Boats three and four, Artful and Audacious, are currently in production in Barrow. The Astute class will be the most sophisticated attack submarines ever ordered for the Royal Navy. They have improved capability for operations, greater firepower, better communications and crew accommodation than in-service submarines. Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel, said: “This latest progress on the Astute programme is fantastic news not only for the MOD and the Royal Navy but also the submarine-building industry in this country. The close collaboration between the MOD and BAE Systems Submarine Solutions continues to achieve great results and deliver to the Royal Navy the most modern and effective equipment available.” John Hudson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, added: “The keel laying is the maritime equivalent of setting the foundations of a building and is every bit as important with regard to the long term safety and performance of the vessel. "Today we embrace that tradition, but with a modern twist. Anson’s keel is being laid vertically to enable more cost effective submarine production. It will be safer and easier for our engineers to install material and equipment into the hull in this orientation. This shows our commitment to value, but also to challenge our traditions, and to adopt better ways of working.” The submarine programme involves an extensive supply chain, with more than £4.4 billion spent across the UK since 2000. It also supports a host of jobs, It's all systems go as construction begins on Anson 5,000 of which are at Barrow. 26 helicopters
Puma – 40 years
he Puma helicopter has celebrated 40 years of front line work as the backbone (and Tof the RAF’s medium lift capability. Operations, exercises and humanitarian relief efforts have topped the list of its tasks since its first operational flight on 29 September 1971. counting) The aircraft is operated by two RAF squadrons from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. Group Captain Richard Mason, the Puma Force Commander, said: “Right from the early days of the troubles in Northern Ireland, right through of sterling to the end of combat operations in Iraq, Puma has really been the backbone of our medium- lift helicopter capability. “It’s been used in Mozambique to provide humanitarian relief, it’s supported Nato in service Bosnia and Kosovo, it’s supported British and
‘Puma enjoys excellent supportability, owing to its rugged design and relative simplicity. The experience embedded in the RAF and MOD after 40 years of service ensures very good ongoing value for money’ – Gp Capt Malcom French, DE&S helicopters 27
American troops in both Gulf wars; it’s pretty much been everywhere that British forces have Navy marks Merlin been in the last four decades.” Key to its many recent successes is the support of DE&S. Puma is the responsibility of milestone with the Puma 2/Gazelle team. “The Puma helicopter enjoys excellent supportability, owing to its rugged design and glimpse into the future relative simplicity,” said Group Captain Malcolm French, the team’s leader. The Royal Navy has marked ten years of operating the Merlin on the front line “The experience embedded in the RAF by taking a look at the next generation Merlin – the Mk 2 – as it made its debut at and MOD after 40 years of service ensures RNAS Culdrose. A prototype of the Mk2 was a highlight of the day at the Cornish air base which very good ongoing value for money. DE&S has been home to the Mk1 since it entered service with the Fleet Air Arm. has a very good working relationship with the The anniversary allowed Merlin air and ground crew to take stock of the original equipment manufacturer and design helicopter's many achievements over the past decade, and reinforce its critical organisation Eurocopter on the life extension role over the next 20 years – it will serve the Royal Navy until at least 2029. of the aircraft – including new engines and a The Navy operates 38 Merlin Mk1 aircraft – looked after by aircrew, engineers modern avionics suite – which will allow the and technicians and backed by DE&S' Merlin project team. aircraft to continue to deliver valuable military Captain Andy Lison RN, the Merlin team leader, was in Culdrose to see the celebrations. “The DE&S project team, working jointly with industry, are very effect in a wide variety of environments.” proud to be supporting the current aircraft and managing the project to deliver Official celebrations saw current personnel the exciting new Mk2 platform. joined by some of the older generation who flew “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the aircraft’s success and for the the Puma in its early days, including Mr Noel user to gain an early glimpse of the future capability.” Fletcher, who flew as an air loadmaster in the The Merlin fleet is heavily committed at home and abroad on a variety of Puma when it came into service in 1971. training and operational tasks including: Mr Fletcher said the Puma is still as fit for • counter-piracy/ counter-terrorism/ counter-smuggling/ counter-drugs- running duties east of Suez; purpose today as it was when he first had the privilege to fly in the aircraft. He said: “It’s got good carrying-capacity for troops, it's got good carrying-capacity for loads, internal and external, and from an operator’s point of view we found role-changing very much easier than the Wessex it replaced. “Did I anticipate that the Puma would still be here 40 years later? Why not, it's a good workhorse!” Flight Lieutenant James Mastin, a pilot and standards officer with 33 Squadron, believes the Puma aircraft he flies has a rather unique ability that has not been replicated in other RAF assets introduced during the Puma’s 40-year service career. He said: “I think compared to other larger helicopters, the Puma has a rather niche role in that it can land in smaller, tighter spaces. It's quite a quick helicopter comparatively speaking, but also a simple helicopter – it does exactly what it says on the tin.”
On patrol: a Royal Navy Merlin supports personnel as they conduct patrol duties in the Middle East
• operating from Type 23 frigates on patrol in the Middle East; • protection for the Royal Navy’s ultimate weapon, the strategic missile submarines on constant patrol; • training by day and night around the Cornish coast (typically there are half a dozen buzzing around Mounts Bay and beyond).
“If you’re the captain of a ship, you want something which can do anti- submarine warfare, can do counter-piracy, can drop off 11 troops. So if I was captain of a ship, I’d want a squadron of Merlins,” said Commander Darran Goldsmith, Commanding Officer of 814 Naval Air Squadron. “It’s a brilliant aircraft.” In a decade of service – during which time it’s clocked up around 100,000 flying hours – Merlin has supported operations in Iraq in 2003, followed by lengthy patrols with Type 23 frigates protecting the country’s oil platforms. Merlin has been used to trap drug runners in the Caribbean and pirates off the Horn of Africa, helped enforce the UN embargo off Libya earlier this year, supported amphibious exercises from Africa to the Mediterranean, as well as maintaining its original role of finding submarines. The first Mk2 is set to be delivered to Culdrose next year for evaluation to Puma: rugged design enter service in 2013. “Merlin is a key pillar of the future Navy,” said Commander and relative simplicity Kevin Dodd. “It is one of the most versatile aircraft the UK has. It is here until 2029 – and maybe beyond." 28 armoured engineering ‘No-one else has a vehicle like Trojan’
Engineer vehicles are now even more capable of dealing with the threats to operational life in Afghanistan after a £350 million improvement contract with BAE Systems
Report: Tim Foreman armoured engineering 29
ewly upgraded Titan and Trojan vehicles have been handed over to Nthe field Army, thanks to the work of DE&S. The Platforms Team in the Combat Tracks Group is overseeing a programme of improvements for the two vehicle types worth approximately £350 million. BAE Systems (Newcastle) is the prime contractor with works sub-contracted through CATT, Parker Dominick Hunter, Thales and Ultra among others. Titan and Trojan were procured through DE&S to provide Royal Engineer regiments in the Army with Armoured Manoeuvre Support vehicles capable of minefield breaching, dozing and bridging. Trojan is designed to open routes through complex battlefield obstacles and clear a path through minefields. Titan can lay a selection of close He added: “No one else has a vehicle Its high speed cross country mobility, support bridges, providing a capability to like Trojan; the Americans we worked technologically advanced vehicle control cross gaps of up to 40 metres. alongside on Op Hamkari loved it.” systems and its enhanced remote CCTV A total of 33 of each platform are Lance Corporal Daniel Devaney, camera systems keep it operating at currently being upgraded with some of 22 Engineer Regiment, 5 Armoured peak performance whether bounding the Trojan vehicles already showing their Engineer Squadron, added there was between cover in the urban environment worth on operations in Afghanistan. great confidence in Trojan in theatre. or advancing towards the enemy in open Combat Tracks Group has now “The reliability of Trojan is excellent; countryside. handed over some of the vehicles to 22 everyone sings its praises in theatre,” With its enormously capable Engineer Regiment at Swinton Barracks he said. “The ground is very hard excavator arm, Full Width Mine Plough in Perham Down, near Tidworth. going in Afghanistan but this vehicle is (Improved) – (FWMP(I)) – and dozer Feedback from sappers who have clearing areas all the time. It does its job blade, it is easy to move around the used Trojan vehicles on operations in extremely well.” battlefield to perform complex obstacle Afghanistan has been positive. Corporal The commanding officer of 22 clearance tasks without the crew having Kevin Holding said Trojan came into Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Jason Kerr, to leave the protection of the vehicle. its own during Operation Hamkari, added: “There is no doubt from recent With its excavator arm it can dig an Afghan-led IASF operation around history in Afghanistan that Trojan was ditches and trenches and can clear Kandahar. “The is a truly excellent a battle-winner and this was recognised or smash its way through all sorts of vehicle for dealing with the threats out in by the US, to whom it was routinely in obstructions such as compound walls, Afghanistan. During a four to five week support, as well as the British. It went abandoned vehicles, rubble, fallen trees period we found a total of 17 IEDs using where no other capability could be sent and buildings. the vehicle, three of which went off,” he and did its job in short order under It can also be fitted with a front- said. intense conditions. The confidence my mounted, hydraulically controlled dozer “There was only minor damage crews have gained from this experience blade that can excavate ditches, push caused to the vehicles and in some cases alone has rocketed.” heavy obstacles aside and construct they were fixed and back on the road Trojan is a modern and capable protection for troops and vehicles. within 45 minutes. It’s a gleaming bit of Armoured Engineer Vehicle and is With its technically advanced kit.” crewed by three armoured engineers. FWMP(I) attached, it can clear a safe path through a minefield and simultaneously fire safe lane indicator markers into the ground to mark the safe route for friendly Workhorse: Trojan gets forces. to work while, above, the Additionally, for mine clearance crew inside have the best operations, Trojan can fire the Python, protection which is a rocket propelled explosive mine clearance system. Python is essentially a long hose filled with more than a ton of high explosives and blasts a safe route through a mineield. Trojan can also drop fascines, which are bundles of very strong plastic pipes, into ditches and streams for other vehicles to drive over. While Trojan is primarily an engineer vehicle, it is fitted with a remote operated machine gun and smoke grenade discharger, which enable the vehicle commander to provide point defence and smoke to support extractions from enemy contact. 30 exercise joint caterer The knives are out! War and peas in the services
Heat of battle: Simon Rimmer gets Above: judges test food in the open field cooking competition to work taking on the military where competitors prepare food using the ten-man ration pack.
Main picture: Private Danny Butler from 3 Battalion REME based in Germany competes in a heat of the Junior Chef of the Year
Report: Hannah Swingler Pictures: Andrew Linnett exercise joint caterer 31
he knives were out at the military’s and master the traditional methods of biggest food fight – hosted by ED &S butchery and baking which is no mean T– as the Army squared up to a well- feat given the challenging environment known TV chef in a battle of the dishes. that these chefs work in.” Temperatures rose as three teams Fellow competitor, Cpl Tony The knives are out! of Army chefs challenged the BBC’s Meadows, who serves with 215 Signals Simon Rimmer to create a number of Squadron based in Tidworth, said: “I’ve dishes suitable for a Shura – a meeting of been to Afghanistan as a chef and it is Afghan community leaders. so important that we maintain the skills Simon, presenter and chef on BBC2’s to make sure that our boys and girls are War and peas in the services ‘Something for the Weekend’, was given interesting and nutritious meals. challenged to cook and serve 20 portions Today’s competition has been a challenge of finger food as well as two types of but it’s been great.” fresh bread using only ingredients The competition was the centrepiece traditionally found in Afghanistan or in of DE&S’ annual three-day culinary military ration packs. challenge, Exercise Joint Caterer. Using a selection of fresh and dried Hundreds of chefs from across the produce such as polenta, French spinach, Forces came face-to-face at Sandown pomegranates, powdered Park, Surrey, where milk and eggs, the teams challenges include produced mouth watering cooking and preparing dishes such as pear and ‘It is essential we a three-course meal polenta cake, chicken for fine dining to tagine and baked beef with hone the talents creating innovative, eggs. interesting dishes out Each team was also of already skilled of ingredients found expected to demonstrate only in ration packs. traditional butchery skills chefs, and this Gp Capt Killey by preparing an Afghan added: “Meal times on staple – goat. competition the front line play a Group Captain Andy vital role in ensuring Killey, head of Food highlights our that both energy and Services at DE&S, said: morale is kept high “Food plays a huge part commitment to and our military chefs in life on the front line, is are expected to deliver used to fuel our troops and doing this’ top quality meals in also as a tool to engage an often challenging socially with others. environment. It is “Our troops regularly therefore essential attend local community we hone the talents meetings, or Shuras, to share and gather of these already skilled chefs and this intelligence and so it is important that competition highlights our commitment they are able to observe the tradition of to doing this.” bringing and sharing local dishes so that they are able to further engage with our Afghan allies.” Simon Rimmer added: “I have been thoroughly impressed by the skill, creativity and dedication demonstrated by these chefs. “They have had to learn how to create and cook local traditional dishes
Silver medallists: AB Gemma Bestier, Cpl Tom Hanson and Leading Chef Mark Midwinter from Royal Marines Stonehouse competed in A dish of Sana Goat, prepared by the team the open field cooking competition. from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery at Tidworth
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Work kicks off on new ammo jetty
Work on a new £18 million jetty in Portsmouth where Royal Navy warships Vehicle support will load up with ammunition is underway. Once complete switches to the Upper Harbour Ammunitioning Head of Logistic Commodities and Services, Facility will replace Commander Paul Cunningham, far left, was at the existing jetty the handover at Ashchurch along with DSG chief which was built executive Archie Robertson, right the DSG in 1929 and is not large enough to accommodate the Vehicle support at a number Navy’s new Type 45 of sites across the UK has moved destroyers. to the Defence Support Group Portsmouth Naval (DSG). Base Commander, Ashchurch, Catterick, Commodore Rob Thompson, got Longmoor and Warminster the construction transferred from Logistic underway by pressing Commodities and Services (LCS), a button to start the formerly Joint Support Chain ‘driving-in’ of the first Services, on 1 October. main jetty piles. The transfer expands DSG’s “This project has work in the fleet services Land been planned for a long while so it is environment, making the group tremendous news that more of a one-stop shop providing work has now started. the majority of vehicle support, Staff at Ashchurch It will be of great storage and maintenance for UK hear about the benefit to the naval changes on 30 Armed Forces. base and the navy as a September DSG is now more deeply whole,” he said. involved in all stages of the The jetty – which includes two hydraulic vehicle life cycle, from initial cranes and mooring receipt, maintenance and support vehicles, together with Royal UK to use Controlled Humidity pontoons – will be 85 through to eventual disposal. Engineer stores and construction Environment for the long-term metres by 15 metres LCS delivered its services plant. storage of vehicles and it also and can accommodate to DE&S, Headquarters Land The 272,000-square metre has a road-rail transfer facility to ships up to 10,000 Forces and Permanent Joint facility holds vehicles that range enable movement of vehicles by tonnes. It will be operational by the Headquarters. As these are from the Challenger 2 Main rail to and from ports across the middle of next year. the same traditional groups of Battle Tank to the lightweight UK. Gerrit Smit of customers DSG deals with, it quad bike trailer. Its role is Longmoor and Catterick play builders VolkerStevin is a logical move to merge the crucial in managing the huge a vital role in providing vehicles Marine, said: “It is provider activity. inventory of vehicles deploying to for training while the workforce the first time we have The Ashchuch site is currently and returning from operational in Warminster work on the worked with the MOD the main MOD vehicle storage theatres. Operational Training Equipment but I hope this is the start of a lasting and distribution hub for all types Ashchurch was the first Pool of vehicles that DSG already relationship.” of 185x65LoricaAdChinook_Layoutarmoured and soft skinned 1 04/10/2011vehicle 15:19storage Page depot 1 in the maintains.
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www.loricasystemsuk.com © Crown Copyright/MOD 2010 34 news
Team leads way in Back troops in ‘smarter’ battling the hackers ways, public urged STAFF AT DE&S’ ISTAR Operating Centre are leading the way in Parcel enhancing protection of free-flowing information rules are making it less vulnerable to computer hackers. all set With the warfighter needing information to change quickly the challenge is tough, particularly when British Forces that information needs to post to and from be shared with coalition Germany and Cyprus partners. is to fall in line with DE&S’ Joint UK domestic rules Electronic Surveillance regarding weight and (JES) team is managing size limits of packets UK research into how and parcels. automatic information British Force can flow between security Post Office, part of domains through a DE&S, generally physical connection follows the Royal without increasing the Mail and Parcelforce security risk. This is the weight and size limits Secure Data Guard (SDG) for packets and technology demonstrator. parcels to overseas “If you have a destinations. computer then you have However use of got to expect it to be surface mail rather attacked and, in this, UK than air to Germany Government departments and Cyprus has are no different to any meant the rules other organisation,” said have not been rigidly Richard Rodgers, SDG enforced. project manager. BFPO’s newly “For the MOD there automated London are additional challenges operation and as the capabilities of our increased mail Festive cheer: for service personnel on the front line, but not if their mail has Forces and the way we means the end of the been held up by parcels sent by well-intentioned members of the public disseminate information liberal approach.Size are highly-prized and weight rules for targets.” all destinations will Expertise and advice Members of the public who parcels to forward operating bases be enforced from 5 from Information Systems January 2012. show their support for the Armed necessitates extra re-supply flights. and Services’ Network “The relaxed Technical Authority at Forces by sending welfare parcels Every additional convoy puts more approach to Germany Corsham is helping JES, to Afghanistan are being urged troops at risk of enemy attack. and Cyprus has along with the Defence to consider alternative and more n Items included in welfare become accepted Science and Technology effective ways they can back the parcels are already readily available over time, so affected Laboratory. troops. in theatre or not appropriate for the customers may see “MOD Chief The message comes direct from Afghan environment, and therefore enforcement of the Information Officer’s regulations as a military personnel at the sharp end: go to waste. Defence Security and degradation to the Assurance Service while they appreciate boxes of treats Major John Leeper, commanding service,” said a BFPO together with staff from from back home, the mountains of Operation Herrick’s Postal and spokesman. the Capability Sponsor well-intentioned mail cause genuine Courier Squadron at Camp Bastion, “However, this are providing critical difficulties which outweigh the said: “While all of us recognise and exists to provide input to ensure coherent benefits. are grateful for the public’s generous an end-to-end mail future planning with Personnel at Camp Bastion intentions, it would be so much better service, and not an regard to multi-level end-to-end freight have highlighted the unintended if they could channel their goodwill security capability gaps,” service. Within the said Mr Rodgers. consequences of the public’s into making a donation to one of UK, Royal Mail Group Systems integrator generosity. the MOD’s recommended Service will not handle any Detica were placed on The volume of mail arriving at charities. items exceeding contract last February. Camp Bastion for onward distribution “These charities send out packages the upper weight Mr Rodgers added: “The causes three problems: – containing items the troops really limit, which are company is well versed n Private mail to deployed want and have requested – in a co- routinely moved by in supporting information commercial courier management projects personnel from their loved ones can ordinated way which does not hold companies.” and its expertise gives us be delayed among all the other items up personal mail, or put unnecessary Further confidence the technology from the public. Receipt of letters or pressure on resources.” information on demonstrator will help gifts from a parent or spouse can be A list of recommended service the BFPO website: the MOD to meet business important for morale in theatre and charities which accept public www.mod.uk/bfpo needs without increasing for the peace of mind of families back donations can be found at www.mod. or contact BFPO the security risk to its home. Delays are unwelcome. uk/PublicSupportForOurService Customer Services information.” on 08457 697978. n Onward delivery of goodwill Personnel newss 35
o The next ‘lunch- bite’ event to be held by the MOD’s Chartered Group opens minds to ‘closed’ supply chains Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s Special Interest Group will be on 16 November. Members of the MOD’s Chartered Institute of Purchasing The event will be an and Supply (CIPS) Special Interest Group (SIG) have visited interactive presentation a Bristol employer to discuss the increase in ‘closed’ supply by Jenny Radcliffe in the chains. CFB at Abbey Wood, with The visit to Bailey Caravans followed a national bookings on e-solutions’ newspaper article over the summer which explained how event booking. The group's last global manufacturers were turning to complex and ‘closed’ event saw a presentation supply chains to help them differentiate their products. to more than 60 from It differs from the MOD approach where competition is Professor Martin a cornerstone of procurement. Bailey Caravans’ Managing Christopher from Director Nick Howard was a major contributor to that Cranfield School article. of Management on Particular highlights were the re-affirmation of ‘Emerging Trends in the Global Business component reduction programmes, associated supplier Environment, the reduction programmes and the formation of strategic Implications for Supply alliances with remaining suppliers forming closed supply Chain Management’. chains. More information about Despite this leaning the company ensured flexibility the SIG, contact group by having a minimum of two suppliers for each and every mailbox: DES Comrcl- CIPS-SIG (multiuser). Above: Professor Martin Christopher component, bar one. The audience was able to relate to at Abbey Wood relevant examples via a visit to the shop floor.
DSRA LOTTERY WINNERS – AUGUST Human resources enters £10,000: Stuart Lane (Brecon). £5,000: Michael Lawley (Donnington). £2,000: Jennifer a streamlined world McKelvey (Northern Ireland). £1,000: David Colebourne Human Resources services from change management and Services, acting as the local face (Liverpool). £500: David Pablo (Yeovilton). in the MOD are being streamlined business delivery generally. of the DBS providing a focal point £300: Alan Terry – with improvements made to HR “We are building for communications to business (Lincoln), Peter management across DE&S. relationships with senior leaders units and co-ordinating civilian Griffin (Tewkesbury), Streamlining will enhance and getting a seat at the table of HR services.” James Bowman (Woking), Kirsty in-house services across Management Boards and People In addition to this MOD- Blackwood (Clyde). Government and bring in more Forums so that we can become a provided HR service, DE&S £200: Lucy Toogood- consistency while meeting target trusted advisor to the business.” will also be supported by Smith (Devon), Henry savings on HR of 50 per cent by Steve Weston is the Defence three further teams – Joint Dempster (Faslane), Lynne Robson (Abbey 2013. Services Support, Wood), John Sayko The MOD will A p p r e n t i c e (Failsworth), Dennis receive civilian HR Civilian HR delivery in the MOD Management Butler (Vector), Mark services from two and the new Bunyan (Portsmouth), o The HR Directorate will include a small HQ team as well Robert Currie primary sources; People Issues in as HR Business Partners working with business leaders. HR (Carlisle), Mark the HR Directorate partner teams for DE&S are already in place. The HQ will stand Acquisition Team Perry (Donnington), that includes a team up fully by next April. (PIAT). PIAT William McMillan of forward deployed contains deployable (Helensburgh), Lorraine Ferguson Strategic HRBPs o The PPPA has been renamed Defence Business Services specialists dealing (Preston), Elizabeth embedded in TLBs Civilian HR and is one pillar within DBS. with people- Lane (Abbey Wood). and Defence Business based risks on £100: Jamie Hale (RAF o Next Generation HR expert services, launched last April, will Services delivering programmes which Brampton), Michael deliver HR services across government. Examples are Civil Roden (Corsham), transactional Service Learning and Civil Service Resourcing which has been engage with the Paul Jenkins (Bristol), services, again with piloted in the MOD. supplier base. David Bath (BAES), forward deployed PIAT leader William Wilson Business Service Steve Goodbourn, (Bristol), Amanda Fleming (RAF Managers. Business Services (DBS) Business said: “My team is working Scampton), Nilesh Richard Vincent, one of the Service Manager leading the within the Chiefs of Materiel Gorsia (dstl), Christine DE&S HR Business Partners, team supporting DE&S. He said: business areas to help projects Price (RAF Cranwell), said: “We will provide senior “My team’s role is to understand manage people-related risks and Elwyn Hodges (Hereford), John management with strategic HR the initiatives which require opportunities. Jenkins (Andover), advice and support development support from DBS and ensure “This is achieved by placing Arthur Lloyd (Gosport), and delivery of business strategy these are planned and we deliver specialists into project teams for Karen Burrett (Abbey and objectives. against them. agreed periods to deliver specific Wood), Michael Stubbs (Warminster Road, “This will cover areas such “In addition we will give activities.” Steve’s team is Bath), Gary Brown as workforce and skills planning advice and support to line supporting projects in all DE&S (Abbey Wood), Lynne and people issues arising managers on use of Civilian HR Operating Centres. Whatling (St Athan). 36 people news
Runners team up to raise cash from their half-marathon stint Runners from the Merlin team, while supporting the Merlin AgustaWestland and Lockheed aircraft and all for a very worthy Martin UK IS have raised more cause.” than £2,500 for the Brainwave Brainwave supports children’s charity. children with brain injuries and The team of 17 ran in the developmental delay and the Bristol Half Marathon with Richard money will be used to sponsor a Nevill of AgustaWestland running child through the programme. the 13.1 miles while working in First home was Lieutenant Oman. Commander Iain Robert in 1 hour Merlin team leader Captain 23 minutes, earning him 129th Andy Lison said: “It has been a place out of the 10,000 runners. superb team effort, typical of the Left: some of the team working relationship we enjoy members get ready for the race Manic Monday at Clyde dentists But treatment takes back seat as staff give up the drill for charity fundraiser
Members of Clyde’s Dental way to lunch and raised £1,290, Centre have been raising money split between the Meningitis for two good causes by having a Association Scotland and the Vale cake bake at the military site. of Leven Hospital Cancer Unit. Monday, 3 October was a bad Karlyn Marshall, Dental time to have toothache at the Receptionist at the Centre, said: base as the whole department got “We are aware of the fantastic behind the fundraising effort and work which both the organisations closed for the day. do and wanted to come up with a Setting up a tent outside the way to help them out by raising Medical Centre, the dentists cash. sold their cakes and selection of “We thought that setting up a sweet treats, many of which were tent with the cakes and goodies donated by Tesco Helensburgh, was a good way to capture as Morrisons in Dumbarton and many people as possible. This is James Allen bakery. just the start of our fundraising The event pulled in passing and hopefully we can gather a lot staff who were on their more money for these two causes.” Clyde's dental staff get set for their fundraising Base has a place in Scottish sporting history
Staff at Clyde have learned a little more about First Mine Countermeasures Squadron gave the the site’s place in Scottish sporting history. visitors a tour. Three members of the Founders Trail – an “As a lifelong fan of Rangers I was delighted organisation which researches the history of to show the group around,” he said. “I’ve worked Rangers Football Club – dropped into the base. in Belmore House for a number of years now but The trio turned up to photograph one of the had no idea of the historic links to the football most distinctive buildings on the site – Belmore club. House, now the headquarters of the Faslane “It was fascinating to speak to the guys and Flotilla which operates Clyde’s ships and learn about the connections. I don’t think I’ll look submarines. at my workplace the same way again.” In the 1800s Belmore House was owned The Founders Trail runs a website tracing by a wealthy family, who employed a master the history of the club and also provides a gardener by the name of John McNeil and his popular guided tour of the areas in Glasgow family. The youngest son was Moses McNeil, associated with the early years which includes born in Belmore House in 1855, who became one an Ibrox Stadium tour. of the founders of Glasgow Rangers. “Four of the founders of Rangers had strong Left: outside Belmore House, from left Chief ties with the Garelochhead area,” explained Iain Petty Officer Ian Olsen of MCM1, Founders McColl of The Founders Trail. Trail’s Iain McColl, Gordon Bell and Neil Stobie, Warrant Officer Craig Campbell of Faslane’s with WO Craig Campbell people news 37 Battling qualities of DE&S
It can be a dog’s life on the roads of the elements as he completed 80 across the Welsh mountains. kilometres to celebrate 80 years of the And the tail end of some nasty Guide Dogs charity through the tough weather from America can serve up terrain from Brecon to Cardiff Bay. plenty of discomfort for walkers. Mike, head of supply chain All were experienced by Mike management with DE&S’ Chinook Boardman, who battled the worst team, has restricted sight due to age-related macular degeneration. But, helped along by mobility instructor Diana Evans and some ever-willing guide dogs, Mike completed the walk in three days. “We managed around eight hours on the first two days and seven for the last leg into Cardiff,” said Mike. Amputee “We were probably cyclist Colin averaging only about two Davies, above, from Plymouth left miles an hour for much of it. London with his wheels pointed in the direction It felt a lot worse at the time!” of Paris to support others who have lost limbs. The walk – the Taff Colin, an ex-Royal Naval sailor who works Trail – is a marked route for in Devonport naval base, joined a team of 20 riders – amputees and able-bodied people – to walkers and cyclists and cycle 210 miles over three days and raise funds contains fine scenery of the for Limb Power, the Limbless Association and Brecon Beacons along with the Douglas Bader Foundation. the challenge of the steady Colin has already completed events for climb to the Torpantau pass. Limb Power, including a 5,000-metre swim Mike and Diana reckon which raised more than £4,000. He said the they have raised nearly charity helps raise awareness that there is ‘life after amputation.’ £1,000 for Guide Dogs, He has remained active since having his Sight Support and Help for leg amputated due to a knee injury, enjoying Above: Diana and Mike in sunnier times Heroes. wheelchair tennis, cycling, swimming, and fencing. Dan’s late show clinches title
Dan Kerr was on target with just seconds left to clinch the Clyde naval base seven-a-side football tournament. Dan, a physical trainer, struck to give his HMS Kent team, from the Type 23 frigate visiting the port, a 1-0 win in the final over Babcock Marine. Ten teams from the length and breadth of the military site took part. Petty Officer Physical Trainer Mick Preston, said: “It was good to see service personnel and civilians competing in a great afternoon of sport and helping to promote the ethos of ‘One Base, One Team’.”
Clyde keeps getting greener
The Naval Personnel and Family Service (NPFS) in Helensburgh has won an award for its contribution in meeting government targets on carbon emissions. Left: The office, which helps support service Babcock and families across the north of the UK, beat the ten HMS Kent per cent reduction target by a percentage point. do battle The NPFS team was also encouraged to use in the final heating more effectively, with thermostats fitted of Clyde's to heating systems and checks conducted to make seven-a-side sure that hot water tanks, boilers and pipes were tournament fully insulated. Captain of Clyde naval base, Captain Jack Tarr, presented Helen Muir of NPFS with the Greener Government certificate. 38 people news
n Volunteer welfare workers who support Forces families in Stanbridge group enjoys a step back in time Plymouth area have been recognised for their work Seven DE&S staff from RAF Stanbridge have enhanced at an event attended by their World War Two knowledge with visits to Runnymede Devonport's commander, and Uxbridge. Commodore Steve At Runnymede the staff saw the Air Forces Memorial listing more than 20,000 personnel who died during the war Dearden and the Lord with no known grave. Mayor of Plymouth. At Uxbridge the group toured the World War Two bunker The Naval Area and museum and was given an insight into how the Battle of Community Organisation, Britain was controlled from the 11 Group headquarters. formed last year, has a “This was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I would team of volunteers who recommend both sites for anyone wanting to organise a provide valuable support staff ride,” said Flt Lt Steve Hawkins of RAF Stanbridge. Pictured at Runnymede are, from left: Cpl John Spencer, to those families with Cpl Karina Lewis, Sgt Mark Bew, Flt Lt Steve Hawkins, Cpl serving members. Gavin Thackeray, Cpl Stu Dennis and Mr Robbie Robbins. Wade heads home with a deserved Royal reward Work on the safety of munitions “I was thrilled that my efforts at and explosives for UK Forces has DOSG were appreciated to such an seen a DE&S wing commander extent,” said Wg Cdr Evans. collect his OBE – just days before he “To then visit Buckingham Palace returned to his native Australia. and meet the Queen in person has Wg Cdr Wade Evans of the been a once-in-a-lifetime event for us Royal Australian Air Force spent and it was a very moving experience. three years at Abbey Wood as the It is great that there is video coverage Australian exchange officer leading and photography of the ceremony as, a section in the Defence Ordnance to be frank, it was a lot to take in for Safety Group (DOSG). a lad who grew up in a small country His section ensures safety of town in Western Australia!” small-calibre land weapons and a Team leader Colonel Mark range of munitions and explosives. Vincent added: “I am delighted that His team increased volume and the tremendous contribution made tempo of tasking to support Urgent by Wade and his section under his Operational Requirements including leadership has been recognised capabilities for the Counter- in this way. It is wonderful that he Improvised Explosive Device has been able to receive his OBE in campaign. He also improved tasking person, with his family present, from and quality control within DOSG. the Queen at the culmination of a He received his OBE from the highly successful tour with DOSG.” Queen at Buckingham Palace on 12 He will be taking over as Royal day out: Wg Cdr Evans at Buckingham Palace, October at an investiture brought Director of Ordnance Safety for with his wife Rebecca and daughter Isabelle, 5 forward specially before his return the Australian Defence Forces – the home on 3 November. Australian equivalent of DOSG.
Prince drops in to praise Reservists’ service
Prince Michael of Kent has visited “HMS Vivid is a thriving unit that Plymouth Naval Reservists at their contributes a huge amount to the Royal Devonport HQ HMS Vivid. Navy and to the local community of Visiting in the role of Commodore-In- Plymouth.” Chief, Maritime Reserves, the Prince paid Commanding Officer ofHMS Vivid, tribute to the Plymouth-based reservists, Commander Ian Pethick, said: “This was many of whom are veterans of recent a great opportunity for him to meet the operations across the Middle East. reservists and hear how they recruit and He watched sailors under training train their officers and sailors to meet during their weekly drill evening at HMS operational commitments. Prince Michael Vivid, as well as presenting a series of was also able to meet some of the families service medals. and friends who provide so much support “I have the greatest respect for the when reservists put their lives on hold and Prince Michael meets reservists at HMS Maritime Reserves,” he said afterwards. mobilise to global operations.” Vivid people news 39
Police join Devonport sale set to give race to rescue yacht-building a boost yacht
MOD Marine Extra land and buildings Police came to the at Devonport are to be used to aid of a stricken safeguard the future of motor lone yachtsman in Plymouth Sound. yacht building in Plymouth. The yachtsman The naval base and the found himself in Defence Infrastructure difficulties coming Organisation have announced into Plymouth Sound that, following the grant of a 125- when, on taking the year lease of land and buildings short cut through to Princess Yachts in South Yard a passage known as ‘The Bridge’, to in 2009, contracts have been the west of Drake’s exchanged for freehold sale of Island, his rigging more land. became entangled Naval Base Commander, with a navigation Commodore Steve Dearden, said: mark. “We have been working with The Bridge is Princess Yachts and Plymouth used by many small craft entering and City Council for the last 12 leaving Plymouth months, and I am delighted that Sound in order we have reached agreement on to leave the main the sale. Signing up: from left – Phil Nott (Roundel estate rationalisation programme shipping channels “This will enable the company manager), Chris Gates of Princess Yachts, Cdre Steve Dearden, Tim Baker clear for larger to progress a multi-million pound (Defence Infrastructure Organisation) and Glyn Thompson (Princess ships. investment in new buildings Yachts operations manager) The yachtsman, who was sailing in South Yard, and secure the single-handed, was future of motor yacht building in steering between Plymouth. used for storing items from the has enabled these items to be the navigation “In turn, this will safeguard base's heritage collection. The enjoyed by a wider audience, and marks in a strong existing jobs and open up sale is cost-neutral to the MOD. enhanced the opportunity for incoming spring potential for creation of further The Royal Navy is pleased that public access to the displays. tide and a gusting jobs as Princess Yachts develops responsibility for these historic Chris Gates, managing southerly wind. The yacht’s mast the site and expands its business.” buildings in South Yard will director of Princess Yachts, said: and rigging were As well as the site currently pass to Princess Yachts as it will “We have been working with the badly damaged in leased to Princess Yachts, the enable the base to concentrate on MOD and Defence Infrastructure a collision with one area to be sold will include the operational support to front line Organisation since we took up of the navigation adjoining Ropery Complex site ships and submarines. the lease for the site in 2009, and marks and the fore containing some empty listed Relocation of the Heritage both have been supportive of the sail got wrapped buildings, not required for naval items from the Ropery Complex acquisition. I’d like to thank Steve around the mark’s central steel pillar. base operation, and previously to other locations within the base Dearden for his support.” Officers of the local MOD Police Marine Unit, helped by Plymouth inshore Outstanding work lifeboat personnel, were able to cut the yacht free and earns a top award eventually the Outstanding work in airworthiness has been stricken vessel was rewarded during the largest gathering of DE&S air towed into a nearby domain staff this year. marina. The 2011 DE&S Battle of Britain Dinner, organised No-one was by the RAF Community Committee, was held at The injured in the Grand Hotel, Bristol at the end of September. incident, but During the evening the 2010 Sir Colin Terry Award equipment on the for Excellence in Airworthiness was presented to Wg navigation mark was Cdr Christopher Burgess for his outstanding work badly damaged in as the Nimrod MR2/R1 EA at a time of significant the collision. pressure to maintain operational output while Inspector regaining the airworthiness reputation of the aircraft. Gordon Peters, the He was presented with his award by guest of MOD Police Marine honour, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Unit Commander, the Air Staff, along with a £200 book prize. said: “Although Sir Stephen was joined at the dinner by Air we are here to Marshal Kevin Leeson, DE&S’ Chief of Materiel (Air). protect the naval More than 100 guests, a mixture of Civil Service base and the ships and military personnel, attended the dinner to that use it, we will always try and help Wg Cdr Burgess, right, receives his award from commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of all those who contributed to victory in the Battle of Britain. fellow seafarers in Air Chief Marshal Dalton difficulty.” 40 people news
o Achievements of DE&S staff who have completed Level 2 and 3 Apprentices go on show Apprenticeships have been recognised, below. Apprenticeships have been achieved in business and administration, customer service, and team leading. An award ceremony was held on 10 October in Abbey Wood at which David Ball, Director HR, presented 16 certificates. Representatives from training consultants JHP Group were also present. Those presented with certificates were: Bruce Devlin, Susan Weston, Chris Dunmur, Kelly Warner, Rebecca Weir, Adam Davies, Christine Clough, Laura Maxwell, Andrew Hawkins, Anna Diorazio, Lynne McCarthy, Caitlin Scott, Paul Scotting, Sheila Pearson, Melanie Smithson and Michael McCarthy.
Apprentices from DE&S, above, machining. There was an Open Day put their skills and knowledge to the during the competition at which test during a week of competition at attendees met competitors and North Glasgow College. viewed their competition pieces. The Tom Nevard Memorial Attendees included Howard Competition was first held in 1952 in Mathers (Director Engineering memory of a former ministry official DE&S), Richard Nevard (Tom responsible for apprentices during Nevard’s grandson) and trade union his career. representatives. DE&S apprentices, including Succesful apprentices who from Defence Muntions Gosport, finished first in their categories competed against apprentices from were Thomas Breddal, James DSG Donnington, RAF Alconbury Baker, Zoe Cook, Thomas Leach and DSG Colchester. and William Kennedy. Second They were tested on their place achievers were Michael skills in electronics, mechatronics, Sarr, Thomas Buxton, Hossein and mechanical handskills and Khoshtaghaza and Richard Johnson. Welcome (and rewards) at Devonport
Achievements of talented apprentices have been celebrated at Devonport. An apprentice induction and awards ceremony was held at the Wardroom in the base to welcome the new intake of ten technician apprentices and celebrate achievements of phase 1 and phase 2 apprentices (recruited in 2009 and 2010) at college for 2010-2011 Mark Skinner, Human Resources Plans Deputy Head (Apprentices), said: “We are very proud of our engineering apprenticeships and the opportunities these provide individuals to develop into our essential engineering managers of the future. “The scheme in Plymouth has been operational since September 2009 and we are delighted with the commitment shown by the apprentices in working extremely hard to undertake what is a demanding development programme. “The achievements of our apprentice award winners this year are truly inspirational, embracing academic, project and practical engineering disciplines. A very high level of performance has been achieved and we congratulate them all. We look forward to another successful year ahead.” Above, from left – front: Mark Skinner (apprentice team leader), Claire Commodore Steve Dearden, the Naval Base Commander, Scanlon, Richard Griffiths (award winners), Commodore Dearden, Ross welcomed parents, partners, student placement supervisors Ambrose, Joanna Ash, David Kingman (award winners) Capt Chris Saxby, and staff from City College, Plymouth and Cornwall College. Emma Quigley (new apprentice) Douglas Stembridge, Bart Smorag, Stuart The scheme is important in addressing the future need for Redford, Steven Buckle, Adam Burbidge, Kristian Curtis, Thomas Street, skilled engineers for DE&S. Nathan Kerrigan, Matt Williams (all new apprentices) people news 41
A new road safety initiative has been launched at DE&S. As part of the MOD’s on-going safety improvement initiatives, the Defence Road Safety Team has teamed up with the West of England Road Safety Partnership and South Gloucestershire Council to provide a series of motorcycle training days at Abbey Wood. Available to military and civilian staff, the training consists of a morning classroom session on the theory of safe road riding emphasising road positioning, bends, overtaking and observation skills. In the afternoon, riders are assessed on their on-road skills by professional motorcycle instructors. Mike Moate, SO2 Defence Road Safety at DE&S, said: “In the first six months of this year there has been an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents as a proportion of all road accidents for MOD personnel worldwide. “It is important to aim to reverse this trend and therefore I am keen to offer this training to others so that they too can stay Staying safe on the road safe on our roads. “These courses are hugely popular DE&S launches new training days to save lives and are already fully subscribed which is testament to importance that our staff place on this type of training.” Safer motorcycling: for riders on a training day at Abbey Wood Lt Col Edward Coward, SO1 Defence Road Policy, said: “Many of our staff at DE&S use motorcycles as their preferred of serious or fatal accidents on our roads.” shown by staff keen to learn more is very method of transport to work and we are Alan Hale, senior road safety officer encouraging.” fully committed to providing them with for South Gloucestershire Council, added: After training, participants will also extra tools to make their journeys safer. “The Road Policy team at DE&S is to be be advised of options for further training, “By working together with South commended in its approach to helping us such as the Institute of Advanced Gloucestershire Council and the West of reduce road collision deaths and serious Motorists scheme and the Enhanced England Road Safety Partnership we are injuries of motorcyclists. Rider Scheme training, which is endorsed confident that our riders will be better “Their commitment to providing by the Government through the Driving equipped to ride safely reducing the risk extra training and the enthusiasm Standards Agency. DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:
2011DIN04-140: This DIN contains information on release of Version 6 of the Support Solutions Envelope, including transition arrangements, benefits and roles of OC Support Foci and the Support Solutions Improvement Team. SSE has undergone a refresh and is being relaunched as a toolkit for planning, development and delivery of support solutions, aiding the management of support risk.
2011DIN04-139: SDSR expanded the role of Carrier Strike. Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) will be the broader capability combining Carrier Strike with key elements of amphibious and other forces and develops greater interoperability with Allies. New roles, along with other enabling projects and involving partners and Allies, bring together key components and benefits of future expeditionary capability in a coherent way.
2011DIN04-137: JSP 456 Defence Catering Manual Volume 2 (edition 6) Catering Accounting Regulations will be issued directly to all units from Bicester. Previous editions of the manual should be destroyed. Electronic copies of this volume are available on the internet and the Defence Intranet.
Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2011.htm 42 people news
Wall walkers rake in cash
Right: The haul of cash raised for Bowness on Solway in around 36 journey's charity from a walk along the hours earlier this year. end: for length of Hadrian's Wall is WO1 Colin Nightingale, walkers approaching £2,800. WO2 Steve Garrett, SSgts Marc and Six members of Ashchurch’s Johnson, Steve Kelly, Wayne supporters Bowman Fielding Management Vass and Mr Craig Parry were at Bowness team, part of the BATCIS raising money for the charity (Bowman and Tactical Combat Stress’ Enemy Within Picture Communication and Information Appeal. They were backed up courtesy Systems) team took on the by an admin team of Major Paul Keiran challenge of completing the 85 Stephenson and SSgts Bing Bingle miles from Tynemouth Castle to Bingle and Rob Wood. Dave and ‘Tracy’ pick their time to bow out together
Dav e Goodl ad has retired after 50 years in defence – military and the MOD – as one of his closest ‘friends’ takes her place in a museum. Dave retired from Targeting and Mission Systems, part of DE&S’ Air Platform Systems, at the end of September. At the same time ‘Tracy’, a targeting pod which began her career in the first Gulf War, bowed out of DE&S to take her place in the RAF Museum at Hendon. Tracy was part of a new era of targeting pods enabling the RAF to deliver Paveway munitions with greater accuracy and effectiveness. After a successful service life on operations – a lot shorter than Dave’s – Tracy retired and was presented to the project team based then at RAF Wyton, to recognise the team’s efforts bringing into service the TIALD (thermal imaging Bill gets set for retirement and laser designation) pods. Tracy is now at Hendon while a replica is in position at the car park entrance of Abbey Wood’s Neighbourhood 1 Bill closes his last Atrium. The old Tracy is now settled into her new printing chapter retirement home alongside Long-serving printer Bill Bullen, 73, received a host of gifts from colleagues to mark his retirement an old friend, a first Gulf War from Devonport after 31 years. Tornado. Above: ‘Tracy’ heads for a museum while, Commander Damon Knight, Devonport below, Dave Goodlad, on the right, departs Dave’s RAF career began Base Executive Officer, said: “Bill has provided with good wishes from Director Air Support in 1961 and saw him work on a high quality, efficient and flexible service to Tim Rowntree Hastings, Vulcan, Canberra, establishments, ships, schools, charities and Lightning, Hercules, individuals all over the UK. Comet, Buccaneer, “He has produced social stationery, menus, orders of service, wedding and christening Nimrod AEW and stationery and a wide variety of other printed Tornado aircraft. products working alone in his printing shop with a He managed Radar press that he has frequently had to repair himself, Bays in Cyprus and or organise repairs as spares are now hard to come Lyneham and served on by. seven strike squadron “Bill is, as far as we are aware, the last working tours. printer from the Royal Marine printer specialisation. It is a trade that is long gone, but in the old days they He transferred to used to recruit Royal Marines to be printers.” Abbey Wood in 2000 on Bill, originally from Teddington, joined the Royal extended service, two Marines in 1956 and left in 1978 to work for civilian years before retirement, printers. when he began nine In 1980 he joined HMS Drake where he worked year’s MOD service. as the Welfare Fund printer for 31 years. people news 43
Departing staff leave a Dartmoor memento at Wyton weather fails to A permanent memento of engineering and supply support provided to UK Forces by DE&S staff stop Geoff has been presented to the officers’ mess at RAF Wyton and RAF Brampton. RAF runner A menu stand which bears an appropriate Geoff Ellis has won plaque was presented to mess manager Trish the national over- Skoyles, pictured on the right, by Air Commodore 35 orienteering Neville Parton. series for 2011 Money for the stand was raised at a dining- after two days of in night in the mess earlier this year which saw tough competition 78 past and present members of the aircraft on Dartmoor. engineering and logistics support community Geoff, present, including a number of officers who had who works for held senior positions at Wyton between 1994 and Information 2011. Systems and Money was also raised for Help for Heroes at Services, battled the dinner. against the The majority of DE&S personnel at Wyton have weather in the now been relocated. Caddihoe Chase. The event sees the leader of the first day’s standings setting off on day two first, DE&S proves lifeblood with the second- placed runner starting just behind him according to of healthcare innovation the first day deficit. With Geoff sitting on a first- day lead, it was Military and civilian effectively follow medics who provide innovative the leader on day healthcare for serving two. personnel and veterans have “A pack of very been shortlisted in the Military good orienteers and Civilian Health Partnership worked hard to Awards (MCHPA). chase him down,” said his coach, Wg DE&S’ Blood Supply team, Cdr Mike Edwards, part of Medical and General “Geoff showed Supplies, has been shortlisted in great resolve and two categories: the Innovation composure to cross and Service Development the line still in first Award and Deployed Healthcare place and take this Award. highly prestigious trophy.” The team, in partnership with The overall NHS Blood and Transplant, have result from the overcome significant barriers two days of the to ensure the availability of Caddihoe Chase blood, plasma and platelets to formed part of operational environments. the UK Master’s Ongoing development of new Cup series, run over 19 of the transport boxes and monitoring highest quality devices has allowed delivery Second to none: UK Forces are well looked after on the front line and at races throughout of more than 10,000 blood the year, home. Above: a Royal Marine undergoes physiotherapy at Norton Manor components, and the validated including British Camp system for the transportation of Championships blood throughout the evacuation at all distances, chain, unique to the UK Armed “I am delighted to see the going through to the finals. with the best eight scores to count. Forces, enables the provision of shortlist and wish every finalist Awards will be presented Geoff’s victory blood to wherever it is needed in the very best of luck for the this month at Birmingham at the Caddihoe the world, contributing directly awards ceremony in November.” Museum and Art Gallery. The Chase made to the high survival rate. The awards were open to ceremony will be preceded him uncatchable Minister for Defence military and civilian personnel by a presentation of the care with one race Personnel, Welfare and who provide health and social pathway from Afghanistan to remaining. Veterans, Andrew Robathan, care to the Armed Forces, their rehabilitation and recovery. This He entered autumn expecting said: “When I launched the families and veterans. will highlight how those finalists to retain his RAF MCHPA in June this year, I was They showcase the best of have uniquely contributed to the and Inter-Service confident that the outstanding healthcare between the military, excellent service those patients orienteering titles service provided to our Armed the NHS and the voluntary receive from the Defence Medical to complete a very Forces and veterans would be sector in nine categories, with Services, NHS and voluntary successful year. recognised in these awards. 27 projects across the country sectors in partnership.