olympic rfa argus mounts bay pandemonium norfolk … · olympic games, one could have been forgiven...

If one was to have believed all the mediareports surrounding the military presence inPortland in support of Dorset Police and theOlympic Games, one could have been forgivenfor thinking there was only one ship present, awarship, from which the whole militarycontribution was run. The truth of the matterand the Police will be the first to support this,was that there were two ships in Weymouthand Portland, one at sea and one alongside.

From the 2nd July through until the 27thAugust Mounts Bay was berthed alongsideDeep Water Berth in Portland Port, dockeddown with two and half mexeflotes joinedtogether and secured on her outboard sideserving as a giant berthing pontoon for thevariety of boats including Offshore Raiding Craft,a workboat from 17 Port & Maritime Regiment,numerous Naval RHIBs, two P2000 patrol crafts,an assortment of police boats and a couple ofSea Cadet craft acting as a ‘meal deliveryservice’. Throughout the period Mountsconducted an amphibious operation alongsideacting as the beach head, the forward logisticssite, a floating hotel for 468 personnel, afeeding station for the majority of thesepersonnel, a fuelling station for the small boats,armoury and accommodation for the police, thehandover point for the armed response vehiclesand the police maritime patrols, an extensionof the harbour office for the control of boats andthe host venue for a number of VIP visitsincluding HRH the Princess Royal, HRH the Earlof Wessex, the Secretary of State for Defenceand the First Sea Lord.

Some might say what a wonderful positionto be in, ringside seats for the sailing events.Unfortunately, the truth of the matter was that

most of the events were conducted outside thebreakwater and it was only the windsurfing andother smaller classes that were run on the innerharbour circuits that we were able to see. Therewas, however, an impromptu visit by theMexican and Israeli windsurfers who took awrong turn and proceeded at speed towardsMounts Bay with a LOCOG boat in hot pursuit.Notwithstanding our inability to see many ofthe events from the ship, some of thoseonboard managed to get tickets to view thesailing from the Nothe and there was a generalparty atmosphere in Portland. The Australianteam took over The Cove and they do knowhow to party! After Ben Ainslie won his goldmedal and celebrating his victory in town hewalked back through Portland, following dinnerwith the Princess Royal in Portland Port and wasmet outside The Green Shutters by a BBC TVcrew – and half of Mounts Bay’s company,which was all perfectly captured on GabbyLogan’s late night Olympic Special later thatevening.

All that said this was an immensely busyperiod. Across the board all departments werestretched. The catering department werefeeding all the embarked personnel and a fewothers who managed to find their way into thequeue at meal times, as well as preparing dailybag meals for those on the water. The bag mealcount alone peaked at 1200 on one day!

It was only a few days after that it becameclear that the bag meals were so good thatsome of the police in vehicles were collectingthem in large quantities, along with RN divers,police divers, police boat crews and RN boatcrews. The culinary reputation of the RFA “bagrat” had clearly spread far and wide. Over and

above the routine of feeding the large numbersof embarked personnel, there were theoccasional visits and feeding of sea cadets anda number of high profile lunches and dinners,including a formal dinner for the First Sea Lordwho was accompanied by a number ofinfluential business leaders.

The ship’s medical compliment of oneMedTech was augmented by a SurgeonLieutenant to assist with the potentialadditional medical loading. Their medicalresponsibility extended from Mounts Bay’screw and those embarked, to the militarypersonnel ashore in Chickerel Camp providingthe venue security force for Weymouth &Portland. This took the potential patientfootprint up to near 1000 personnel!

Statistics always seem to make theheadlines and Mounts Bay can be proud toclaim the following: 468 out of her 485 bunkswere filled, 20 different groups embarked, over650 VIPs transited through the ship, over 250armed police officers accessed the armouries,over 10,000 bag meals were made and issued,66 tonnes of diesel was issued to the small

boats, all during a 3½ week period. To supportthis effort Mounts Bay used three fullmexeflotes supplied by 17 Port & Maritime ofMarchwood to build a 2½ mexe berthingpontoon whilst the other half mexeflote waspositioned on Sir Tristram as a spare berthingstation. Four additional large fenders, formerlyof Diligence, were embarked and deployedbetween the pontoon and Mounts Bay. Tworeefer containers were loaded for additionalfood stores; one alone housed the componentsfor the bag meals! A CIVGAS container wascarried to provide support for the few petrolboats on the water and finally, a gangwaytower and brow from Plymouth were erectedon the jetty to provide VIP access and a secondmeans of escape.

To ensure the infrastructure ashore in theimmediate vicinity of the jetty was all in place,the XO took a short course in car jockeying withNCP Car Parks. The myriad of vehicles from allthe various organisations as well as ships’ staffvehicles created a parking headache, especiallywhen the port decided to fence off half theadjacent jetty to facilitate two cruise liners who

MOUNTS’ OLYMPIC CHALLENGE

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RFA ArgusinNorfolk USA

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GunlineGunline – The First Point of Contact | Protecting our Nation’s Interests | Autumn 2012 | www.rfa.mod.uk

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‘RFA Mounts Bay’ – The Olympics’ discreet yet fully supporting silent partner in Portland

2 | Gunline | Autumn 2012

Someone out there enjoyed theSummer weather, but they musthave been in ARGUS or FORTROSALIE in the Caribbean orWAVE RULER or DILIGENCEcrossing the Med. If you were inFORT VICTORIA or CARDIGAN BAYin the Gulf you were too hot andif you were family, on leave, orworking in the HQ it was toowet, apart from the brilliantcouple of weeks of theOlympics. There were no RFA

competitors but individuals took part and there was a greatcontribution by the team in MOUNTS BAY in Portland. ChiefOfficer Chris Locke acted in the opening ceremony, whichmust have been an unforgettable experience. No amount ofpersuasion would get him to reveal the secret of thestunning final act of the ceremony!

We’re at last taking forward some of the major projectsneeded to operate inside our budget and to recover fromthe reduction in our numbers. Promotion boards are in fullswing which ought to encourage everyone we’re back on

track. We are talking to teams in ships and maritime tradesunions about Tailored Schemes of Complement, a ROTAappointing system to meet the more exacting levels ofefficiency we have to achieve, a Pay and Reward systemmeeting both statutory and government requirements andour business needs. We have also re-invigorated the reviewof the way the stores and munitions loads are managed inthe Forts and future stores ships. We expect to be inconsultation on all of these as the Autumn progresses andthen to start introducing them progressively in 2013.

We all believe in the RFA and the way we operate, butwe have to stay a cost effective, what we are planning toput into place will set us up for the future, making life betterfor everyone involved in seagoing and ashore. All the planshave been generated with a sustainable future for the RFAand our people in mind. I believe passionately in the peopleof the RFA, the way we operate and our place in the Nation’slife. We would not be putting ourselves through this unlessconvinced it is both good for the future of the RFA and thetaxpayer. We have a fantastic and world wide reputation inour field, we must stay ahead.

2012 was always going to be a busy year for refits andwe knew we would have challenges managing themanpower. As it turned out we found ourselves trying toman three ships, FORT AUSTIN, WAVE KNIGHT and BLACKROVER at the same time and ended up having to movepeople around on leave, in other ships and from staffappointments to get the ships out of Cammell Lairds andback into service, not to mention seriously hard work inBirkenhead, Whale Island and Abbeywood. I want to thankeveryone who went the extra mile to help, in a ship orashore, and to reassure them that we are working hard ona number of fronts to stop this happening again.

This has been another really successful period for theRFA. Our reputation has been enhanced by everyone butparticularly FORT VICTORIA acting as flagship for the RoyalThai Navy command of the counter piracy effort off Somalia,and ARGUS, representing the UK at the 200th Anniversaryof the American Navy, and finally well done to FORT ROSALIEfor a very successful deployment as ATP(N). Everyone, at seaand ashore, has pulled together to get through a gruelling,busy, interesting and rewarding few months, well done andthank you. Enjoy the Indian Summer, did someone mentionChristmas?

Commodore Bill Walworth

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were visiting. Thankfully, although possiblytempted none of the Deck Officers on thisoccasion visited the cruise liners for a “tour”.They were all kept too busy on Mounts! Aswell as the XO’s new found interest in cars,the police also took an interest in the vehiclessaying officially they were conducting securitychecks, although the tax discs did seem to beof great interest to them!

No sooner had the Games begun, theclosing ceremony was upon us and theathletes all departed Portland and Weymouthto return home and a degree of normalityreturned to Mounts Bay, sort of. There was stilla requirement to support the police, as thesecurity footprint remained in place for theinter games period, in preparation for theParalympics. With Bulwark departing forleave, the role of Maritime Force CommanderDorset was transferred to Mounts Bay, but notbefore Bulwark held a BBQ and fun eveningto which all the Team GB Olympic Sailors,along with their families, were invited. The

guests all paraded through Mounts Bay asthey departed, proudly displaying theirmedals.

So much has been said about it being a‘once in a life time experience’. If you hadasked my team in the middle of the eventthey would probably have said it was anexperience they would rather not wish torepeat, bearing in mind the loading on someof the departments. However, I would like tothink that in months to come the experiencewill be looked back on as one in which wecan all hold our heads up high and say wewere there. For me, at the end of my‘ownership’ of Mounts Bay, it was a ‘once ina life time experience’, it was challenging,but it was also a huge success on so manylevels. Unfortunately or fortunately, life has toget back to normal and Mounts Bay cameback down to earth with a bump with thearrival of the BLI Team for a LogisticsInspection the day after the closing ceremony.Oh well…

‘Be Not Afeard, the Isles are full of noises,sounds and sweet airs, that give delight andhurt not’. Kenneth Branagh’s words fromCaliban’s speech in Shakespeare’s The Tempestset the scene for the beginning of the London2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

With the Olympics becoming a distantmemory it’s only now that the realisation of theenormity of the experience are being reflectedon by Chief Officer Chris Locke, whose part inthe Opening Ceremony as a cast memberstemmed from a desire to be involved in theOlympic story.

The transformation of England’s Green andPleasant Land into the power engine of theIndustrial Revolution set the theme forshowcasing British achievement throughout theages to the current Technological Revolution.Danny Boyle, the artistic director of the OpeningCeremony used the vehicle of lights, music andmass choreographed dance to tell this story; itwas a privilege to be a part of it.

My involvement began after joining theRoyal Naval Theatre Association (RNTA) in 2010while working at RFA HQ in Portsmouth.Interested in the technical side rather thanacting the RNTA gave me the opportunity todesign and operate lighting sets for a numberof productions in the Portsmouth area.However, last August the RNTA sent its

members an invitation from LOCOG, the LondonOrganising Committee of the Olympic Games,asking for volunteers to take part in theopening and closing ceremonies of both theOlympics and Paralympics. Although they werelooking for performers and not ‘techies’, Iapplied.

After two separate auditions in the East Endof London, which included routines similar toleadership training a Dartmouth Cadet wouldundergo and a number of mass choreographedmovements to demonstrate time and spatialawareness, I received, to my surprise, an offerto be a cast member for the Opening Ceremony.

Full rehearsals began in Dagenham at theold Ford Car works where two mock up OlympicStadiums had been constructed to enabledifferent sequences to be rehearsedsimultaneously. Each weekend thousands ofcast members would descend on this tented

Olympic Pandemonium – The Isles of Wonder

village, check in, receive their ‘bib’ numbersand then prepare for hours of rehearsals. Asthese developed my role became more definedas one of the industrial worker’s of the 1800s.

Our segment featured a 1,000 strong cast;we were first taught choreographed routinesthat would provide the basis of stagemovement followed by the more tedious butstill important choreographed procedures formoving stage props. Danny Boyle’s vision oftransforming the stage from the Green andPleasant Land of England into an industriallandscape would thus fall to us.

Predominantly we were responsible forclearing the stage of grass, fences and animalsto replace them with beam engines, chimneysand the Olympic Rings all to theaccompaniment and booming sound of onethousand drummers and an evocativesoundtrack by Underworld. This was all to beundertaken in 15 minutes in front of anestimated audience of 80,000 spectators andup to four billion viewers on worldwidetelevision.

The complicated part of the sequence wasremoving the grass and fences in the right orderto ensure the chimneys and beam enginescould be raised at exactly the correct time. Eachgrass section having its own number andallocated cast member’s to remove it. For thosewho watched the Opening Ceremony this mayhave appeared to be a seamless and simpleevolution. It was however far fromstraightforward requiring in total over 180 hoursof rehearsals to get it right. Transferringrehearsals into the stadium, which became our

home for most of July, added the impetusrequired to get the choreography right aided bythe use of individual headsets which enabledmovements to be called by the choreographystaff and a metronome sound to be layeredover the soundtrack.

The night of the first dress rehearsalcemented our efforts although there were stillchanges to be made, the most significantrequiring the reduction of the performance timefrom seventeen minutes to fifteen as a resultof changes to the overall running time of theceremony. Although only two minutes, thismade a significant difference to the time left toundertake the stage transformation.

The highlight for all of us in ‘Pandemonium’,the Industrial Revolution sequence, was forgingof the Olympic Rings and performingunderneath the firework cascade; but nothingcan prepare you for the ‘wall of sound’ that80,000 people make when you enter thestadium, this was my most vivid memory of thewhole performance, knowing that the audiencewere supporting you with such enormousenthusiasm was extraordinary.

To be part of the opening ceremony willalways be a lifetime high, not just the takingpart but the whole Olympic experience whichwas positive, uplifting, and quite unlikeanything I had experienced before. The UK, butparticularly London was caught in the Olympicspirit with the Olympic Park as its epicentre. Ibelieve the Olympic ideals of ‘faster, higher,stronger’ applied to the Ceremonies andVolunteers as much as the athletes, it’s not thewinning that counts, it’s the taking part.

Autumn 2012 | Gunline | 3

More than one and a half millionpeople got the chance to see RFAArgus in June when she spent sixdays in the world’s biggest navalbase. The aviation training andcasualty treatment ship attendedher second major maritime festival,named OpSail 2012, in a matter ofweeks; the event was tocommemorate 200 years since theWar of 1812 between Britain andthe USA – now the strongest ofallies.

With a flash of flame from one ofher two saluting guns, RFA Argussailed into US naval base in NorfolkVirginia, the biggest naval base inthe world to join scores of otherwarships, sailing vessels and othercraft for six days to partake in aseries of commemorations for amassive waterfront and seabornefestival to mark the bicentenary ofthe War of 1812, marking the lasttime Britain and the USA went towar.

Argus was one of scores ofwarships, sailing vessels and othercraft which spent up to six days inNorfolk, Virginia, for a massivewaterfront and seaborne festival tomark the bicentenary of the War of1812.

An estimated 1.5 million peopledescended on the Hampton Roadsand Chesapeake Bay area to watchfestivities, which included parades ofsail, and the opportunity to lookaround visiting vessels attending OpSail 2012.

Personnel from Argus – whichincluded not just her regular RFA andRoyal Navy contingent, but also aLynx flight from 815 Naval AirSquadron and a 30-strong disasterrelief team drawn from MASF atCuldrose, who were on board readyfor when the ship departs thecelebrations to head for the

Caribbean on standby for thehurricane season to assist UKdependant territories in the event ofthem being hit by a hurricane – tookpart in festivities aboard the 28,000-tonne ship and ashore.

Events aboard includedcelebrations to mark QueenElizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, whichwas highlighted by a ceremonialsunset, while on land Argus’ RoyalNavy contingent joined in a sunsetparade which ended with a hugely-impressive 15-minute drilldemonstration by the US MarineCorps at Norfolk’s Town Point Park.

Not to be outdone, her RFA crewflew the flag for the Service’sculinary branch: chefs CPO(Cook)Matt Rowberry and LH(Cook) AdamSyrett were the British competitorsat an international cook-off.

Joined by local chef ToryCamacho from the Culinary Instituteof Virginia, the trio were given abasket of the finest Virginian fare –

plus the best British ingredients fromthe ship’s pantry. Troy wasparticularly impressed by theinvention shown by the RFA cooks“putting a British spin on locally-sought produce”.

The result of their culinaryexperience was a starter of steamsea bass, parsnip chips and whitewine oyster and cream reduction; amain course of poached chickenbreast stuffed with Scottish haggis,ham and potato hash, braised redcabbage and a black puddingfaggot. For dessert: pickled rhubarband ginger on a shortbread basewith oat crumble and crèmeAnglaise and rhubarb jus.

Just the thought of being able tosit down to enjoy the feast soundsmouthwatering. Even better wasthe praise of one the judges whosaid of Team Argus that it “was by

far the best menu andpresentation”.

Unfortunately his fellow judgesoutvoted him with just half a pointseparating the top two in the five-ship cook off with the final resultseeing the chefs of Denmark’sHDMS Esbern Snare edging out theBrits to first place. Nevertheless asilver position in such a fiercelycompetitive culinary battle was nomean fete and the team from Argusare to be congratulated on theirachievement.

“We were robbed,” said adespondent Matt, from Ross-on-Wye.

“We thought the clean plateswere a good indication of oursuccess. To have missed out on thefinal by half a point was a greatdisappointment.”

His shipmate Adam fromHastings added:

“I really enjoy the challenge ofcompetitions and we stuck to theparameters set by the hosts.Unfortunately, the reindeer steaksused were too good.”

So that’s a top tip for next time…Festivities in Virginia focused on

the second huge event of the War of1812 which had involved Argus in amatter of days. Before sailing intoNorfolk, the ship spent a week inthe Big Apple for the 25th annualFleet Week – another internationalnaval celebration, which this yearhad an early-19th-Century twist.

The 1812 conflict, it actuallycontinued until 1815 is often hailedby the Americans as a victory –although a ‘draw’ would be a moreaccurate description. Moreimportantly, the war’s end laid thefoundations for two centuries ofever-closer ties between Londonand Washington.

Away from things ceremonial,the ship conducted training serialswith the US Navy; two helicoptersfrom HSC-2 squadron flew from NASNorfolk to meet the ship off theEastern Seaboard and conducted aseries of landings – a precursor tofurther training scheduled withAmerican helicopters later in Argus’deployment.

On completion of her visit to theUSA, Argus, which serves as both anaviation training ship for helicoptercrews, maintainers and handlersand as a state-of-the-art floatingmedical centre thanks to its PrimaryCasualty Receiving Facility, willcontinue on into the Caribbean to beready to provide aid to Britishcitizens in the hurricane season.

Argus joins massive bicentennialcelebrations in the USA

Fort Rosalie in June made a rarevisit to Cuba to discuss the fightagainst the drugs trade and markan historic anniversary. Fort Rosalievisited Havana to strengthencounter narcotics collaborationwork between UK and Cubanauthorities.

The visit coincided with Cuba’sBritish culture week and the 250thanniversary of the Battle ofHavana. British forces laid siege toHavana in June 1762 during theSeven Years’ War with Spain as itwas an important colonial militarybase.

Fort Rosalie was welcomed tothe Caribbean capital with a CubanNavy band and Guard of Honourincluding senior naval officers. Theship’s commanding officer, CaptainMartin Gould, made severaldiplomatic calls as the shipprovided a strong symbol ofBritain’s bilateral engagement withCuba.

Last year a declaration wassigned which included co-operation on Counter Narcoticswork and is linked to a wider aimto boost UK political andcommercial engagement in LatinAmerica. Cuba’s Minister of ForeignAffairs, local dignitaries and theBritish Ambassador and DefenceAttaché used Fort Rosalie as alocation for business meetings. Theship hosted a productive meetingon board with the Cuban Ministryfor Interior to discuss some of thedetails of Counter Narcotics work.

The ship’s company took timeto lay a wreath at the Jose MartiMemorial in Havana, whichhonours a martyr of the revolutionagainst Spanish control. Membersof the ship’s company visited acigar factory and historic buildingsand in exchange more than 900Cubans visited the ship – the openday coincided with Her Majesty TheQueen’s Diamond Jubileecelebrations.

In addition to supportingCounter Narcotics work as part ofher Atlantic Patrol Task work, FortRosalie has a remit to engage withdiplomatic partners in the region. Capt Gould along with the Britishambassador and defence attachéhosted a reception on board for thebenefit of Cuban military staff,officials and various internationalDefence Attaché staff.

RFA Fort Rosalie’s CommandingOfficer, Captain Martin Gould, said:

“Our visit to Havana,coinciding with British CultureWeek, has helped to cementrelations between our twocountries. The counter narcoticsoperations run by the internationalcommunity in the Caribbeanregion are supported by Cuba’spositive approach to the reductionof trafficking through theirterritorial waters; we hosted usefulmeetings on board to facilitategreater understanding of jointroles and capabilities. Seeing Cuba,being given front-row prominencein the port and making a largevisual impact meant the visit wasa roaring success. Our Ship’sCompany made outstandingefforts and engaged with the localpopulation during official functionson board and ashore.”

RFA Fort Rosalie inRare Visit to HavanaSHIP’S COMMAND DISCUSSCOUNTER NARCOTICS OPERATIONS

Arrival ceremony Cuban Naval band and Guard of Honour

Jose Marti Memorial

Chief Officer David Eagles, currently appointedto the Staff of the First Sea Lord in the Ministryof Defence in London, looks at how the RoyalNavy provides and delivers the UK’s Very HighReadiness Maritime Force.

The UK’s 2010 Strategic Defence andSecurity Review (SDSR) provides theframework and requirement for UK forces outfor the next decade and beyond. One keyconclusion from the review was that UK Forcesshould have the ability to deploy highlycapable assets quickly when we need to, butalso to prepare a greater scale and range ofcapabilities if required. Noting the enduringmaritime advantages of freedom ofmanoeuvre, flexibility of access, mobility,sustainability, reach and poise, the Royal Navyhas developed the Response Force Task Group(RFTG) concept to deliver the UK’s scaleable,very high readiness maritime force capable ofresponding with a range of capabilities tocrisis and world events.

This scaleable Task Group will be tailoredto the task in hand but will typicallycomprise amphibious shipping withembarked Royal Marines and aviation, a mixof frigates and destroyers to provide forceprotection across all environments and thesignificant logistic support embarked in RFAunits fully integrated as part of the Taskgroup and able to operate in whicheverthreat environment the Group finds itself in.Submarines will be attached to the TaskGroup as required by the nature of theoperation. Through its fully constitutedCommand Staff, the RFTG provides anadvanced capability able to plan and executethe full range of maritime operations acrossthe globe. Additionally the RFTG offerssignificant flexibility through its ability tohave elements forward deployed on othertasks whilst remaining at very high readinessfor contingent tasking.

To deliver a credible intervention force,the RFTG is based around a Royal MarineCommando Group of approx 1800 personneland precision strike capability through thesubmarine launched Tomahawk Land attackMissile, Apache Attack helicopters and navalmedium-calibre guns. This capability is ableto deploy and operate without restriction onthe high seas to within 12nm of any of theworld’s coastal states and can be held atreadiness or utilised as required in supportof Her Majetsy’s Government (HMG) aims.This freedom of manoeuvre allows the UK toact wherever it is in our strategic interest todo so.

Flexibility and agility are also keyattributes of the Response Force Task Group,

able to simultaneously deliver a wide rangeof effects across the military spectrum. Theseeffects would include:

• deterring adversaries and reassuringallies

• conducting maritime security operations• support to Special Forces• conducting international engagement to

build partnerships with regional powers• conducting capacity building as part of

wider Governmental and international(including International MaritimeOrganisation (IMO)) initiatives.

• Assist with stabilisation of fragile statesagain in support of cross-governmentand international initiatives.

This ability to simultaneously deliver arange of effects over a disparate geographicalarea was clearly demonstrated in 2011 whenduring the key delivery of the militarycampaign to protect the civilian population inLibya, the RFTG demonstrated the followingsimultaneous capabilities:

• Ability to evacuate over 500 entitledcivilians from alongside

• Conduct Mine-Clearance in harbourapproaches and Fairways

• Control and support UK air assets• Naval Gunfire to engage shore targets

that threatened civilian populations• Launch Attack Helicopter missions from

the sea• Launch precision Land-attack strikes

from submarines.Concurrently, the RFTG also delivered:• Poise at sea to provide options for HMG

given ongoing unrest across North Africaand the Middle East following the ArabSpring. Options to evacuate UK and EUentitled persons from this area wouldhave been executed by the RFTG if HMGhad so directed.

• Engagement and amphibious exercisesto develop relationships with new NATOpartners such as Albania.

• Engagement and exercises with keyregional partners such as Saudi Arabia,Oman and UAE.

• Capacity building to the SomalilandCoast-guard as part of a widerGovernmental initiative to bring stabilityto this region.

This ability to remain deployed to providepersistent presence in those regions of theworld where the UK has interests helps todevelop regional influence and assist withconflict prevention. Fundamental to thissustainability at reach are the forwarddeployed RFAs, permanently on station at

very high readiness. The logisticindependence, guaranteed by the presenceand capability delivered by the RFAs, enablesa minimal footprint ashore, minimal relianceon third-party infrastructure and is achievedat marginal additional operating costs.

In conclusion, as directed by UK DefenceStrategy, the Royal Navy’s Response ForceTask Group is:

• At Very High Readiness• Delivers a credible intervention

capability of Troops and precision strike• An integrated force of ships, submarines,

aircraft and RM Commandos• Flexible and scaleable – able to be

tailored to a range of tasking• Forward deployed, on task conducting

operations but able to respond quicklyto developing crises.

• Adaptable, being able to operate as adiscrete force or as a Joint UK effort withArmy, RAF and other Agency elements

fully integrated. Similarly it can operatein a Combined environment with alliesand partners becoming part of a multi-national Task Group to operate insupport of the international community.

Recognition to aChanging Abbeywood


The Afloat Support Team, now CommerciallySupported Shipping, based in Abbeywoodhas recently been recognised by receivingtwo Chief of Defence Material awards. Theseawards were presented during a ceremonyheld in MOD Main Building in London.

The first was presented to the Fleet TimeSupport and Design and Construction groupsfor the delivery of a substantial AMP thatincluded several capability upgradesincluding the fitment of SCOTT. The awardwas presented to C/O Nigel Sim, 1/O JulesPearson, C/O Stephen Smith, 1/O NicolasMachin, 1/O Tim Henshaw and Mr NormanUsher.

The award read: -“This award recognises the team’s role

in the delivery of an enhanced capabilitypackage for RFA Fort Victoria which enabledthe vessel to perform in a number of high-profile anti-piracy successes off the coast ofEast Africa. Your professionalism anddedication ensured the delivery of acomplex project that has demonstrated thecapabilities of Director Ships, Afloat Supportteams partnering arrangements withindustry via established through life supportcontracts.”

The second award was presented to theDesign & Construction group (under CSSnow known as the Capability, Safety andDesign Authority group) and in particular toMr Grant Blackwood who led a small teamof three in successfully delivering a fullprogramme of Ship Aviation Safety Reports(SASRs) and Class Safety Case Reports(SCRs) for all RFA vessels in only 15 months.

“This award commends that startingfrom an immature position where onlythree of eight RFA classes held a sufficientbaseline, the work has led to numerousdesign improvements and mitigations to

ensure the RFA are now operating saferships. In completing this activity there arenow reduced operational restrictions inoperating these ships which enablesincreased Capability. In particular, thecomprehensive analysis and managementof aviation hazards, has provided a greaterdegree of operational tasking andOperational Fleet Training (OFTs) by FLEETCommitments, which previously had beengreatly affected by the lack of AviationLetters of Release (LORs). Mr Blackwoodmanaged and was supported by a smallteam from industry. This comprised TommyMason of QinetiQ who led the generation ofthe Ship Aviation Safety Reports, and SteveVickery of SR3C Ltd who produced the ClassSafety Case Reports.

The SCRs demonstrate a comprehensivesafety argument for maintaining andoperating the vessels consistent with MoDpolicy and employing a cost-effective mix ofcommercial and military best practice, andthe delivery of the SASRs has now enabledAf Sup to facilitate the regeneration of theRFA’s flying capability thereby directlybenefitting RFA commitments to the fleet.”

The Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group –the UK’s Very High Readiness Maritime Force

Apache attack helicopters preparing for Operationsfrom HMS Ocean in support of the NATO mission toprotect the Libyan civilian population operating aspart of the RFTG in 2011.

This picture shows elements of the logistic trainrequired to keep the RFTG forward-deployed andindependent of a large shore-based footprint withRFA Wave Knigh (Left) supplying Diesel fuel, aviationfuel and Fresh Water to HMS Albion (Centre) while RFAFort Rosalie (Right) takes station prior to supplyingammunition, food and engineering spares.

Amphibious training in the Mediterranean in Summer11 with HMS Albion and RFA Mount Bay in thebackground. This forward-deployed training wasundertaken by the RFTG operating in concert withregional partners while other elements of the Groupconducted operations off Libya

(L to R) 1/O(SE) Nick Machin, CDM Mr Bernard Greyand FTS team leader C/O(E) Nigel Sim


Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, visitedMounts Bay alongside in Portland Port as the ship played host duringthe 2012 Olympic Games to numerous elements of the maritimesecurity force which secured Dorset’s 2012 Olympic sailing venue andcoastal approaches to Weymouth Bay.

The Navy’s most senior officer toured the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’slarge amphibious vessel and thanked Captain Kevin Rimell and hisShip’s company for providing the large, highly versatile, andaccommodating and yet secure logistics hub for the people deployedto this impressive security operation and all the myriad force elementswithin. The First Sea Lord also met the Harbourmaster, Captain MikeShipley, and Royal Navy Harbour Control Officers.

The towering Mounts Bay, a multi purpose port within a port loomedlarge over the pier in Portland on which she was berthed. She hasenormous flexibility, with embarked Royal Marines from 43 Commandoshe was able to operate as a highly secure zone within the wider portarea. The ship can also provide a mini heli-port on the flight deck, andshe has vast internal dock and huge vehicle deck space within. Whenthe ship is docked down, smaller inflatable boats and passenger craftoperate to and from the cavernous docks within the ship.

The ship is capable of accommodating hundreds of embarked forcesin her primary role which is to deliver the Armed Forces, either, Navy,Army, Royal Marines and their equipment to the shores of a troubledland and bring security and safety to those in need of protection. Thesecapabilities made her ideal to undertake the roles assigned to her forthe Olympics.

At the 2012 Olympics in Portland Harbour, the ship was multi-taskingto a whole new level – it was a hive of activity with Police Officers andmilitary personnel from forces or units drawn from all over the countryall passing through the ship on their way out to sea. Royal Marinesoccupied the ship literally, filling every available bunk space on boardand munching their way through enormous quantities of energy packeddinners. By day they operated their powerful Offshore Raiding craft,inflatable boats and landing craft at sea and at night could be foundpowering away in the gym to improve their fitness levels or runningfuriously around the steep rocky hills of Portland.

After two years providing support tothe navy’s submarines (SSN) andCombined Task Force (CTF) 150 inthe counter terrorism and narcoticsroles, Diligence returned to the UKon the 12th of May. Providing theeyes and ears for CTF 150,predominately within the Gulf ofOman, she steamed the equivalentof twice around the world andconducted 31 port visits in supportof the SSN or undertaking widerregional engagement includingDubai, Bahrain, Fujairah, Muscat,Seychelles and Goa.

Diligence paid a short four dayvisit to Malta on the way homewhere she hosted the British HighCommission, Maltese Sea Cadets,the Maltese Naval Historical Society;members of the UK sponsored multinational Emerging Nations courseand the Malta branch of the RFAAssociation.

The Malta RFA Association lunchand tour was a particularlyenjoyable event with a dozensprightly retired RFA personnelproviding our younger officers withsome salty tales of their time at seafrom the 1950’s to the 1970’s,accompanied by enough lampswinging to keep a Cornish wreckerin business for a lifetime. Manyoffers of assistance for theremainder of the passage homewere regrettably declined and the

day concluded with thepresentation of a ship’s plaque fortheir new meeting room.

Arrival in Portland to undergo arefit enabled us to welcome ournew Lady Sponsor, Mrs. AngelaPritchard on board. Angela wasformerly Lady Sponsor of RFABayleaf and is the wife of KenPritchard who named Diligence in1984. The day’s event commencedwith an overview of the ship’scapabilities from the ship’sNavigator/Operations Officer,Dougie Cook. This was followed bylunch and a tour of the mightyDiligence before Angela and Kenbade farewell and headed backnorth. We look forward to hosting

Angela and Ken again in theautumn when the refit is complete.

The ship is currently mid waythrough her refit at Camell Lairdwhich includes elements of a shiplife extension package andenhancements to her submarinesupport capability.

First Sea Lord visits RFAMounts Bay on operationOlympic duties

The Naval Service is reducing by 5,000 to just over 30,000 militarypersonnel, as well as by 400 to some 2,000 RFA personnel. As the First SeaLord said at his recent Clear Lower Deck “our greatest challenge is to changeour ways of working … as Navy Command is going to get smaller”.

In his Command Intent for 2012 the Fleet Commander sets us thechallenge of simplifying the way we do business, thinking creatively andaggressively about how best to prepare for the unexpected, and how bestto deliver on the tasks ahead of us. He also expects us to Challenge RedTape with the Red Card and Prioritise Work – only do what needs to bedone. One way in which the Navy Command Review (NCR) team issupporting this intent is by ensuring that the Naval Service makes best useof lessons learned and the experience of the workforce.

Improvements to our ways of working are being developed in NCHQ,where the RFA is well represented, and will be refined in the comingmonths. This work has concentrated so far on:

� “10 Small Steps” to Better Working. Under the headings of “BetterMotivation” and “Doing Things Better”, this reminds busy people howto increase their day-to-day efficiency whether in an office or dealingwith admin while on operations.

� Coaching. This is being provided to refresh those essential skills thathelp us to deal with change and improve performance andcommunication. Coaching skills can also be used to help motivate andsupport staff outside of the office.

� Induction & Continuation Training. The current programme is beingtransformed in October to give everyone the best possible training inpreparation for their time in the Headquarters.

The NCR team is also looking closely at how we can make more use of ourInformation Management systems to improve our Electronic Ways ofWorking. Local Information Managers are going out and showing staff howto make their computers work for them rather than the other way around!

After this initial rollout in NCHQ and with lessons learnt, the NCHQbehaviours team will be engaging with Establishment Command teamsahead of rolling the project out across Navy Command throughout 2013.

CHANGING THE WAY WE WORK –STARTING AT THE TOP

Captain Donkersley with Diligence’s LadySponsor, Angela Pritchard and herhusband Ken

Diligence Homecoming after Two Yearsof Operations in the Middle East

Members of the Malta RFA Association

When the Navigator, 2/O DuncanMacColl informed me that there wasan opportunity not only to fly in aLynx Mk 8, but also to visit the Type45 HMS Dauntless, one of the RoyalNavy’s newest, mosttechnologically advanced warships,Cdt(E) Jo Darcy and Cdt(E) JamesWallace and I, all first sea-phasecadets, couldn’t wait to accept theinvitation and get across to visit theship.

After a short flight from GoldRover to Dauntless we were warmlywelcomed on board by the crewand shown to our cabins. Aftersettling in we were then taken on atour of the ship and introduced toother members of the ship’scompany.

A Dauntless ExperienceOver the next four days, we

were shown just what it takes tokeep a multi-million pound warshipat sea in a busy operational theatre.

In order to maximise the benefits ofour visit, we were each assigned toa watch, which due to the numberof Officers onboard, meant theywere on a 1-in-4 watch pattern.There were similarities betweenhow the crew of Dauntless and GoldRover go about their day-to-dayroutines, however, unsurprisinglythe bridge of HMS Dauntlessresembles something more like afuturistic sci-fi movie.

The Ops Room of Dauntless wasa sight to behold, they have thetechnology to closely monitor all theactivities unfolding whilst deployed– both at sea and in the air and areready to react accordingly when theneeds arise. However despite all thehighly advanced technology ofDauntless, Gold Rover, with all her

charm is still my preferred ship.During our time on watch, we

took part in various training serialsincluding machinery break downdrills and were made to feel mostwelcome throughout our time onboard. Both officers and crew alikeall took a keen interest in the RFAand were eager to learn more aboutGold Rover and life onboard an RFAvessel. That’s not to say therewasn’t a little bit of healthy bantereither.

We all had a fantastic timeonboard Dauntless and we wouldlike to thank once again, CaptainW.J. Warrender RN and his crew forthe hospitality shown over the fourdays. Hopefully, the opportunities toconduct CROSS-POL to Royal Navyvessels especially the Type 45 willbecome a routine procedure and welook forward to welcoming some ofour Royal Navy colleagues onboardRFAs.

CDT(X) Sean Woodcraft


On the 4th May 1982 HMS Sheffieldwas attacked by the Argentineanarmed forces and sustained theimpact of an Exocet missile. The firsttore through the hull amidships,eight feet above the waterline on 2deck, tearing a gash in the hull. Themissile did not detonate but itmanaged to sever the high pressurefire main onboard, which had asignificant impact in the ship’scompany being able to fight andcontain the fires that followed. Thesecond missile splashed into the seahalf a mile away.

HMS Sheffield, was taken undertow, and was taking on significantamounts of water which resulted inher being slowly flooded, ultimately

causing the ship to sink on the 10thMay 1982. This tragic loss resultedin the loss of life and the ship beingthe first Royal Naval vessel to sinksince the end of World War II.

In memory of the loss of HMSSheffield and the men who wentdown with her, 30 years later, onthe 3rd May 2012 RFA Gold Roverconducted a boat transfer ofChoiseul Sound in the FalklandIslands, to enable her to pick upBFSAI Padre Rev, Flt Lt J M S Hollandand CDR R Curry RN Assistant Chiefof Staff, who sailed with Gold Roverto enable them to take part in thememorial service the next day.

Following an overnight transit,Gold Rover arrived at the grave siteearly on the morning of the 4th

May. The weather was relativelycalm with the winds from the Westand the outside air temperature acool bracing six degrees centigrade.

The ship’s company weremustered mid morning inpreparation for the service ofremembrance. The mood wassombre, which was even moreapparent in the chilled crisp sea air,several members of the ship’scompany having served on ships orashore during the conflict back in‘82, the calm silence that wasexperienced, giving all, time toreflect on fallen friends andcolleagues.

During the attack many ofSheffield’s crew were seriously

injured but tragically 20 men paidthe ultimate losing their lives inservice of their country and in theservice of others. We will rememberthem: -

Lt Cdr David Balfour, POMEM(M)David Briggs, CA Darryl Cope, WEAIAnthony Eggington, S/Lt RichardEmly, POCK Robert Fagan, Ck NeilGoodall, LMEM(M) Alan Knowles, No1 Boy Lai Chi Keung, LCK TonyMarshal, POWEM Anthony Norman,CK David Osborne, WEA1 KevinSullivan, CK Andrew Swallow,ACWEMN Michael Till, WEMN2 BarryWallis, LCK Adrian Wellstead, MAABrian Welsh, CK Kevin Williams, LtCdr John Woodhead.

Article written: - by 2/O(X) T AWarner – RFA Gold Rover

RFA Gold Rover –Remembering HMSSheffield

Fort Victoria whilst working with the Combined TaskForce (CTF) stationed on patrol in the Gulf of Aden onApril 15th conducted a ceremony to commemorate the100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic andthose who perished with her.

At sunset, on a calm balmy evening, the ship’scompany mustered on deck and a moment of silencewas held to remember the 1,517 lives lost, the sad andtragic loss having taken place 100 years ago to the day.

Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy, whowas embarked in Fort Victoria as the Commander of CTF151 attended the event. Also present at thecommemoration were the officers of the ship’scompany and the staff of the multinational combinedtask force of CTF 151.

Third Officer Niall Gordon said, “This event wasparticularly poignant for the officers of Fort Victoria. Ourroots are firmly set in the Merchant Navy and FortVictoria was built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, thesame shipbuilder who constructed the Titanic.”

Many of the improvements in maritime safetywhich came about after the disaster, most notably theInternational Convention for Safety of Life At Sea(SOLAS), still govern and regulate safety on boardmerchant vessels around the world today.

Fort Victoria’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ian NPilling, said, “The terrible loss of life on RMS Titanicresonated around the world 100 years ago today andthe subsequent lessons learnt from the tragedy havebeen adopted by all the maritime countries. It is fittingand a privilege that the CMF Staff of CTF 151 gave theirfull support in participating in this poignantremembrance ceremony in respect of all who died inthis tragic event on this day in 1912.”

Fort Victoria assumed the role of flagship for CTF 151led by Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy,with Thai command staff and representatives from theU.S., South Korean, Danish, Dutch and Italian navies. CTF151 is a multi-national mission-based Task Force,working under the Combined Maritime Forces toconduct counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea, Gulfof Oman, Somali Basin and Arabian Sea.

FORT VICTORIA COMMEMORATESSINKING OF RMS TITANIC

Third Officer Niall Gordon, RFA, leads a memorial ceremony forthe 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic attended bythe officers and sailors of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria andthe battle staff of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151.

Officers and Sailors of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria and thebattle staff of Combined Task Force 151 attend a memorialceremony for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic.

In 1982, Martin, then a Junior Cook and Baker, wasserving on RFA Fort Austin in San Carlos.Commodore Miller was serving nearby as aSpanish interpreter on board HMS Coventry, whenthe ship was hit and sunk on 25th May 1982.

He was one of about 270 survivors and 19 deadwho were rescued and evacuated the next day bythe landing craft of 4 Assault Squadron RoyalMarines to RFA Fort Austin.

Commodore Miller, Naval Regional CommanderWales and West of England, said:

“The landing craft that transferred us to theloving care on board RFA Fort Austin was sadly sunka week later in San Carlos.

“Her crew of six, who were all killed, is stillremembered to this day by 4 Assault Squadron whoalways name one of their landing craft “FoxtrotJuliet” after Colour Sergeant Johnson, holder of theQueen’s Gallantry Medal, who died that day.”

The landing craft of 4 Assault Squadron areembarked with the Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark,operating as the Command and Control vessel forOperation Olympics and the Paralympics.

The reunion between the two Falklands veteranstook place on board RFA Mounts Bay as CommodoreMiller transited through the ship, hosting a group ofdistinguished visitors, en route to HMS Bulwark towitness the Olympic security operations.

Reminiscing on their previous meeting, ChiefEtwell, who has served in the RFA for 41 years,remembered that each person on board shared theircabins with a survivor and that meal routines werechanged to accommodate the survivors. He said:

“Our team of 11 chefs cooked up a daily potmess (casserole) instead of the usual evening mealin order to eke out our rations to feed 140 people.”

Cdre Miller said:“It is good to see Chief Cook Martin Etwell still

doing his cooking job, feeding 463 people everyday,while staying cheerful, humorous, and a goodleader.

“He represents everything we had in theFalklands and it is still here today, off the coast ofDorset, as we conduct our Olympic security dutiesled by the Fleet Flagship.”

Falklands Veterans Reunited DuringOlympic Security Operation

L to R: Cdre Jamie Miller, CPO(CK) Martin Etwell, Capt Kevin Rimell


In June, Argus completed a six day visit toNorfolk, Virginia USA.

During her visit she had over 600 peopleattend ship open to visitors. The chefs tookpart in a cooking challenge. The ship hosteda Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrationwhich included a ceremonial sunset and theRoyal Naval personnel on board attended asunset parade and drill demonstration inNorfolk’s Town point park.

The Argus is currently touring thenorthern US as part of the American war ofindependence 1812 celebrations. The 1812is a celebration of 200 years since the warof 1812 with the British, but it needs to bestressed as a celebration of 200 years ofpeace and partnership, rather than a defeatof the British.

With more than two thirds of her lengthtaken up by the flight deck, she has the

ability to accommodate most helicopters,and to operate several at once. She isregularly used to train aircrew, pilots andobservers.

RFA Argus is manned by a combinedcrew of RFA, Permanent RN, embarked lynxflight and a 30 man Humanitarian DisasterRelief team ready for the Hurricane season.

Above: Crew of the RFA Argus fire a 21 gun salute asthey enter Norfolk.

RFA ARGUS IN NORFOLK, USA TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARSOF PEACE AND PARTNERSHIP

Right: Royal Navy crew from the RFA Argus, led by LtKaren McCullough RN, take part in a sunset parade inNorfolk’s Town Point Park.

RFA Fort Victoria earlier in the year embarkeda multi-national battle staff to take commandof counter-piracy operations in the Gulf ofAden and Somali Basin. Rear Admiral TaninLikitawong, Royal Thai Navy, relievedCommodore Aage Buur Jensen, Royal DanishNavy, as Commander Combined Task Force(CTF) 151 whilst alongside Muscat, Oman.

The change of command ceremony endedthe Royal Danish Navy’s first command of CTF151, which consisted of a multi-national staffembarked on guided-missile destroyer USSHalsey (DDG 97). The three month operationstrengthened ties with other counter-piracynaval forces on operations in the region, andfurther developed communication andcollaboration within the merchant shippingcommunity.

This was an historic collaboration for bothThailand and the United Kingdom because thiswas the first time that the Royal Thai Navyassumed command of a Combined Task Forceand the first time a Royal Fleet Auxiliary hasacted as Flag Ship for a foreign-led Task Force.

Fort Victoria’s primary role is logisticalsupport and replenishment of fuel, stores andammunition and remains one of the mostversatile ships in the British Fleet. Her militarycapability includes an advanced

FORT VICTORIA EMBARKS MULTI NATIONAL BATTLE STAFFTO COMBAT PIRACY

communication system, the ability to operateup to five helicopters and the capacity toaccommodate a full command staff.

Captain Ian N Pilling RFA, CommandingOfficer Fort Victoria, commented: “This is aunique opportunity for Fort Victoria in a rolewe are fully capable of supporting in order tocontribute to the Combined Maritime Force.Having a multi-national staff in a UK assettypifies the co-operation and professionalismthat exists between the maritime nations.”

As the ship sailed from Muscat, Oman forher tasking, Fort Victoria’s bow was decoratedwith a traditional Royal Thai Navy floralwreath tribute. The custom takes placewhenever a ship sails from port and gifts areoffered in respect of the angels and spiritsthat will protect her and help her to completeher mission successfully.

Whilst Fort Victoria was deployed as theFlag Ship for CTF 151 she hosted a conferencefor key influencers and politicians in theregion. The Prime Minister of Thailand,Yingluck Shinawatra met via teleconferencewith 16 Thai naval officers deployed in theGulf of Aden on counter-piracy operations. Theteleconference with the officers attached tothe UN Security Council sanctionedmultinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-

151) was held during her four-day visit toBahrain and Qatar between May 13th and16th. Ms Yingluck also met with businessmenin the two countries to discuss energycooperation, medical services and othereconomic development issues.

Rear Admiral Thanin Likitawong in his roleas The Royal Thai Navy’s Counter Piracy TaskGroup Commander, as well as commander ofthe CTF-151 told the Bangkok Post by phonethat the 16 Thai naval officers were on FortVictoria undergoing anti-piracy training with

multi-national naval officers in the ArabianSea near Madagascar.

During the prime minister’s visit to theBahrain headquarters of the CombinedMaritime Forces (CMF), a multi-national navalpartnership led by the United States, on May15, Fort Victoria was carrying the Thai navalofficers located in the Arabian Sea nearYemen. The officers reported on the Thaimission to her via teleconference. The 16 Thainaval officers joined the CTF 151 last Marchand their deployment ended in July. Theywere tasked with gathering intelligence onpiracy, said the Admiral.

He said it was likely the government willsend the Royal Thai Navy’s counter-piracy taskunit, which consists of both naval officers andships, to participate in next year’s CMF.

The final official visit to Fort Victoria wason May 20, when the Supreme Commander,Gen Thanasak Patimapakorn and Navy Chief,Admiral Surasak Runroengrom met with theThai naval officers on board the British ship.

CTF 151 is one of three task forces undercontrol of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF),based in Bahrain. CTF 151 was established in

2009 to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy,protect maritime vessels of any nationalityand secure freedom of navigation for thebenefit of all. CTF 151’s area of operationencompasses 1.1 million square miles in theGulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

Mounts Bay was recently fortunate enough tohave enjoyed a rare opportunity to supportand work with the Royal Netherlands MarineCorps (RNLMC) whose motto is Qua PatetOrbis, "As Far As The World Extends".

The ship sailed to be off Rotterdam tosupport the amphibious exercise between the18th to the 26th of June and acted as theamphibious platform to enable the RNLMC toconduct a certification exercise, revalidatingtheir amphibious capability.

The Korps Mariniers (KM) as they’re alsoknown is the marine corps and amphibiousinfantry component of the Royal NetherlandsNavy. The marines are trained to operateanywhere in the world in all environments,

under any condition and circumstance as arapid reaction force. The KM can be deployedto a given location within 48 hours.

Having recently returned from Afghanistanthe renewal of amphibious skills was anessential requirement for future Dutch Marineanti-piracy deployments in the Indian Ocean.After an initial planning phase, landing serialswere conducted close to the city ofRotterdam. Predictably the weather had itssay and some elements of the exercise werecurtailed, but valuable experience was gainednevertheless.

Mounts Bay’s Commanding Officer,Captain Kevin Rimell said ” This was anexcellent opportunity for the RNLMC and theRFA to practice and demonstrate UK/NL

interoperability. Mounts Bay was able toprovide a platform to conduct serials and theship’s recent experience in trooping activitieswas utilised by the Dutch planning teamonboard. I was particularly pleased to seehow my team and the Marines interacted sowell”.

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Mailing ListWith GUNLINE now available in electronicformat on the RFA page on thewww.royalnavy.mod.uk website and theRFA Community websitewww.rncom.mod.uk there is now theopportunity to reduce the amount ofunwanted mail. If you would like to readGUNLINE on line and stop receiving it in thepost please e.mail me [email protected]

In what has been an incredibly busy year forhigh profile spectacular events andcelebrations throughout the land, it was onlyfitting that the RFA sought to play it’s partand so in June this year, 3rd Officer(X)Hannah Vickers certainly partook in aspectacular event with her own celebrationswhen she tied the knot with CPO(WE)ETStewart McGregor of Fort Victoria Phalanxfame.

Hannah and Stewart originallymet in 2010 when they both sailed in FortGeorge but it wasn’t until they met again inFort Victoria whilst the ship was in Dubaiwhere they were both working as OOQ’sthat things truly blossomed.

So it was two years later that Hannahand Stewart tied the knot and Hannah wastotally awestruck from the beginning of herbig day, when the vintage Rolls Roycearrived to take her to and later returned thehappy couple from the church, the car beingkept as a surprise until the big day. With anRFA theme running throughout the day’sfestivities the wedding cake was a fantasticsculpture of Fort Victoria accompanied in trueRFA tradition with copious quantities ofChampagne to toast the bride and groom.

After the partying and celebrations the

couple escaped the wet summer beingexperienced at home and headed off to LakeGarda in Italy for their honeymoon

The new Mrs McGregor can be seen withher parents, her father who has copiousamounts of knowledge about RFA traditions

and celebrations having been aSupply Officer in his day, herbrother Chris who is acquiringthe knowledge as a Cadet (X),and of course her new husband,Stewart who has already beenindoctrinated in RFA traditions.

Hannah and Stewart havenow returned home and have forthe time being enjoying marriedlife in Aberdeen. Manycongratulations to them both!

We are all aware of the RFA’scontribution to global maritime securityand humanitarian support that we havedelivered for our country for over ahundred years. The RFA has been in thethick of things, supporting and deliveringin conflicts, environmental disasters,peacekeeping and humanitarian relief.Regrettably, when undertaking this workwe have suffered casualties and loss oflife. The tasks undertaken in the past andin the future, by their very nature carryvarying degrees of risk.

We have a unique opportunity toremember and contribute to the past andlook to the future by donating TenPounds towards the RFA Memorial Fund.Our target is to purchase a plot at theNational Arboretum and build an RFAmemorial. The cost is expected to be ofthe order of Thirty Thousand Pounds, andif we all make a donation we can build alasting memorial to the memory of thoseRFA seafarers who have made theultimate sacrifice. The memorial wouldalso be a tribute to our heritage,reflecting on our past and looking to thefuture.

Please send a cheque for Ten Poundsor more to the RFA Association memorialFund, PO Box 52, Barnard Castle, CountyDurham DL12 2 BA. Or log onto:www.rfa-association.org and make adonation through the Virgin moneygiving page.

Thank you

Bill Walworth

THE RFA MEMORIALCAMPAIGN:

TO REMEMBER THEPAST AND LOOK TO

THE FUTURE

Mounts Bay berthed in central Rotterdam

CPO(CK) Martin Etwell oversees a Dutch Marine in

Mounts Bay’s Galley

MOUNTS BAY DEMONSTRATES HER DUTCHVERSATILITY

1/O(X) Steve Pickering briefs the RNLMC Amphibious

Operations Officer.

Let’s Celebrate


Around the World

WAVE KNIGHTConducting training in SW Coast Exercise areas.

WAVE RULEREast of Suez in support of coalition forces.

BLACK ROVERUndergoing a refit in Birkenhead.

GOLD ROVERConducting APT(S) duties in the South Atlantic.

ORANGELEAFRunning as FOST tanker in support of training serials.

FORT VICTORIADeployed east of Suez in support of coalition forces.

FORT AUSTIN Alongside east coast of Scotland re-storing.

FORT ROSALIEDeployed east of Suez in support of coalition forces.

CARDIGAN BAYDeployed east of Suez in support of coalition forces.

MOUNTS BAYOff south coast in support of operational flying training.

LYME BAYRefit in Falmouth.

ARGUSAPT(N) in support of disaster relief during the core hurricane season.

DILIGENCERefit in Birkenhead.

GOLD ROVER

WAVE RULERFORT VICTORIAFORT ROSALIE

CARDIGAN BAY

WAVE KNIGHTORANGELEAFMOUNTS BAY

LYME BAY

BLACK ROVERDILIGENCE

FORT AUSTIN

ARGUS


Your patience is appreciated..

Many of you will be aware that the RFAPersonnel Operations Division is re-brigadingas part of wider Navy Command Headquartersrestructuring following the Strategic DefenceReview and the Treasury led VfM programme.Some internal reorganisation has alreadytaken place in RFA Training, BusinessManagement, Travel Cell, Casework Cell andManpower Planning areas of the division. Inthe appointing area however, we still a littleway to go because of the depth of changeand staff rebalancing required to introducethe new structure. The changes will buildupon new ways of working that will adopt abranch specific approach to appointing. Thiswill comprise three teams encompassingOperations and Comms, Logs Supply andMedical and Engineering. The RFAOccupational Health area led by SharonKitwood will also have closer ties with HRoutputs to provide a structure that seeks toimprove the importance of people well-being,health and fitness and medical case work etc.

The three branch teams headed by BandD staff are already known to many of you andare Vickey Ferguson (Ops and Comms), KediClutton (LS and Med) and Annette Corkett(Engineering). They will be supported by nineBand E1 personnel managers who should allbe in place by mid October. Please bear withus during the early months as some of thestaff are new to the organisation and therewill inevitably be a settling in period as theydevelop understanding of their new role,similarly during the coming weeks yourpatience is appreciated as we relocatepersonnel in West Battery and complete the

recruitment and induction process of newstaff. Contact details for appointers and otheroffices across Personnel Operations willchange over the coming weeks and we willkeep you advised of the interim changesthrough various means as we move to thepermanent structure and locations in WestBattery.

Alex Hardy and Keith Evans remain withinthe HR area continuing to provide essentialoffice management support and will take onan increased role in performance and widercapability outputs, working with the recentlyarrived Capability Manager and Chief of Staff,Chief Officer Colin Grylls, who will co-ordinatecross Pers Ops divisional matters for DACOSPers Ops Captain John Hood. In the futuregreater utilisation of Magellan will be a keyfactor in our desire to improve manpowerplanning and ensure the personnel areavailable to meet capability requirements andaid planning for the individual concerningappointment, training and leave balance.

Other changes in the training area will seeFirst Officer Graham Barrett responsible forPersonnel Development, a role that seeks tomatch professional training requirements toRFA business need and there will be more onthis in the coming months once Chief OfficerRuss Farquhar returns to his Pers Ops trainingmanager role following his temporarysecondment to Fort Rosalie. There is also achange in direction for Lou Formby, currentlyComms appointer, who is moving to a newrole in the training area with Andrea Parkin.Afloat and Cadet Development including RTOswill continue under the watchful eyes of FirstOfficer Chris Jordan and Second Officer PhilGregory.

The Business Manager or in ‘new money’Financial Controller, Liza Buckingham willcontinue to support the business from aresource perspective and will oversee Travel,Case management and Manpowerrequirements supported by First Officer CliveMartin.

A more detailed ‘who’s who’ of Personnel

Operations will be published when remainingposts are filled. In the meantime we willinform you when the changes are completewith the aim of delivering better support tothe Ships and an improved personnel /appointing service to you.

C/O Colin GryllsCoS RFA Personnel Operations

RFA PERSONNEL OPERATIONS

0800 121 4765www.seafarersupport.org

Seafarer Support, a confidential Freephone service (operated by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board,) has successfully assisted over 600 Seafarersor their families with welfare enquiries, since its launch in 2009.

The referral service, much like directory enquiries, puts callers intouch with organisation(s) thatcan provide specialist support andguidance.

With over 100 maritime charities offering assistance, knowingwhere to start can be challenging,so let Seafarer Support do the hardwork for you!

Sally, our Welfare Officer, is onhand to answer your queries, sowhy not give her a call on: 0800121 4765 or visit: www.seafar-ersupport.org to see how SeafarerSupport can help you.

Fort Victoria has been incredibly busy overrecent months in support of UK internationalsupport working under the CombinedMaritime Forces. In being so busy she hasbeen able to undertake a couple of firsts forthe RFA, firstly as the flagship forCommander Combined Task Force (CTF) 151,hosting Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong ofthe Royal Thai Navy and his multi-nationalbattlestaff. She has also played host tomembers of Helicopter Maritime StrikeSquadron Seven Seven (HSM-77)“Saberhawks” aboard United States carrierUSS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) embarkedon Fort Victoria back in May.

The embarkation of HSM-77, led byLieutenant Commander Aric “Bull”Edmondson, U.S. Navy, is the first U.S.helicopter detachment to be embarked on

a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) asset inthis area of operation, and also the firsttime on a Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The MH-60R Seahawk is fitted withadvanced surface search radar and providesenhanced capability in counter-piracyoperations.

Captain Ian Pilling, commanding officer,RFA Fort Victoria stated: “This is a greatopportunity to explore the UK/U.S.interoperability whilst providing asignificant force multiplier to the embarkedCTF151 battle staff.”

CTF 151 is a multi-national mission-based Task Force, working under theCombined Maritime Forces to conductcounter-piracy operations in the Red Sea,Gulf of Oman, Somali Basin and ArabianSea.

RFA FORT VICTORIAEMBARKS U.S. HELICOPTER

SYSTEMS ENGINEER OFFICER CADETSHIPSThe RFA Management Board has recently endorsed the strategy for the future

identification and recruitment of Systems Engineer (SE) Officers through a SystemsEngineer Officer Cadetship Scheme.

Initially the SE Officer Cadetship scheme will run in parallel with the recruitment ofdirect entrant SE Officers. It is intended that two places will be reserved on the 3 yearFoundation Degree in Marine Electrical / Electronic Course commencing in September 2013at South Tyneside College which will lead to a STCW approved Electro Technical Officer(ETO) Certificate of Competency (CoC).

The benefits from adopting this approach to the recruitment of future SE Officers are:� Begin to address the demographic trend within the SE Branch and enable experiencegained by existing SE Officers to be retained within the Branch.� Provide for a more structured and predictable avenue for the recruitment of SE Officersgiven the difficulties in recent years in identifying and recruiting suitable qualified andexperienced entrants.� Ensure the SE Branch is populated with suitably qualified and experienced (SQEP)personnel who are independently assured and on an academic level similar to that of theMarine Engineering Branch.� Enable the added option of progressing from the Foundation Degree to a BEng (Hons)Degree in Electronic Design Technology.� Provides the mechanism for RFA Pers Ops to have more confidence in meeting theprofile for recruitment for SE Officer in future years.� Enable the RFA Service to grow SE Officers within the ethos, culture and work ethic ofthe RFA.

The accreditation of existing System Engineer Officers/ ETOs within the maritimeindustry has yet to be quantified by the MCA.

As soon as more information becomes available, it will be included in the CascadeBrief.

BISH GETS HIS FEET UNDERTHE TABLE


Argus, currently deployed on APT(N) to theCaribbean for six months, has as part of theGovernment’s regional engagement with theBritish territories and former territories visitedJamaica to partake in celebrations to mark the50th anniversary of independence.

Argus looking forward to arriving inJamaica and joining the island’s population totake part in several events marking theanniversary. Unfortunately, Mother Nature hadother plans. The close proximity of HurricaneErnesto on its passage West towards Mexicoled to the closure of the port of Kingston anda 48 hour delay in Argus arriving.

Despite the delay, the ship was still ableto come alongside for 24 hours, whichenabled meetings between key members ofthe on board Humanitarian Aid and DisasterRelief Team (HADR) and Jamaican disastermanagement committee to take place.Demonstrations from the light rescue teamsof the HADR organisation highlighted theimpressive capabilities of the ship and hercrew in responding to natural disasters in theregion.

The short stop also gave an opportunity forvisiting politician RH Ken Clarke, LordChancellor and Secretary of State for Justice,to come aboard for a tour of the unique and

highly versatile ship. Fitted out with a 100 bedhospital complete with CT scanner andoperating theatres, Argus acts as the UK’sPrimary Casualty Receiving Ship and is onhigh readiness to sail for any hot spots andprovide support to UK forces in maritime andlittoral environments.

Mr Clarke, who was visiting Jamaica aspart of the 50th celebrations, toured all areasof the ship, with a key interest in her roleduring APT(N). Her mixed crew is augmentedby a 30 man team with niche training in areasof HADR Ops. Mr Clarke went away with amuch greater understanding of the ship, andthe role she will be playing for the next fourmonths within the Caribbean

The brief stop in Kingston also allowedmembers of the ship’s company to visit Tracksand Records, a local sports bar owned by noneother than Usain Bolt, the fastest man in theworld. Unfortunately Mr Bolt was notavailable during the visit, as he was engagedwith a small sporting event in London.

Argus sailed from Jamaica to continue herpatrol in the Caribbean. With weather systemslining up in the Atlantic it promises to be abusy season, but one for which the combinedRFA and RN crew are trained and ready to dealwith.

Firstly I would like to introduce myself tothose in the RFA I haven’t had the chanceto meet yet and to to say hello again tothose I have met previously. I’m James yourrecently appointed “Bish”. As I’ve been inthis job for a few months now and I thoughtit was time to put pen to paper. A few “firstimpressions” if you like, of life as Chaplainto the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

I have managed to get to the Gulf verybriefly but have since spent most of mytime in the South Coast Exercise Areas,generally under the watchful eye of theFOST organisation. I anticipate spreading mywings a little further soon, and am keenlyaware of the numbers of ships I need tosee, and the constraints on travel that wework under.

Many of you may wonder why the RFAhas a Bish (Chaplain) at all. That seems awholly reasonable question. The days whenthe Church engaged with seafarers by righthave long gone. Nevertheless, there arefew with experience of peril at sea, or war,or other kind of danger that would prefer todo without a chaplain.

I have often wondered why this is;certainly there is a bit of folk superstition(not that sailors suffer such things) thatsuggests that having the “Makers Rep” inthe boat with you must count forsomething. Certainly sailors have preferredto have a chaplain with them on seavoyages throughout history; even St Paulwas a Ship’s Chaplain for a while.

But in these more modern and rationaltimes, surely there is no need for any divineinsurance policy. As modern, thinkingseafarers, with the MCA, and Lloydscertification to sustain us, surely a chaplainis slightly outdated; quaint, even.

There are two answers to this. If weunderstand the chaplain to be just the blokewho does God on board, then if individualsreally don’t do God, the role is irrelevant atbest and a waste of rations at worst. Ofcourse the chaplain is no longer just theprofessional Christian on board. The role hasexpanded to include welfare, social work,healthcare, and advocacy. The chaplain isthe one person on board who is paid to beeverywhere, talk to everyone, to be gettingaround the ship. The chaplain really is the“friend and advisor to all onboard”.

The second answer is even moreinteresting. In our modern post-Enlightenment world, we increasingly seefaith as a matter of choice and preference.There are many parallels between churchand football, not least because they

compete for our attention on the weekends.On the one hand we have rousing hymns,and fervent prayers, the faithful calling onGod for divine assistance. Sometimes it is insmall huddles of the faithful and sometimesthousands all sing their hearts out. On theother hand we have the church.

The irony isn’t lost on those in myprofession, and it leads me to suggest thatthe capacity to “believe” exists in the heartof us all; sometimes its David Beckham’sright foot, and other times it is God. In fact,far more people believe in God around theworld than believe in Beckham, or anyother footballer for that matter. So we canget to choose which football team wesupport, or whether we believe in God andmost choose God. We are fortunate that welive in a society that allows us this choice.

What is important though, is therecognition that belief in something is thedefault position for humanity. Ourupbringing, our values and our experiencesof life will determine what we believe in,but we all believe in something. Evenatheism is a kind of belief!

So, why does the RFA have a chaplain? Ibelieve it is because a ship should representthe society from which it comes and shouldembody the values of the society that relieson it (in our case) for the security of thatsociety. Our society values welfare, goodhealth and the rights of the individual. Italso values morality, the right to belief, andrespect for faith. The chaplain on board isthe assurance that society extends thosevalues and rights to those at sea. Likewise,a chaplain is the assurance that God extendshis care, love and concern to those at sea.

If you believe in something other thanGod, Man U, for example, or Beckham’sfoot, then your focus will be on the first ofthese two assurances. If you believe in God,or in the possibility of God, then you mightfocus on the latter. At its simplest, achaplain is proof that society and the NavalService, who sends the chaplain, cares forall those on board and that God, whorecruited the chaplain, does too.

Of course chaplains are not unique to theRFA or to the RN. Most modern navies of theworld sail with chaplains, and manyshipping companies use the services ofembarked chaplains or organisations likethe Missions to Seafarers.

But enough of the sermon!Recently we have remembered the

thirtieth anniversary of the Falklands War.Many in the RFA served in that conflict, andmany of us are old enough to rememberwith a certain dread the first days of thatconflict and the relief and vindication thatflowed from the final victory. That victorywas secured with a significant loss of life; itfalls to all of us to remember withthanksgiving the lives of those who paid theultimate price, and those who still suffertoday.

So far this year we have also had anumber of deaths from within our ownranks and amongst our retired brethren. Wegive thanks for their lives, and for theirservice, and offer condolences and prayersto those who mourn them.

I hope to get out to see everyone in theremainder of this year. In the meantime,stay safe, and may God’s blessings be uponyou and yours.

Argus Bolts to Jamaica

On 18th July LH(HC) Kelly Duff,accompanied by her “support team”,ventured out to run 5k for the Charity “Racefor life” in Simons Town, South Africa.Initially this was not the intended venuefor the event, but the glorious backdrop ofthe South African setting sun and observingpenguins lining part of the route made itas good a substitute as any for raisingsponsorship for such a worthy cause.

The past year has been especiallydifficult for Kelly while serving onboardArgus, after her “Granda” lost his battlewith cancer and sadly passed away on the9th April. A strong and healthy manthroughout his life, Kelly found it difficultto see how frail he became as the illnesstook over.

The original date for the run had beenset for 1st July on Aberdeen BeachBoulevard, where Kelly had been givenrace number 979. This coincidentally,would have been her Granda’s 89thBirthday. Was this a sign? Kelly believed so,and this kick started her determination totry and make a difference. She decided todrum up the necessary support from familyand friends at home to run the race athome when she received the dreaded callfrom NCHQ in Portsmouth.

"Kelly, could you please join the GoldRover in Ascension Islands in 5 days time?”

Not wanting to disappoint her friendsand family back home and still determinedto help in the fight against cancer, Kellychoose Simons Town as the venue toundertake her challenge. Despite beingseveral thousand miles away, Kelly oncompletion of her sponsored run thankedeveryone back home and the fantasticsupport of the crew of RFA Gold Rover fortheir support, encouragement andsponsorship.

"I have managed to raise over £700 forthe charity, which is amazing. Therun/walk took me 39 minutes 21 secondsto complete. I know, it’s not the greatesttime in the world but it was never aboutthe time. It was about doing something fora brilliant person who had a great impacton my life”

Baie Geluk Kelly! (Well done Kelly!)

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/news-and-events/latest-news/2012/july/25/120725-baie-gelluk-kelly

Baie Geluk Kelly!

RFA Chaplin James Tabor


The annual reunion this year was held

at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in

Southampton. The Solent Branch did a

superb job of giving us a dinner that was a delight

and great fun. Our patron His Royal Highness the

Earl of Wessex arrived on schedule and spent

some time meeting the Solent team, RFA

Association trustees and then all the other guests.

Not only were many memories exchanged but

everyone enjoyed seeing so many friendly faces

in one place. Commodore Bill Wallworth

described where the current RFA is after the

Defence Cuts and gave us hope for the future.

The raffle prizes were specatular and along with

corporate donations that Captain Brian Waters

and his team collected allowed a fantastic profit

of £6,500 to be given to support the work of the

Association. This is sorely needed in a year that

has included the extra costs of moving the office

and all our many artifacts from the North of

England to the South. My heartfelt thanks to

Brian and all his team for putting on a truly

excellent event. The pictures tell the story.

As usual the dinner was preceded by our

AGM where thanks were given to Mike Day who

has now stood down after serving six years as a

trustee. The remainder of the

committee remain the same

except that Chairman and

Deputy Chairman have swopped jobs. Pat

Thompson who has chaired us excellently for 4

years now gets some slight respite as he becomes

Deputy Chairman and I have taken over as the

Chairman. It probably isn't realised just how

much day to day work is involved in running the

Association and Pat retains responsibility for our

website and ceremonial events to my huge relief!

Association work is definitely better when

responsibilities are shared.

One very pleasant task was to be formally

introduced to our patron in Buckingham Palace.

On the 27th June, three of us met at the

palace; Pat, our membership secretary Dawn

Reay and I. We met HRH The Earl of Wessex

in his private office and enjoyed chatting about

life in the RFA, sailing with the Royal Yacht and

his recent time in Fort Rosalie. Then Pat, Dawn

and I enjoyed a celebratory drink in the Victory

Services Club before heading home.

Our next trustee meeting will take place in

our new office in Semaphore Tower and I will

report on that in our next issue.

Chairman's Dit Frank Andrews

R FA A S S O C I AT I O N

CONTACT

INFORMATION

RFA ASSOCIATIONHeadquarters01772 685427

(see below)E-mail:

[email protected]

CHAIRMANFrank Andrews01772 685427

Skype frank.andrews7E-mail:

[email protected]

DEPUTY CHAIRMANPat Thompson01833 64004507919 253417

Skype Captain.Pate-mail:

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIPDawn Reay

07522 551628E-mail:[email protected]

TREASURERPeter Fry

02392 524625E-Mail:

[email protected]

PLYMOUTH BRANCHJohn Halford01752 659942

E-mail: [email protected]

SOLENT BRANCHBrian Waters

01722 320562E-mail: [email protected]

LONDON BRANCHLt Cdr James Wyatt

Richard Fernley(Vice Chairman)07778 780872


SCOTTISH & NEWCASTLEBRANCH

John Roddis01786 821379


MIDLANDS BRANCHJohn Sail

01476 [email protected]

NORTHWESTFrank Andrews01722 685427


Office Address:The Semaphore TowerPP70HM Naval BasePortsmouth PO1 3LT

Mailing Address PO Box 52

Barnard Castle DL12 2BA

Web Sites:www.rfa-association.org.uk

Plymouth Branchwww.rfaaplymouth.org

Solent Branchwww.

freewebs.com/rfaasolentbranch/

London Branchwww.rfaa-london.org.uk/

NOTE: Correspondence shouldbe addressed to

The RFAA Chairman, 14 St Nicholas Grove, Wrea Green, Preston,

Lancashire, PR4 2WB.

London Branch BBQ Memorial Progress

The London Branch have recently enjoyed a

BBQ hosted by Gillian Downham - in her back

garden in Steyning. A good time was had by one

and all. A talk was given by the Vice-Chairman

of the London Branch on the workings of the

RFA and also the work of the Association,

especially the welfare work (Gillian is our

welfare officer). The sun shone and birds sang,

and a vote of thanks given to Gillian for all the

effort and thought that went into the event. £250

was also raised for the RFAA.

Thailand Rescue

Mick Spear, former Supply officer, came to the

rescue of a former colleague, a young rating,

when he noticed he had overstayed his welcome

in Thailand and faced a period in a Thai jail.

Mick recognising the name in the local paper and

quickly came to the lad's rescue and paid his fine

and return air fare to UK out of his own pocket.

Plans for the RFA memorial dedication at the

National Memorial Arboretum are now well

advanced. The date has been set for 11th October

and the service is likely to commence at midday.

The Royal Marine Band have been engaged and our

patron HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO ADC

will be in attendance.

The idea for a memorial for all RFA personnel

lost in conflict began in 2008 when Captain Tony

Pitt and myself visited the NMA, near Alrewas in

Staffordshire. We submitted a report on what could

be done and discussions began on how the idea

could be taken forward. Commodore Bill

Wallworth also visited the NMA and asked if a

project could be undertaken. This resulted in a

small 4 man team with representatives from both

RFA and RFA Association being formed. The team

consisting of myself, Captain Robin Lock, Captain

John Sail and Rob Langford first met on site in

2010 and a number of ideas were considered.

Eventually a sketch drawn by Rob Langford and

enhanced by Keith Rackham from Perfitts Ltd, our

contractor, gained the necessary approval of the

Arboretum authorities.

Fund raising then commenced in both RFA and

RFA Association and these are now thought to be

sufficient to cover our full installation costs but

probably not the first 20 years maintenance that we

also have to fund.

The memorial will be sited in the heart of the

naval section and backs onto the 2000 Oak Tree

Wood, which represents the merchant ships lost in

WW2, and faces the main Armed Forces memorial

through an avenue of trees.

The memorial will undoubtedly raise the RFA

profile within this major national setting.

Frank Andrews RFAA Chairman

Sketch: Drawn by R M Langford

Crossed the Bar

Since the last edition of Gunline thefollowing members and ex-RFA nonmembers have sadly "Crossed the Bar"

Mac Cunningham Radio Officer

28th May 2012

John Scott Engineering Superintendent

5 July. 2012

Michael Sandry Engineering Officer

17th July 2012 aged 77

Mac Cunningham died 28th May 2012. He is survived by hiswife Julie,daughter Katrina & son Neil. Mac served as a radioofficer in many RFAs but started life in the Argyll & SutherlandHighlanders. He was posted to Korea after volunteering to servein the Black Watch who were defending South Korea against theNorth Koreans. During an action in the latter part of 1951 ashell landed close to Mac completely burying him. With histrusty issue spade he managed to dig himself out completely;amazing his fellow soldiers. After this action Mac was offeredbut refused recognition because he wasn't allowed to say he wasBlack Watch

Michael Sandry, Throughout his life Michael maintained hisinterest in golf, cars, motorbikes, steam railways and even addedaviation by gaining his private pilot's licence, which he used tofly the family to France . All who spoke of him emphasised hishonesty & integrity and he has been a stalwart supporter of theAssociation since the Plymouth Branch was formed.


F O R S E R V I C E , S E A FA R E R S A N D FA M I L I E S

REG CHARITY NO. 1093950. PATRON: HRH THE EARL OF WESSEX, KG KCVO ADC REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND No. SC039054

National Armed Forces Day was this year

celebrated in Plymouth on the 30th June

2012. Unusually for this Summer it was a fine

day although a bit windy. The main

celebration consisted of a parade from the

Citadel to Plymouth Hoe after which there

was a Drum Head Service which was attend

by an estimated 30,000 people on the Hoe. In

the afternoon there was then a steam past of

the Hoe by HMS Argyll and RFA Mounts Bay

and finally a display by the Red Arrows after

which the Plymouth Pipe Band lead everyone

down to the Barbican.

The parade assembled at the Citadel and

nearly had it eardrums burst by a Typhoon

displaying over the hoe at 10:30. The parade

which marched off at 11:15 consisted of the

Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marine

Plymouth leading contingents of the three

services followed by the Central Band of the

Royal Air Force leading the Veterans and the

Plymouth and Cornwall Wing, Air Training

Corps, Corps of Drums leading the cadets.

The Veterans section consisted of the SAMA

National Standard out in front, as it is thirty

years since the Falklands Conflict, followed

by 100 National and Branch Standards, the

RFAA National Standard being carried by

Richard Walker in the second row and the

Plymouth and District Branch standard being

carried by Ray Jago a few rows behind. Then

came about 125 SAMA Veterans among

whom were Tony Pitt, Dennis Barker and

Alan Johnson, these were then followed by

250 other veterans including, Darby Allen &

Charlie Rodgers, and bringing up the rear

were 30 disabled Veterans, including Jack

Evans & Dougie Lewis who joined the parade

on the Hoe. The salute was taken by the Earl

of Wessex and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth

Councillor Michael Wright, the Prime

Minister, David Cameron, was in attendance

with many other dignitaries including the

First Sea Lord Sir Mark Stanhope GCB,

OBE, ADC. Once the parade had assembled

on the Hoe there was a moving Drum Head

Service on a large stage at the East end of the

Hoe conducted by the Bishop of Plymouth

and the Chaplain-General Her Majesty's Land

forces. Readings and prayers were said by the

Lord Mayor of Plymouth and the Deputy

Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Chaz

Singh and a member of the Reserve, Veterans,

and Cadets. After the Service the Lord Mayor

of Plymouth then spoke to welcome all to

Plymouth and the First Sea Lord replied, after

which there was a signing of the Armed

Forces community Covenant. The parade was

then stood down and many other activities

took place on the Hoe.

As well as taking part in the parade the

members of the Plymouth an District Branch

RFAA had a stand in the Veterans Village

which was a large plush carpeted Marque

containing stall of many Veterans

organisations from Campaign Associations to

the to the RNA and MNA. David Gerrard and

his team set up the stall on the Friday and

manned it all day Saturday to spread the word

about the RFAA and the RFA. David also met

our Patron, the Earl of Wessex and showed

him the stall and introduced other veterans in

the village. Others manning the Stall included

Tony Pitt, Alan and Myrna Johnson, Jan Reid,

Maurice Mann, Martin Ellam, Keith Escott,

Anne Cleife, Joe McCrorie and Colin Bevan.

On the Sunday, Armed Force Week was

completed by a Sea Sunday Service in St

Andrews Church at 1115. Many standards

were paraded including the MNA National

Standard and the Plymouth and District

Branch standard was again carried by Ray

Jago. The service was taken by the Reverend

Nick McKinnel and attended by the Deputy

Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Chaz

Singh, Brigadier Martin Smith RM of 3

Commando Brigade and many other

dignitaries. The Lessons were read by Vivien

Foster, National President of the Merchant

Navy Association and Nicci Pugh , Senior

Nursing Officer, QARNNS who gave a

fascinating talk about life on the Hospital

Ship UGANDA during the Falklands in 1982.

Prayers were said by Commodore Barry

Bryant, Director General Seafarers UK.

Thanks should go to Commander Charles

Crichton RN retired for his superb efforts in

organising Armed Forces Week and the Sea

Sunday Service. Richard Walker

Thirty years on and the Falkland Island

conflict is still fresh in many RFA minds. 3

LSLs have organised separate events to

celebrate the anniversary. Sir Galahad, Sir

Tristram and Sir Percivale. The events have

been attended by the crews who sailed in the

ships in 1982.

8th June. Sir Galahad Members of the

RFA Sir Galahad Association & Marchwood

Parish Council held a short Memorial service

for the RFA personnel lost during the

campaign. This was followed by reunion

dinner the next day in HMS Excellent.

Captain P. J. G. Roberts RFA retd. presided

and Captain Roger Robinson-Brown RFA

retd was the Guest of Honour. He recounted

the second RFA Sir Galahad's exploits

leading up to the docking in Umm Qasr Port,

Iraq, 28th March 2003, when the ship

provided humanitarian support during the

Iraq war. – John Brindle

15th June. Sir Tristram members gathered

at the Memorial by Marchwood church at

1600 to hold a short Service of Remembrance

then following a quiet pint at the Pigrim,

moved onto the Sgts' Mess before returning to

the Officers' Mess for pre-dinner drinks.

Byams House always hosts our reunions and

they do a splendid job. We are made most

welcome with afternoon tea on arrival, a

marvellous mess dinner, a bed for all then

breakfast before we disperse! I would like to

take this opportunity of thanking Debbie, the

Mess Manager and her team, for always

taking good care of us and providing a

wonderful meal! We enjoyed a splendid

dinner in the dignified setting of the small

dining room, dressed with Silver & Crystal

and served with the usual military precision!

At 2100 we paused, raised a glass and toasted

Armed Forces Weekend - Plymouth

"Absent Friends" a thought for those who did

not return, have died subsequently and those

who simply couldn't make it this time!

Perhaps a highlight this year was when our

Mexi Man, Jonny Lowe, turned up with a

surprise offering. He had returned to the Tris

a few days after our bombing when we had to

abandon her, and, seeing the Jack fluttering

up in the bows, "Rescued" the flag and

repatriated it. Forgetting about it for 29 years,

it only resurfaced when he was packing to

move to the Middle East. So he very kindly

brought the flag and presented it to the

Association! A Very Big Thank You! To

Jonny! – Dave Palin

23 June. Sir Percivale The Sir Percivale

team meet every five years in Byam's House

Mess, Marchwood Military Port, and each

reunion dinner is every bit as good as the one

before. The ships were Chinese crewed in

1982 but the Sir Percivale dinner includes

members of the embarked RM flight, and

Army Liaison Officers. This year we

reviewed what each of us had done over the

last 30 years. There were some amazing life

stories. – Frank Andrews

Editor's Note.

Those of us who have happy memories of

Marchwood Military Port may be interested to

know that due to Defence cuts it is intended to sell

the port, it will however remain Britain's only

military port albeit in commercial ownership.

London Member

Visits Malta

LSLs Remember Falklands Conflict.

London Branch member Derek Pevier

made contact with members of the Malta

RFAA including President, Mr Tony

Farrugia, and the Secretary, Mr Vincent

Grima, who were able to visit him at his

hotel.

Derek was invited by Vincent to visit a

lock up garage owned by his cousin, Mr John

Zarb, in Senglea. John was in the R.F.A.

many years ago and started collecting ships

crests, models and other nautical

paraphernalia. He now has over five hundred

crests, large models of RFA vessels and cap

tallies from RN ships.

Shortly after arriving home the Malta

RFAA Committee were invited to visit RFA

DILIGENCE which was making a courtesy

visit to Valletta. Derek is hoping to return to

Malta next year.

Pic: L-R: Derek Pevier, Vincent Grimes,

Tony Farrugia, John Zarb.


Services to RFA personnelThe Marine Society is the world’s mostexperienced seafarers’ charity. No organizationhas more experience of delivering learning atsea.

The Marine Society is the leading and mostexperienced not for profit supporting the wellbeing, professional development and lifelonglearning needs of maritime professionals.

The London-based charity has encouraged,enabled and educated many generations ofRFA personnel and is a recommended firstpoint of contact for all matters relating topersonal and professional progression.

The Society works with a range ofmainstream education and training providersto deliver opportunities for personal andprofessional development that are seafarer-friendly and focused on the needs of theindividual in the context of the maritime sector.

It caters for all levels of learning, andaccommodates all ages, abilities andaspirations. So whether you simply wish toimprove those GCSE grades from school orwhether you’re a senior officer seeking civilianrecognized qualifications in preparation forcoming ashore, the Marine Society will havesomething to offer.

GCSE/A Level resultsWe offer a wide range of subjects at GCSE andA Level. All come with full tutor support, andare entirely suitable for study whilst deployed.And when the time comes to sit the exam youcan leave it all to us - we’ll be pleased to lookafter the paperwork, and even arrange for youto sit onboard if needed.

In the summer just gone we entered 238seafarers for GCSE/A Level exams.

The results were outstanding. Overall passrates and the proportion of learners achievingthe highest grades were well above thenational average, reinforcing the widely heldview that we offer unmatched levels of serviceand quality.

For those studying with us the overall passrate was 94.4% - that’s almost 25% above thenational average. A full breakdown of theresults is in our website.

RFA Stwd Lisa Ross has studied with MarineSociety on several occasions.

Lisa told Gunline: “I’ve found the Marine Society to be

extremely helpful. Not only with subjects I amtaking but with information on subjects I mightbe interested in studying in the future.

They’re very flexible with regards to sittingexams onboard ship, as I have done twice, sothere’s no hassle of trying to plan being homeand finding an exam centre.

There’s something for everyone; fromGCSEs and A Levels to Degrees andPostgraduate, and they also offer an instalmentplan to spread the cost. I would recommendThe Marine Society to anybody wishing tofurther their career, whether in or out of theRFA.”

Marine Society is pleased to confirm thatfrom this autumn seafarers can enrol online forits courses.

So it’s simpler than ever before to continueyour education with a quality provider that’sdedicated to serving seafarers.

Other subjectsAt the Marine Society we like to offer seafarerscourses they want.Many want good pass grades at GCSE,particularly in English and Maths for promotionand their future, and that’s fine.

But we also have a range of other subjectsseafarers have told us they like to explore.

So, for instance, there’s a popular coursecalled Business Start-Up. If you’re thinkingabout setting up your own business or need toimprove your management skills, this coursebegins by helping you decide whether self-employment is right for you.

It goes on to cover the knowledge and skillsyou need to start up your own businessdrawing up a business plan; obtaining finance;legal requirements; marketing and selling.

We also offer a course in Creative Writing.It’s perfect for anyone who wants to discoveror develop their writing skills. You’ll have achance to try out a wide range of styles,including novels, plays, poems, magazinearticles and writing for young people, and

you’ll be shown how to develop your ownwriting style throughout.

Don’t hesitate to ask us for moreinformation. There’s no commitment - we’ll bepleased to help you.

Marine Society director Brian Thomas toldGunline:

“Most of our students study because theyneed a pass grade for promotion. No otherdistance learning provider comes close forquality of provision or results record. We aretruly a one-stop shop for the learning needs ofthe RFA”

Information and independent adviceand guidanceThere are hundreds of organisations out therekeen to offer you advice.

Many will want your money; some willseek to steer you towards a product or servicein which they have a vested interest. Most willnot be familiar with your circumstances as aseafarer or have any idea of the challenges youface.

Some, alas, will be all of the above as well

as being hopelessly misleading. They may notknow the answer to your query and instead ofsaying so upfront and pledging to find theanswer, they will try to flannel you.

But did you know there is a Governmentkitemark of quality for organisations that offerinformation, advice and guidance?

It’s called the Matrix Standard. So far as we’re aware only one maritime

sector charity holds the coveted standard - theMarine Society, and it was re-inspected againin July this year. It passed with flying colours.The inspectors wrote:

“The Marine Society has againdemonstrated that it meets all therequirements of the Matrix Standard. Theservices it provides are relevant to, and highlyvalued by, today’s seafarers, and are deliveredin appropriate ways”.

The full report is available online. It couldnot be plainer: if you seek advice about anymatter of concern then your first port of callought to be the Marine Society.

You can be assured of a response that istailored to you personally, is unbiased, andcompletely confidential.

Best of all the service is provided free ofcharge to all seafarers as part of its charitableremit.

Crew Book ServiceA much-loved service the Marine Society hasbeen providing to RFA personnel forgenerations is about to get better.

From this autumn libraries delivered to RFAships will be on a ‘fire-and-forget’ basis. You’vetold us that you don’t want to worry abouthaving to return them to us and that you’dprefer the books to be in paperback format.

So now we’re offering an exciting selectionof paperback books to every RFA ship. It’s upto you, the seafarer, as to the titles that makeup the selection. So be sure to let us have yourfeedback or requests. You can email us [email protected]

Happy reading!

Visit www.marine-society.org to find outmore or email [email protected] torequest a free prospectus.

You can also follow us on FaceBook or keepup to date via Twitter.

The Marine Society: your one-stop shop for personal and professional developmentNo organization has more experience of delivering learning at sea

202 Lambeth RoadLondon SE1 7JWTelephone020 7654 [email protected]

A charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808

We've more experience in the field of distance learningthan any other maritime sector provider.

Working with education andtraining providers to deliverseafarer-focused opportunitiesfor quality-assured personal andprofessional development.

Supporting seafarers is our strength.

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Find out more at: marine-society.org

Books@Sea. From this autumn all RFA libraries will be paperbacks you’ll want to read - carefully chosen andprovided by the Marine Society.

Spud Peeler Rises to theCharity Challenge


ROSS WATTONNAVAL BROADSIDESARTIST

By 1974 Ross Watton, aged 16, had set hissights on becoming a Naval Artist. It was tobe a long road, as, unlike other artists thatapply for a place at Art College straight fromschool, Ross decided to join the Royal Navy,as he felt this was the best way to bothexperience and study his chosen subject upclose. Much of his spare time was spentdrawing ships at the various naval dockyards.His talent was soon noticed and put to use -usually painting the pennant numbers overthe ship’s side. He did receive the occasionalcommission from Commanding Officers, butbegan to realize he was never going tobecome an artist from within the service.

He eventually left in 1981, to attend ArtCollege, where he was chosen to paint a largecutaway illustration of the World War II cruiserHMS BELFAST, to be displayed onboard. Thistook up much of his college time and threeyears of painstaking work. It also led to thecommissioning of a book, about the ship, firstpublished in 1986. Over the next four years,Ross went on to write and illustrate anotherthree books about other famous ships, butsoon had a fulltime career as a freelanceillustrator of books and postage stamps.

It was not until 2006, when, having seenthe ship cutaway illustrations featured in theNavy News, he decided to contact the paper.Suitably impressed by his work, theycommissioned him to produce cutaways for

their centre pages. By chance in 2008, themembers of editorial staff at the Navy Newswere asked if they could recommend an artistto paint HMS CUMBERLAND for the ship’srededication ceremony and, moreimportantly, produce 500 prints for the ship’scompany and guests. Two names were putforward and Ross got the job. It was a tightorder, as he had less than two weeks tocomplete not only the painting, but also theprints, which were all supplied in mounts.Fortunately they arrived the evening beforethe ceremony.

This was the catalyst for Ross to start NavalBroadsides, which as its name suggests, wasoriginally going to be side views of ships, ashe thought these maybe more popular thanpaintings, but the artist in him won the day.Particularly when he discovered that‘Broadside’ was also an old term for a largepiece of paper printed on one side.

Ross continues to work hard and over thepast four years has built up an impressiveportfolio of work, a reputation for qualitypaintings and many admirers of them. Hehasn’t confined his talent to Royal Navyvessels either and this year has completedpaintings for RFA WAVE KNIGHT and RFA LYMEBAY, with he hopes, more to follow. His workcan be seen online atwww.navalbroadsides.co.uk where contactdetails can also be found.

RFA WAVE KNIGHT replenishing HMS Westminster in the Arabian Gulf painted by Ross for Captain ChrisClarke RFA Commanding Officer of RFA Wave Knight

‘SHAMAL’ A painting by Ross Watton showing RFA LYME BAY, one of the MCM Force support vessels in theArabian Gulf.

Yes, you’ve read that right, an Assistant Cookraising funds for charity. My name is ScottDearden and for most of you who know me,you’ll know I’m a miserable, non fun, keep fitfreak. However as opposed to keeping fit andtrying my best to hang on to what youthfullooks I have left, I am doing the Great NorthRun in September for charity to make adifference in people’s lives and would begrateful for your help.

The Great North Run is the most wellknown half marathon in the world andtelevised on the BBC. The race is entered bypeople from all over the country, often witha common goal of raising funds for variouscharities, for personal achievement orcompetitively, but personally I don’t seemyself in the latter group. The run has alsohad a few celebrities attempt it in the pastwith a variety of success.

The charity I am running for is the EveningChronicle Sunshine Fund. The EveningChronicle Sunshine Fund is a registered charityand provides specially adapted equipment,custom built apparatus or special learningaids, for children with disabilities or specialneeds, to improve the quality of their lives.The fund is helping North East children in

special schools, learning units, hospitals andalso individual families.

So your help, without the risk of soundinglike a Comic Relief presenter, will be gratefullyappreciated in helping me achieve mypersonal target of £300. I will be in MountsBay from June the 8th and will be taking theopportunity when not peeling potatoes orwashing down galley decks to train inPortland for the race. Portland, it has to besaid is ideal for training for a half marathonwith its steep hills and rugged surroundings.In light of this physical regime I’ll sadly haveto exclude The Shutters from my routine, butwith all that’s gone on with the Olympics andParalympics, I don’t think I’ll be missed. Also,whilst we are at sea in Mounts, I’ll find timeto sit on a running machine along with theRoyal Marines who can regularly be found inthe gym maintaining their physque in orderto achieve my training target and not let mysponsors down.

If you would like to donate please visit myJust Giving page which iswww.justgiving.com/Scottie-Dearden Iwould like to take this opportunity to saythank you very much to everybody whosponsors me. Your help is greatly appreciated.

As I head off to pastures new and enjoymy retirement, I would like say to allshipmates through the pages of Gunlinehow much I have enjoyed working withyou all over the last 36 years and I am nowlooking forward to having some time athome.

Over the years I have had some greatvoyages and been fortunate to see most ofthe world on my travels. As a result of my

long career in the RFA I have also seenmany changes in the service. So as Ibecome a landlubber I would just like tosay to everyone thanks for helping to makemy time at sea so interesting. May I wishyou all clear skies and calm seas whereveryou sail.

Martyn Westbrook CPO(SA)[email protected]

Martyn’s No Longer Accounting for Stores

The Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edwardaccompanied by his wife Sophie, the Countessof Wessex paid an informal visit to MountsBay over the weekend of Saturday 4 Augustwhilst the ship was in Portland Harbour,Dorset in support of the Olympics sailingevents. The ship was clearly visible next to theOlympic sailing venue.

The Earl of Wessex as the HonoraryCommander in Chief of the Royal FleetAuxiliary, it was an ideal opportunity for theEarl to see first hand the work the RFA

delivers in support of the country’s superbeffort in delivering the Olympics on the worldstage and specifically what Mounts Bay did aspart of the Olympic security support to theDorset Police.

The Royal couple was met by CaptainKevin Rimell and Chief Officer Miles Lewiswho hosted them on a tour around variousdepartments of the ship. The Royal tourcommenced on the bridge, where they wereserved light refreshments and sandwichesfollowed by a tour of the maincommunications office, the forward logisticssite, flight deck, hospital, galley and vehicledeck.

The ship’s Logistics Officer, First OfficerKelly Taylor said:

“This was a fabulous opportunity for theShip’s Company to discuss first hand theirinvolvement in work to support the securityplan for Olympic venue. The Royal couple’sdown to earth approach was appreciated byall. It was a pleasure to have them back onboard RFA Mounts Bay where they took a realinterest in all that we were doing.”

HRH Prince Edward & The Countess ofWessex visit Mounts Bay

HOISTING THE FLAG AT THE OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPICS

and constraints and allowing full preparationin the event that assistance is required.

The brief port visit also gave the Ship’sCompany and opportunity to represent theship in several sporting events. Argus’football team were victorious in a friendlymatch against the inmates of HM PrisonNorthward, narrowly securing the win with a5-4 victory, impressive considering theintense heat of play under the intenseCaribbean sun. Team Captain LMA Dean

Keating said “Taking into account theenvironment and temperature that weplayed in, the team performed above andbeyond what was expected of them. Theplayers gave a good example of themselvesas players and ambassadors”.

Unfortunately the ship’s netball teamwere less successful, after being challengedby the Grand Cayman International squad.Rising to the challenge, the team performedadmirably, but unfortunately could not securethe win, losing 55-12.

All in all the visit proved highly successfulin securing ties with the islands communityand firming contingency plans if Argus isrequired to render assistance during thehurricane season. Argus sails on for other portvisits in the region to continue her mission ofWider Regional Engagement, and no doubtthere will be plenty of other opportunities toline up the ships’ sporting teams against thelocal communities.

Stock images of the ships are available atwww.defenceimages.mod.uk.


The annual National Armed Forces Day was agreat opportunity for Mounts Bay todemonstrate the capability of the ship and thesupport that the RFA delivers to the widernaval service. The ship and her companyrecently played a central role in the NationalArmed Forces Day celebrations as part of aweekend visit to Devonport prior to startingher Op Olympic duties. The opportunity todemonstrate to the general public what theship is capable of which was greatly enjoyedby all those onboard who took part.

Mounts Bay participated in the RoyalNavy’s “sail past” the Hoe in Plymouth in fullview of thousands of spectators including theRFA’s Commodore in Chief, HRH The PrinceEdward, Earl of Wessex; Prime Minister DavidCameron and the First Sea Lord, Admiral SirMark Stanhope. With over 140 local schoolchildren onboard, Mounts Baay sailed inblustery conditions and cautiously sailed past

a loud and appreciative audience berthing inDevonport Dockyard on completion of the sailpast.

Mounts Bay’s Commanding Officer KevinRimell said, ”I’m delighted that Mounts Baywas able to participate in the celebration ofArmed Forces, combined with the opportunityto provide a unique day out for our importantyoung guests. With the challenges of theOlympics ahead this has been a proud dayand pleasant diversion for the crew”

The school children who accompaniedMounts Bay were drawn from a range of localschools, and all had a connection in some waywith the Armed Forces. The smooth operationon the day presented itself as an unusualmanagerial challenge for C/O(X) Miles Lewisand his team of hosts, however they all roseto the challenge and coped admirably with anexcited and inquiring group of passengers.

Kelly Taylor

An opportunity of a lifetime was madeavailable to members of the Ministry ofDefence and not content with having MountsBay in Weymouth for the Olympics LeadingHand Steward Matt Burton decided hewanted to ensure that he made the most ofthe Olympics being hosted in Great Britainand applied to take part in the historic event. It didn’t take long before Matt decided toapply to become involved in the games as aflag bearer and he was selected through aMinistry of Defence nomination processwhich was keen to highlight those withsporting or operational achievements, orthose who are involved in their localcommunities. Matt competed at Nationallevel in Judo and represented the country in1998 in Holland. He is now the senior coachin Bath Judo Qwai and keeps himself fitonboard with circuits and teaching Judo tothe ship’s company.Matt was involved in the combat events atthe games and said, “It was a fantasticopportunity to be selected to be involved at

the Olympic Games and an honourto represent the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as aflag bearer and raiser for the judo andwrestling victory ceremonies.” He was part of a team consisting of six flag-

bearers and one flag-manager. There wereeight Royal Navy teams, nine Army teams,eight RAF teams and an overall commanderwho sat centrally with the London 2012

Team Welcome and Victory CeremoniesTeam.The team welcome ceremonies weredesigned to formally welcome the athletesand team officials to the Games andincluded the protocol of raising flags. Therewere over 100 team welcome ceremonieswhich took place on the days leading up tothe opening ceremonies of the Olympic andParalympics Games.Victory ceremonies took place when a medalevent finished; after the awarding of medals,the national flags of the gold, silver andbronze medal-winning athlete’s were raisedwhile the national anthem of the country orterritory of the winning athlete was played.Matt decided to join the RFA in 2006 fromthe civil service after he spent time on anRFA ship as part of the Supply & TransportOffice (Naval) Department embedded withinRFA stores ships. He said: “Serving in the RFAhas enabled me to visit many differentcountries whilst undertaking a wide varietyof tasking. Being chosen to be part of the

Olympics will add to one of the manyfantastic experiences that this job continuesto offer.”

A highlight of the Games forMatt was raising the Union Flag for GemmaGibbons when she won a Silver Medal inthe under 78kg category. Matt went on tosay, “I had the pleasure of meeting Gemmato congratulate her and I was fortunateenough to be invited to be photographedwith her.”

As well as Matt’s involvement in theOlympics, MountsBay played animportant part insupporting thegames when she wastasked withsupporting the sailingevents off Portland.The RFA can feelproud in it’s involvement in an event whichis unlikely to occur again in the next 50 yearsin Great Britain.

Mounts Bay SupportsArmed Forces Day

Argus Visits the Cayman IslandsArgus completed a whistle stop visit to GrandCayman, principal of the Cayman Islands inthe Caribbean.

As part of her current deployment to theCaribbean on undertaking the tasking ofAtlantic Patrol Tasking (North), the UK’s yearround commitment to the region to provideassurance and support to the UK’s OverseasTerritories, particularly in response to naturaldisasters, Argus called into the island to meetwith local disaster management teams, local

police and health services to discuss theactions that could be taken in the event of anatural disaster.

The opportunity to discuss contingencyplans face to face with islanders wasinvaluable in identifying the potential needs

Members of RFA Argus football team with their opponents from HM Prison Northward after the friendly match.

AB Farmery shoots during the friendly game againstHM Prison Northward.

olympic rfa argus mounts bay pandemonium norfolk … · olympic games, one could have been forgiven...

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