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The Ofcial Magazine of TEAM PORTSMOUTH Issue 5 Spring 2012 HERITAGE // FLEET SNAPSHOT // JACK SNACKS // SUPPORTING THE FLEET The Incredible Journey Behind the Scenes at the Museum FULL STORY PAGE 32 Simulator is Simply Breathtaking FULL STORY PAGE 34 Lusty Back on Exercise After Hull Repairs FULL STORY PAGE 26 QEC block leaves Portsmouth FULL STORY PAGE 28

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Page 1: The Incredible Journey QEC block leaves Portsmouthteamportsmouth.com/documents/Shoreside Issue 5.pdf · The Incredible Journey Behind the Scenes at the Museum FULL STORY PAGE 32 Simulator

The Offi cial Magazine of TEAM PORTSMOUTH Issue 5 Spring 2012

HERITAGE // FLEET SNAPSHOT // JACK SNACKS // SUPPORTING THE FLEET

The Incredible Journey

Behind the Scenes at the MuseumFULL STORY PAGE 32

Simulator is Simply BreathtakingFULL STORY PAGE 34

Lusty Back on Exercise After Hull RepairsFULL STORY PAGE 26

QEC block leaves PortsmouthFULL STORY PAGE 28

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welcome

History in the making at PNB ANOTHER bumper edition of Shoreside reflecting how much is going onat the base and how diverse it all is.

It is worth pausing to reflect on what the base was doing 30 years ago: getting the Task Force ready to sail to the Falklands. It was the base, its workers and their attitude that enabled a Task Force to be assembled and prepped for war within five days.

Teamwork, commitment and ‘getting things done’ were key as they are today for all that we do – whether emergency or routine.

We make more history once again with the blocks for HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving the base for assembly in Scotland and their return in a few years’ time as part of a whole ship.

This is a tremendous achievement for the shipbuilding teams and we should salute their role in this historic project. The arrival of the aircraft carriers into Portsmouth will be iconic for the base, the city and the Royal Navy.

We should be proud to be part of it.

WelcomeIntroductions and Welcome

Full Page advertising

Naval Base Commander PortsmouthCommodore Tony Radakin, RN

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Simulator is Simply BreathtakingIt will be several years before

the towering edifice of the QEC carrier can be seen entering

Portsmouth Naval Base but in the meantime experts have been able

to create the moment thanks to the CONSORT bridge simulator at

HMS Collingwood.

FULL STORY PAGE 34

Lusty Back on Exercise After Hull Repairs

As soon as word came through about the damage

to HMS Illustrious following a collision with a tug in Norway,

a crack team of experts back in Portsmouth Naval Base were

busy making preparations.

FULL STORY PAGE 26

ContentsSpring 2012

Shoreside is published quarterly and is a collaborative publication produced by the member organisations of TEAM PORTSMOUTH. The printing cost of this magazine is generated through advertising

3 Welcome and IntroWelcome to this edition of Shoreside from new Naval Base Commander Commodore Tony Radakin

6 Look AheadCheck out forthcoming events in and around Portsmouth Naval Base

8 HMS Dragon CommissionedThe fourth of the Royal Navy’s new powerful Type 45 destroyers has been formally commissioned into the fleet

10 Base ReviewLook back at what’s been going on at Portsmouth Naval Base in the past few months

12 Falklands 30A weekend of commemoration at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

20 CDM Bernard Gray visits PNBChief of Defence Material Bernard Gray addresses an audience at Portsmouth Naval Base

22 Fleet SnapshotFind out the latest about the Portsmouth Flotilla

24 Victory LatestSee the latest update on HMS Victory

25 HMS Dauntless UpdateA six-month routine deployment to the South Atlantic, relieving HMS Montrose.

26 HMS Illustrious Hull RepairThe hull of the helicopter carrier was punctured in two places above the waterline

28 QEC block leaves PortsmouthQEC block moves onto a barge in preparation for its journey to Scotland

30 Bono Keeping Base Safe Sniffer dog Bono always finds what he’s looking for

32 Mary Rose MuseumBehind the scenes at the Mary Rose Museum

34 CONSORT Bridge SimulatorSimulation of QEC carrier entering Portsmouth

36 Me & My JobMeet Captain Andy Glennie and Carol Evans

On the Cover

Rachel is first female Admiralty pilotAs the only female admiralty pilot in the UK, Rachel Dunn, is completely unphased by the demands of her job.

FULL STORY PAGE 9

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contents

On the Cover

The Incredible Journey - QEC block leaves PortsmouthOn April 29 when the first QEC block moved onto a barge in preparation for its journey to Scotland, it was the culmination of a year and a half of planning.

FULL STORY PAGE 28

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34On the Cover

EditorKate [email protected]

CreditsContributors / Magazine

Shoreside Magazine is published quarterlyand is a collaborative publication produced by TEAM PORTSMOUTH.

WITH so much going on at Portsmouth Naval Base, this edition has been a real joy to pull together.

Everything from the blocks for the QEC Carrier Queen Elizabeth leaving Portsmouth, to the commissioning of HMS Dragon, the visit of Michael Portillo as part of the filming for his BBC2 Great Railway Journeys series and HMS Dauntless deploying for the first time has happened in recent weeks and more.

In this spring edition we’ve also got a report of the visit by Bernard Gray, Chief Defence Materiel (CDM) including his endorsement for the base and its future role as home base for the carriers and we speak to Rachel Dunn about her life as the UK’s only female Admiralty pilot.

Finally, the award for Shoreside’s cutest contributor has to be Bono, the sniffer dog who is helping to keep the base a safe place to live and work.

One thing’s for sure – there’s no such thing as a slow news day at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Kate ThompsonEditor

Photos/ImagesJulian Hickman www.1blueharbour.comRN Fleet Photographic Unit (P)The News, Portsmouthwww.defenceimages.mod.ukSteve Wallace, Claire Williamson and Paul Hockaday

Design & AdvertisingLance Publishing Ltd1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering,NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624Sales: Christina Mclean www.lancepublishing.co.ukPrinted by Lance Print LtdShoreside is published quarterly. Next copy deadline is June 29 2012.All contributions and correspondence should be sent - preferably by email - to:[email protected] The Editor, Shoreside Magazine, Room 222, Naval Base HQ, Victory Building, HM NavalBase, Portsmouth, PO1 3LS

All contributions are included at theEditor’s discretion. View all back issues of Shoreside at:www.teamportsmouth.com/publicationsFront cover image – QEC carrier blocks on the move from Portsmouth. Image courtesy of The News, Portsmouth.

BC525212.01.d11

1/2 Page advertising

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On the Cover

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Full Page advertising

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ROY Hattersley, who has just published a biography of David Lloyd George, speculates on what other Prime Ministers can learn from the record of the father of the welfare state and leader of the first Conservative-Liberal Coalition – including Jim Callaghan (in whose cabinet Roy Hattersley served), a Portsmouth man whose centenary is celebrated this year.

£10 (conc £8 U18 £1)

Tickets available online - www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk

VICTORIOUS Vintage, a new event celebrating the Diamond Jubilee will take place over the weekend of June 2 and 3 - a collaboration between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Love Southsea, The Boutique Market and Little Johnny Russells.

After a successful collaboration with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for the hugely popular Victorian Festival of Christmas, Louise Whitmore owner of Love Southsea and Abigail Pallant-Sidaway owner of The Boutique Market are joining forces once

again for this brand new event – Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Entry onto the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard site will be free from 10am-10pm (standard ticketing to attractions will still apply).

During this time the public will have access to:

An array of vintage stalls throughout the Historic Dockyard

Colourful characters from different eras

Live bands on the main stage in Victory Arena

A secondary stage with acoustic acts throughout the day

On both evenings there will be a main headline act – names TBC but already including Dodgy, The Lightning Seeds, The Bog Rolling Stones, The Silver Beatles and Mark Morris from the Bluetones, plus other well-known bands from the region.

Photo courtesy of Hamilton Studios.

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Look Ahead

VICTORIOUS VINTAGEPortsmouth Historic Dockyard / Sat 2- Sun 3 June / 10am-10pm

NAVAL TEA CLUBVictory Learning Centre / Tuesdays from 12 June / 2pm-4pm

A new social event for seniors at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can chat and reminisce over a nice cuppa with a different theme, artefacts and archives each time.

No knowledge of naval history is needed, just curiosity, and a willingness to meet others and take part in lively conversation. All sessions are free and take place from 2-4pm in the Victory Learning Centre.

FREE event but booking needed. Please contact 02392 727584 or email [email protected] for further information.

SIR Julian Corbett and his critical role in creating the strategic template for a maritime state will be the subject of this lecture by Professor Andrew Lambert of King’s College, London.

Renowned historian, Andrew Lambert, examines the impact of Sir Julian Corbett, advisor to Admiral Fisher and author of ‘Naval Operations’ the official history of naval operations in the First World War.

FREE event. Booking essential. Please contact 02392 727577 or email [email protected]

THE FIRST SEA LORD’S ANNUAL LECTURE ON NAVAL HISTORY AND STRATEGYHistoric Dockyard / 13 June / 5.30pm

THE LESSONS OF LLOYD GEORGE - LORD HATTERSLEY Royal Marines Museum /Thursday 28 June / 7.30pm

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The mother of two, whose husband is also a pilot in the neighbouring port of Southampton, sees clambering up ladders attached to the side of ships as just part of the day job.

“Initially it was a bit daunting but I just reasoned with myself that I had to be able to climb up the ladder in order to do my job.

“A pilot’s ladder can be anything up to nine metres long and with tankers you can be talking about a climb of seven or eight metres.

“The more you do something, the more you get used to it – and that’s the same with my job,” she said.

Rachel explained she loves working with the ships and far prefers the shifts when she is piloting ships to being office based.

“The pilot is an extra safety factor for the ship. You have local knowledge and your role is to offer navigational advice to the navigational team on board as well as instructions for the tugs in co-ordination with the commanding officer of the ship.

“It’s not just a case of bringing the ship in, only 40 per cent of my job involves actually being on board. You have to be aware of wind and tides, other vessels in the area and whether there are divers working in the area,” she said.

Rachel has spent her whole career at sea. She started work as a trainee pilot in April 2010 and sat and passed her final examination last April. She started in 1984 with Shell Tankers and became a 2nd mate in 1987. She gained her Masters (unlimited) ticket in 1993 and then joined Wightlink ferries in Portsmouth. She was the first female officer employed by Wightlink and rose to the position of Master in 1996 and remained as Master until leaving, after 16 years service, to become an Admiralty Pilot.

Captain Dunn is one of 11 Admiralty pilots in Portsmouth and she was recently awarded the highly prestigious Victoria Drummond award.

It is the highest honour given to female members of the marine officer’s union NUMAST and is awarded in recognition of raising the status of women members in the maritime industry.

Rachel travelled to Holland to receive the award from Sir Alan Massey during the NAUTILUS International Conference.

The award is named after Victoria Alexandrina Drummond MBE, one of Queen Victoria’s goddaughters, who was the first female marine engineer in Britain and the first female member of the Institute of Marine Engineers.

LATEST NEWS

Rachel is first female Admiralty pilot

Focus

As the only female admiralty pilot in the UK, Rachel Dunn, is completely unphased by the demands of her job.

It’s not just a case of bringing the ship in, only 40 per cent of my job involves actually being on board.Rachel Dunne Admiralty Pilot

Photo:The News, Portsmouth

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HMS Dragon – the fourth of the Royal Navy’s new powerful Type 45 destroyers – has been formally commissioned into the fleet.

Hundreds of guests including families of the 190 ship’s company attended a colourful ‘‘christening’ ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base which marks the ship’s transition into front-line service.

Reflecting the ship’s strong Welsh connections (the ship is affiliated to the city of Cardiff), among the principal guests was Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Cheryl

Gillan. Also present were Susie Boissier - the ship’s sponsor who launched the vessel at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard on the River Clyde in November 2008 - and Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery. The ceremony was conducted by the Venerable Scott Brown, Chaplain of the Fleet.

Commander Darren Houston, Dragon’s Commanding Officer, said the event was a proud moment for all on board HMS Dragon. “This very special day marks the end of our trials phase and the transition to front-line service.

“Thereafter the emphasis will be on combat readiness in preparation for our first deployment next year. I am very pleased that so many families, friends and affiliates were part of our momentous day.”

The ceremony was rounded off in traditional Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of a commissioning cake. Performing the honour were the CO’s wife, Liesl, and Engineering Technician Mark Soldiew, aged 18, the youngest member of the ship’s company.

SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS DRAGON

Royal Navy Welcomes Fourth Type 45 Destroyer into its Fleet

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This very special day marks the end of our trials phase and the transition to front-line service.Commander Darren Houston

Focus

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ROYAL Navy submarine, HMS Tireless, made a five-day official visit to the city of Southampton, giving dozens of sea cadets, scouts and other youngsters a rare opportunity to sample life on board.

The nuclear-powered submarine hosted several visits by sea and air cadet and sea scout units – plus sixth-form college pupils - from across the city and the New Forest. Civic dignitaries and senior city council officers will also visit the vessel and meet her crew.

The vessel’s Commanding Officer, Commander Hywel Griffiths - a former pupil at Peter Symonds College in Winchester - said: “Having completed my secondary education and worked in the local area prior to joining the Royal Navy, it is with immense personal pride that I bring HMS Tireless to Southampton under my command.

“It is a welcome opportunity for my ship’s company to meet people and visit the city of

Southampton.”

A YEAR-long upgrade for Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Chiddingfold reached a major milestone with the fitting of two new engines.

The work is part of a major mid-life upgrade to the Navy’s eight Hunt-class minehunters being carried out by BAE Systems in Portsmouth and involved replacing her Rolls Royce Deltics which have been used in the Royal Navy’s minor war vessels for decades.

The programme will enhance and significantly extend the lives of the eight ships, maintaining their position as some of the most capable mine countermeasure vessels in the world.

Work on Chiddingfold started in January with the removal of two sections of deck to allow access to the bowels of the ship. With the engine room fully prepared for the new Caterpillar C32 Acert engines they were carefully craned into the ship and onto their new mounts.

Lieutenant Peter Davis, the ship’s executive officer, said: “It is very exciting for us to see

the new engines being put into Chiddingfold after months of preparation. She is the first of the re-engined Hunt-class minehunters and we are looking forward to putting this new system through its paces later this year to find out exactly how the ship will perform.”

Mark Draper, BAE Systems Project Manager for the Hunt Re-propulsion programme, said as well as replacing engines, the work also included fitting new gearboxes and propellers and an upgrade to the hydraulic bow thruster system.

“Chiddingfold is the first of class for this project and we are learning a lot. The engine installation is a real milestone. The team is working hard and know there is a lot left to complete this challenging programme,” he said.

MINEHUNTER’S UPGRADE REACHESMAJOR MILESTONE

JOHN KILMISTER PLANS BOAT BUILD RETIREMENT PROJECTAFTER a career spanning 39 years in the maritime industry, John Kilmister is planning a major boat building project for his retirement.

He is going to build a 15ft Norwegian inshore fishing boat and reckons it will take up to 10 months to complete. “I look forward to sailing past and giving everyone a wave,” he said.

He started working with Vosper Thornycroft in 1973 and joined the naval base in 1998 as a Material Process planner and his first role was to support the Type 42 project team.

He supported the constructive trades for material planning for more than 10 years before becoming Resource Planning Manager.

Naval Base Services Director Mal Lewis, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to shake your hand and to say many thanks for all the commitment you have shown over 39 years.

John, on behalf of the company I wish you a happy and healthy retirement and the best of luck with your boat building project”

1/2 Page advertisingBERNIE MARSHALL RETIRES

AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARSFOLLOWING nearly 50 years spent working at Portsmouth Naval Base, shipwright Bernie Marshall has retired.

He started work at the age of 15 as a messenger boy and was one of the last shipwrights to use Brunel’s designed and engineered machinery in the Block Mills.

“One of the biggest changes I saw during my time here is the change in attitude towards the industrial workforce. When I first started here, the facilities were non-existent, we didn’t even have a locker and we lived out of our tool boxes,” he said.

Naval Base Services Director Mal Lewis, said: “Bernie has a fantastic track record having worked here for just a few weeks short of 50 years and throughout that time he has been an immensely diligent and committed employee and we are all grateful for his hard work and the value he has added to the business over the many years of his working life here at PNB– on behalf of the Company I would like to thank him very much and wish him all the very best in his well earned retirement.”

SNAPSHOT // NAVAL BASE UPDATE Review

ARTIST CAPTURES SHIP IN ACTION OFF LIBYAA MOMENT in the history of Portsmouth-based warship HMS Iron Duke has been captured forever through a painting created specially for her by ex-sailor turned maritime artist Ross Watton.

The painting, which was recently presented to the ship by the artist, shows the moment HMS Iron Duke provided Naval Gunfire Support to operations off the coast of Libya.

Ross said: “I am delighted to have been on board HMS Iron Duke to present the painting. It is significantly different from my normal work

as it’s an action picture from recent history, an important event the ship is proud to be a part of. I aimed for it to be dramatic while remaining realistic and I am extremely proud of the finished piece.”

HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Cooke-Priest, said: “For many months Ross and I collaborated over the detail of his painting and the ship’s actions on the night of the 20 July, depicted in the painting. He has captured the ship and the night perfectly and for the many members of the ship’s company who have bought prints it will serve as a tangible reminder of a very proud moment in the ship’s history. I think Ross has done a wonderful job.”

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JULIE VAUGHAN RETIRESINSPECTOR Julie Vaughan has retired after serving 22 years with the Ministry of Defence police including the past four years in charge of Section 3 Portsmouth Naval Base.

Trained to use firearms, Julie was the only female assessor for the force and it was a role she really enjoyed.

On a ceremony on board HMS Victory, Julie was presented with a long service and good conduct medal by Superintendent Kevin McAndrew.

He said: “Many people across the police and beyond will miss Julie, she was known as an approachable, highly competent and professional officer.”

As a Shift Commander Julie was responsible for a section of 20 officers, land and marine based with responsibility for Incident Management for the South East Divisional Control room.

She passed the National Tactical Firearms Commander (TFC) course and carried out assessment and re-accreditation. Julie was part of the planning team for Navy Days 2010 and was Bronze Commander for the three day event.

She coached and mentored several officers during the promotion process with a 70 per cent success rate for South East Division.

Julie said:” Being on Section 3 at Portsmouth was a real bonus as the officers who have supported me during my four years here are such a brilliant team of people.

“I wish them all the very best and would like to thank them for making my time at Portsmouth such a thoroughly enjoyable experience. “

TOP COP MOVES ON TO NEW POSTAS THE last Superintendent to ever work as part of the MOD police team, Kevin McAndrew, admitted he was proud to have spent time as the senior officer at Portsmouth Naval Base.

“It has been a privilege to work here and a highlight of my career,” said Inspector McAndrew. who is moving to MOD Police HQ in Braintree to become Head of the Operational Capability Centre.

Superintendent McAndrew came to the base in 2010 and he said the diversity of the work had really struck him from the outset.

“The naval base for me is like a small town with industrial and commercial areas as well as a residential population.

“And, of course, it doesn’t just include dry land as we are out on the water too with our patrols,” he said.

Superintendent Kevin McAndrew (left) is pictured with Chief Inspector Ron Durkin who will now be in charge of MOD policing at the base.

ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE VISITS SOUTHAMPTON

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Remember The Falklands5-6 May

Focus FALKLANDS CONFLICT COMMEMORATION // SHIPS OPEN TO VISITORS

Events included HMS Dragon and HMS York opening to visitors - and they proved to be a popular attraction with nearly 10,000 people going on board the two ships.

The Band of HM Royal Marines, Collingwood played in the Starboard Arena of HMS Victory and Living History forces 80 and Combat Forces 89 in Naval and Argentinean uniform displayed infantry kit and numerous (deactivated) weapons with a set up command post with documents, radios and Falkland’s maps.

Naval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin was delighted with the event.

“People braved the weather and still came on board – there was a really good turn out for the ships and I am grateful to all those involved in staging the event.

“Thanks also to BAE Systems for their sponsorship,” he said.

Other events included talks in the Princess Royal Gallery of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Victory Jetty also played host to the Royal Navy Presentation Team and the Veterans Tent.

1/2 Page advertising

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PORTSMOUTH Historic Dockyard and the Royal Navy, with the support of BAE Systems, hosted a weekend of free events to commemorate the naval and local contribution to the Falkland Island conflict 30 years ago.

I am grateful to all those involved in staging the eventNaval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin

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Interest

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SEA SURVIVAL // TEAM PORTSMOUTH

Falklands Veteran Opens Sea Survival Centre

The Type 23 frigate hosted a reception and capability demonstration for more than 60 foreign ambassadors and British Embassy staff. The guests witnessed several displays including fire fighting, first aid, and search and rescue helicopter operations.

HMS St Albans also opened her hatches to the public during the five-day visit. Several hundred Icelanders toured the upper deck and Merlin helicopter to see first-hand the ship’s capabilities.

On completion of the visit HMS St Albans sailed with the foreign ambassadors and British embassy staff accompanied by the Icelandic coastguard vessel Thor.

The ships conducted joint maritime patrols and a winching exercise with the Merlin helicopter. Afterwards they sailed into Hvalfjordur, a local fjord used by the Arctic convoys during the Second World War where HMS St Albans conducted a memorial service and wreath-laying to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Arctic convoys.

Commanding Officer, Commander Tom Sharpe said: “I was delighted to be able to bring HMS St Albans to Reykjavik, engage with so many different groups and take part in an act of remembrance in Hvalfjordur to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Arctic convoys. The ship’s company thoroughly enjoyed the visit - for the majority of them it was their first visit to Iceland.”

A SENIOR officer who survived his ship sinking in the Falklands war opened an important training centre at Horsea Island.

Commodore Adrian Nance stood alongside fellow survivors of the 1982 conflict to open the Sea Survival Training Centre. A set of purpose-built classrooms and stores now stand next to Horsea Lake, replacing huts built after the Second World War.

The training essentials are the same as they have been since 1982 - recruits still don survival suits and plunge into cold, murky waters before scrambling into life rafts.

The retired commodore stood alongside Captain Sam Salt in the destroyer HMS Sheffield as he gave the order to abandon ship.

Speaking at Horsea Island, he said: “I stood with Sam Salt as he made the decision to abandon Sheffield.

“The previous time that order had been given was 36 years before that, and we have not heard it since.

“Survival is about being determined to confront your fears, look them in the eye and come out the other side.”

Cdre Nance opened the £2.5m site with his wife Barbara, but moved aside for the naming of the Ardent building where most training will happen. Several survivors of the sunken HMS Ardent, the Type 21 frigate, joined him to christen the building with a pause in memory of those who died.

The temperature in the lake rarely rises above a few degrees centigrade and has jellyfish, which create a more realistic training environment than a swimming pool.

The construction of the centre was completed in December 2011, slightly ahead of schedule. It was managed by the Royal Navy Infrastructure Organisation with the contract being delivered through a partnering relationship with Babcock (formerly VT Flagship) and the principal contractor Mansell Construction. They were supported by a design team from Giffords Consultancy and the architect was Peter Galloway Partnership.

During the Falklands conflict HMS Coventry and Antelope, together with RFA Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, were also damaged to such an extent that personnel were required to abandon their ships.

While the majority of crew managed to quickly and safely transfer to other Royal Navy ships that drew alongside the damaged vessels, some crew had to enter the extremely cold and hostile waters of the South Atlantic to await rescue.

Russell ‘Eli’ Ellis, 61, is the Sea Survival Manager at Horsea Island. He suffered 33 per cent burns when HMS Coventry was hit by two 1,000-lb bombs in the Falklands and had to abandon ship into the water.

He said: “The training isn’t rocket science; ships have been sinking since the Battle of Trafalgar.

“It should strictly be ship abandonment that we’re taking about here. We are testing equipment like the 25-man life raft and testing the individuals in difficult conditions.

At a Glance

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HMS ST ALBANS VISITS REYKJAVIK // LATEST VISIT

HMS St. Albans visits Reykjavik

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Review

PORTSMOUTH-based warship HMS St Albans has just visited the Iceland capital Reykjavik to further strengthen ties with the country - a fellow NATO member.

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SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS LANCASTER

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HMS Lancaster has undergone a year long extensive refit which has seen her emerge sleeker and faster with work undertaken on the ship’s hull as well as its power and propulsion machinery.

Speaking on the day the maintenance work was officially signed off, her Commanding Officer Steve Moorhouse said: “This is an important day for HMS Lancaster. DE&S have handed the ship back to the navy command.

“I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in the refit – BAE Systems, Superintendent Fleet Maintenance (SFM) and Abbeywood,” he said.

The upkeep has significantly upgraded the capability of the 20-year-old frigate to

ensure she is ready to fulfill operational commitments. The work included upgrades to the ship’s Seawolf guided missile system, command system, communications and the installation of a small calibre 30mm gun system, which can be operated remotely.

“I joined the ship in late November. Around 10 per cent of the original company have stayed with the ship so the vast majority are new to the ship.

“As well as testing and trialing the ship now, we have to make sure the ship’s company are safe and able to go about their job,” he said.

WITH the culmination of the upkeep programme for HMS Lancaster another major milestone has been reached in her progress back towards re-joining the fleet.

Milestone for HMS Lancaster

This is an important day for HMS Lancaster. DE&S have handed the ship back to the navy command.Commanding Officer Steve Moorhouse

Focus

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Michael Portillo visits Portsmouth Naval Base 1/2 Page

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ENVIRONMENT // ENERGY MATTERS

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FORMER Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Portillo has fond memories of time spent at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The presenter of the immensely popular BBC2 series Great Railway Journeys was in Portsmouth filming for a new series which will air in January 2013.

And he was delighted their schedule coincided with the commissioning ceremony for HMS Dragon.

A hectic day began early serving breakfast on board the Type 45.

“It was great fun. I expected the food to be good quality and it was. And I expected the guys serving the food to be cheerful and they were.

“Following the raising of the Ensign, I rang the eight bells.

“After that we spent some time with the Commanding Officer filming for the show and we did an interview on the bridge.

“He talked about what a proud day it was and what it meant to him to be part of a Royal Navy,” he said.

Recalling a previous visit to the Naval Base when he was in government, he said a dinner on board HMS Victory was particularly memorable.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my career as Secretary of State for Defence.

“The American Secretary Bill Perry was retiring and the dinner was given in his honour.

“I remember I invited the President of Poland and received a sharp ticking off from the Foreign Office – they said it wasn’t my place to invite a head of state,” he said.

The commissioning ceremony for HMS Dragon allowed Michael to catch-up with old friends as the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery who used to be his private secretary.

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE VISIT // FILMING AT PNB

Great Railway Journeys uses the Victorian publication made famous by George Bradshaw and the descriptions he gives of locations on the journey add charm to the programme.

Here’s what he had to say about Portsmouth.

“Portsmouth Harbour ranks among the first in Great Britain for its capaciousness, depth and security.”

Bradshaw’s Guide

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Focus

THIS year’s Energy Matters campaign focused on the Top Ten biggest energy consuming buildings in the base. Between them they consume nearly £1m of energy per year.

We’ve set ourselves the challenge of saving 10 per cent this year and we have now done a comparison for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter 2012.

The great news is that due to small things like switching off appliances when not in use and generally being more aware of energy use, appointing energy wardens in their areas and using labelling to inform users of the need to switch of lights when they are not needed, electricity costs have been cut by £64,000 just for those 10 buildings.

If you have any ideas that will save electricity and therefore running costs, please contact either your Environmental Champion or Carol Evans by ‘phone on 023 927 25220 (dockyard 25220) or by email [email protected]

Energy Matters

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CHIEF OF DEFENCE MATERIEL VISIT // TOWN HALL BRIEFING

Mr Gray said: “This is where the carriers are coming – whatever else happens this is going to be their home port and that underpins Portsmouth as a naval base going forward.”

CDM and the DE&S Board were visiting

the Naval Base and took the opportunity to speak to DE&S staff, Royal Navy personnel and other members of Team Portsmouth during a briefing on The Materiel Strategy.

Underlining the key role Portsmouth plays, Mr Gray explained the carriers would have a lifetime of up to 50 years and represented a huge investment.

The carriers, the Type 45s and other naval vessels based in Portsmouth needed support and that secured the base’s future, he said.

“The carriers are going to be a vast and amazing sight and they allow for the removal of uncertainty that has been around for a long time.”

He said he was fully aware of the good work being done in Portsmouth and he was delighted to hear all surface warship refits were completed on time and to budget last year at the base.

But he was also aware of the general perception of MOD procurement in the wider world.

“Defence procurement never turns up in the media in a positive light – you don’t read about the good things that are happening and I am pretty fed up with our reputation in the outside world,” he said.

During an hour long presentation and Q&A session, Mr Gray said he was proposing some straightforward solutions:

Only items that can be afforded should be ordered;

Improved interfaces between DE&S and MOD;

Development of skills to match the private sector.

He said: “The DE&S Board is meeting here today because we want to make sure we are speaking to as many people in the organisation as possible.

“If we are going to move this organisation forward we need to do it as a group of people.”

CDM Visits PNB

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Feature

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CHIEF of Defence Materiel (CDM) Bernard Gray explained to hundreds of staff during a Town Hall briefing event at HM Naval Base Portsmouth that, as confirmed in the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the future of the base was secure.

The carriers are going to be a vast and amazing sight and they allow for the removal of uncertainty that has been around for a long time.Chief of Defence Materiel (CDM) Bernard Gray

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HMS DIAMOND FIRES SEA VIPER MISSILE FOR FIRST TIMEWITH a flash of orange and an ear-splitting bang HMS Diamond proved her fighting mettle by testing her missile system off the Outer Hebrides.

The third of the Royal Navy’s cutting edge Type-45 destroyers blasted her missile out of the silo at three times the speed of sound, obliterating the jet drone target out of the sky.

The successful firing of the Sea Viper system means that HMS

Diamond is now ready to take her place as a fully operational warship, capable of deploying anywhere across the world.

“I am immensely proud of what my ship’s company has accomplished in such a short space of time,” said Commanding Officer, Commander Ian Clarke. “Ever since I took command of this ship in 2010 my focus has been to see the ship declared ready for operations within this time scale.

“Our job when we deploy will be to bring stability and security to international trade routes and

protect our nation’s interests abroad; a job we are now trained and ready to do.”

DOUBLE AWARD FOR HMS IRON DUKE HMS Iron Duke scooped two awards for her efficiency and effectiveness on operations, marking her contribution to maritime security operations in the Gulf and operations off Libya.

Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Chief of Staff Capability, presented the commanding officer and ship’s company with the 2011 Frigate Efficiency Trophy and pennant and the 2011 Anti Submarine Warfare Effectiveness Trophy in a ceremony on board the ship in Portsmouth.

HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Frigate, returned on a high from operations in July 2011 having spent almost seven months east of the Suez Canal.

On leaving Portsmouth in January her duties included working with other navies to combat smuggling and human trafficking in support of counter-terrorism. She then sailed to the Gulf on maritime security operations where she patrolled the Al Basrah oil terminal.

The last part of her deployment saw her providing Naval Gunfire Support to operations off the coast of Libya. For three consecutive nights HMS Iron Duke used her firepower capabilities to destroy a gun battery outside the besieged town of Misrata and fired star shells into the night sky to illuminate pro-Gadaffi positions for NATO aircraft to destroy rocket launchers, fuel dumps, ammo stores, artillery batteries and command and control centres.

HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Cooke-Priest, said:

“This award reflects the dedication, pride and professionalism of a ship’s company who gave everything to every one of many tasks, from training to combat operations, and who achieved total success in 2011. This award is testament to the exceptional performance of the officers and the men who served in HMS Iron Duke last year.”

Recipients of the annual award get to fly the The Surface Flotilla Efficiency Flag when entering and leaving harbour and whilst alongside in UK and foreign ports.

Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Chief of Staff Capability (left) presenting the 2011 Frigate Efficiency Trophy to HMS Iron Dukes Commanding Officer, Cdr Nick Cooke-Priest.

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS WORKS WITH DANISH MILITARY IN COPENHAGENHMS Illustrious worked with counterparts from the Danish military during a four-day visit to Copenhagen.

The Portsmouth based warship hosted a Lynx helicopter from the Royal Danish Air Force for several hours of flight deck drills. Among the helicopter crew was Lieutenant Richard Dixon, a Royal Navy pilot on exchange with the Royal Danish Navy.

The port visit also allowed Illustrious to open her hatches to the Copenhagen public for a day and 4,500 visitors took up the opportunity to see the impressive hangar and flight deck and talk to crew members.

Further links were forged when 60 officers under training on board paid a visit to the Danish Naval Academy.

The helicopter carrier stopped off at the Danish capital on her way north for Exercise Cold Response – a multinational two-week exercise inside the Arctic Circle.

Her Commanding Officer, Captain Martin Connell, said: “It has been a privilege to be able to bring HMS Illustrious to Copenhagen.

The fact that we welcomed around 4,500 members of the Danish public and a number of Danish Army personnel on board proved once again that this kind of visit always provides a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies.

“It was also a great opportunity for us to operate with a helicopter from the Danish Armed Forces, once again demonstrating the Royal Navy’s close links with our partner nations. We look forward now to continuing our preparations for the multinational Exercise Cold Response, which will take place in challenging conditions alongside other ships from the Royal Navy’s response force task group and otherallied navies.”

INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE TESTS MARITIME RAPID REACTION FORCEPORTSMOUTH-based warships took part in a huge international exercise to combat future threats at sea.

The flexibility of the Fleet to deal with unexpected events such as Libya last year or provide security at the Olympics in London was put to the test on Exercise Joint Warrior off the coast of Scotland.

Joining warships from the US, Denmark, Norway, France, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands were a vast number of UK assets including Portsmouth-based HMS Illustrious, Diamond, Edinburgh, St Albans, Atherstone and Brocklesby.

A bi-annual exercise, this year’s Joint Warrior was larger than ever before with a total of 8,000

personnel – 3,000 more than usual. The aim was to generate a purpose-built task group ready to react to global events at just a moment’s notice.

Captain Phil Titterton, Commanding Officer of Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS), the team responsible for organising the exercise, said. “This year Joint Warrior is generating the Royal Navy’s high-end war fighting capabilities for use as and when required for maritime defence around the world.

“It gives a full spectrum of multi-national training in a testing environment and provides all the players with a view on how they would work together under coalition and NATO operations. These are the assets that will be used in the event of global operations so they must be able to work alongside each other effectively.”

SNAPSHOT // FLEET UPDATE Review

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MINEHUNTER RETRIEVES RECORD HAUL DURING US EXERCISEROYAL Navy minehunter HMS Middleton flexed her hunting prowess during a recent exercise with the US Navy – finding a grand total of 13 dummy mines in the Gulf.

As part of their regular practice at searching for mines in the warmer waters of the Arabian Gulf, the ship’s company worked alongside their coalition counterparts to exercise their already well-established technique.

For the ten-day exercise the US Navy deployed their MH 53E Sea Dragon – a specially designed helicopter that can sweep for mines from the air.

Finding 13 dummy mines that had been laid by friendly forces was a successful haul for the ship – particularly as the temperature of the water can make it more difficult for the ship’s sonar to detect ordnance. The water weakens the returning signal so the mine warfare teams have to be more precise with their searches.

Sub Lieutenant Christopher Chew, Navigating Officer of HMS Middleton, said: “The ability to work closely with other units, particularly from different nations allows HMS Middleton to be constantly ready to be deployed anywhere in the world whatever the scenario.”

There are four Royal Navy minehunters based in Bahrain - currently HMS Middleton, Ramsey, Quorn and Pembroke – and the skills they learn from working in the shallow waters helped the personnel in Bangor and Brocklesby last year when they found and destroyed mines laid by Colonel Gaddafi’s regime off the coast of Libya last year.

With over a week spent at sea for the exercise, HMS Middleton also took the opportunity to replenish her supplies. Bringing HMS Middleton alongside Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Lyme Bay allowed the minehunter to take on fuel, ammunition and food without having to head back into harbour.

HMS Middleton will continue to carry out operations in the Arabian Gulf until later this year when she is due to head back to the UK.

NAVY’S FISHERY VESSELS UNITEFOR ANNUAL EXERCISETHE Royal Navy’s three fishery protection vessels took a short break from policing UK waters to unite for a joint exercise.

HMS Mersey, Severn and Tyne – usually on individual patrols to protect the nation’s fish stocks - came together for their annual squadron exercise off the Isle of Wight.

The two-day exercise included Severn directing her sister ships into a coordinated anchorage in The Solent and Mersey leading on a series of ‘officer of the watch’ manoeuvres where all three ships move perfectly in time at set distances from each other.

HMS Mersey’s executive officer, Lieutenant Rob Lamb, said the

exercise was a great success. “The ships proved they could work together effectively and that even in evolutions not routinely part of their daily business, they were still able to perform to the high standard expected within the Royal Navy.

“The shoreside aspects were of great use, providing an important opportunity to renew the connection between the MMO and the RN officers who work on the ‘front line’ of fishery protection.”

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Focus

The Type 45 destroyer will maintain a continuous presence protecting British interests in the region, carrying out maritime security operations off West Africa and the wider South Atlantic. Her programme includes planned port visits in both West and South Africa.

It’s the first operational deployment for Dauntless since she was commissioned into

the fleet in 2010. Since then she has been put through an intensive period of sea trials and training to prepare her for operations.

Her Commanding Officer, Captain Will Warrender, said: “HMS Dauntless’ ship’s company has been working extremely hard over the last year or so to prepare for our first operational deployment. We are now ready to provide a reassuring presence in the region and protect British interests.”

HMS DAUNTLESS // MAIDEN DEPLOYMENT

HMS DauntlessSails to South Atlantic for Maiden DeploymentPORTSMOUTH-based warship HMS Dauntless sailed for a six-month routine deployment to the South Atlantic, relieving HMS Montrose.

We are now ready to provide a reassuring presence in the region and protect British interests.Commanding Officer, Captain Will Warrender

CUSTODIANSHIP of HMS Victory, the world’s most iconic ship, has been transferred in a ground-breaking enterprise from the Ministry of Defence to the HMS Victory Preservation Trust - a charitable trust established as part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy with the aim of ensuring the preservation of Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar for future generations.

The move coincided with the announcement of a £25 million capital grant to support the new trust by the Gosling Foundation, an amount which the Ministry of Defence has agreed to match with a further £25 million.

This endowment totalling £50 million, with the opportunity of further charitable donations, will ensure that Victory will remain the centrepiece of the nation’s maritime heritage, continuing as a commissioned ship of the Royal Navy under her commanding officer and ship’s company.

Victory will remain the flagship of the Second Sea Lord until, as previously planned, she is made the flagship of the First Sea Lord. This enhancement in Victory’s status will reinforce the ship’s continuing special position within the Royal Navy.

The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, said today: “The ship has been at the heart of the Royal Navy for centuries and is symbolic of the fighting ethos and values of the Service. These are as important and relevant in current times, for example in Afghanistan, Libya and the Gulf, as they were at the time of Trafalgar.

“I am absolutely delighted with this initiative. It will significantly enhance the way in which Victory can be preserved for the benefit of the nation and future generations, while retaining her links with the Royal Navy. She will be in the hands of an organisation which will look after her unique status and has all the professional experience that her continued and enhanced preservation requires.”

“This is fantastic news,” said Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, Chairman of the NMRN. “The National Museum of the Royal Navy is the Navy Board’s adviser on naval heritage and therefore we are the ideal charity to

oversee the Trust that will be looking after this world-famous historic warship.

The maintenance of the ship was given a significant boost last October when BAE Systems Surface Ships were awarded a £16 million contract to support HMS Victory. The contract involves the most extensive restoration since the ship returned from the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and has already provided a greater understanding of the material state of the ship than ever. This work will continue and become the responsibility of the new trust.

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Focus

£50m forHMS Victory

HMS VICTORY UPDATE // CAPITAL GRANT

NEWS that a capital grant of £25m was being donated by the Gosling Foundation, was welcomed by the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomer

“On behalf of the service, I am immensely grateful to Sir Donald Gosling and the Gosling Foundation for their generosity in making this possible,” said Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery.

Talking of the donation by the foundation in his name, Sir Donald Gosling said: “HMS Victory is a national icon and I feel privileged that the Gosling Foundation is part of this project to ensure its future for the Royal Navy and for the Nation.”

At a Glance

Sir Donald GoslingPhoto: LA(Phot) Abbie Gadd

Sir Jonathan Band & 2SLPhoto: LA(Phot) Abbie Gadd

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SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

The hull of the helicopter carrier was punctured in two places above the waterline on March 9 and she returned to Portsmouth by Sunday March 18. In the intervening days, Project Manager Brendan Young and his team were able to build an accurate picture of just what work needed to be done.

Brendan explained: “We knew the area of the damage, the physical size and we had good photos from the ship.

“Every warship has a complete set of data including drawings. Once we knew where the damage was we were able to get the naval architects to look at the drawings.

“We even went and looked at Ark Royal so we could see for ourselves exactly what we were up against.”

Carrying out such repairs is relatively unusual said Brendan and the unplanned nature of the work meant they had to arrange a suitable place to carry out the repairs as well as put up scaffolding and arrange floodlights.

The decision was made to bring HMS Illustrious back to Portsmouth early so the first part of the repair could be done allowing her to join exercise Joint Warrior off Scotland on April 12 and she will return in May for some final work to be carried out.

“The work was always going to be done in two parts. We were able to do the hull repair and quite a bit more of the work before she left in April.

“It was a good example of just what can be achieved when you work together,” he said.

Lusty Back on Exercise After Hull Repairs

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Feature

AS SOON as word came through about the damage to HMS Illustrious following a collision with a tug in Norway, a crack team of experts back in Portsmouth Naval Base were busy making preparations.

Hull Repair

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SUPPORTING THE PORTSMOUTH FLEET // QE CLASS CARRIER

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Feature

First steel was cut on Lower Block 05 in January 2011

Lower Block 05 forms the aft section of the carrier’s hull

The block’s weight at load out is approximately 1820 tonnes – the equivalent of 151 London buses

The block houses switchboards, air treatment units and the vessel’s steering gear, as well as some accommodation areas

Lower Block 05 is made up of two ring units - ring U and ring T

The load out of ring T on Tuesday 24 April follows on from the successful move of ring U onto the barge on Sunday (22 April)

The barge, called Viking 7, measures 300’ x 90’ and came from Stavanger in Norway

The sections are moved onto the barge each using two trains of Self Propelled Module Transporters - 22 axles in total giving 176 wheels per block

The rings will now be sea fastened and secured ahead of their departure from Portsmouth for the four day journey to Rosyth on Sunday (29 April)

Lower Block 05 will travel out of the dockyard, up the English Channel and the east coast to arrive in Rosyth on Thursday 3 May

Lower Block 05 will be the second hull section to arrive in Rosyth where the ships are being integrated in dry dock

At a Glance

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The Incredible Journey - QEC block leaves Portsmouth

Project manager Gordon Burnley is the man charged with co-ordinating the safe delivery of all the elements of the carrier and this year alone he is managing 40 movements from yards across the UK.

The Portsmouth block, which measures 69.45m high by 39.6m wide and has a depth of 18.8m, will eventually form the forward end of the carrier along with LB01 and LB03.

Gordon has been working closely with the local team to plan the move from dry land onto the barge – and then the onward journey to Scotland.

“Planning started about 18 months ago and involved people from Portsmouth and Rosyth getting together to look at all the issues involved.

“Portsmouth is a good facility because it is non-tidal but there is a lot of traffic in the basin and there are the historic elements.

“The planning work is all about removing the risk. We will be using the same methods we used to move the block from Govan to sail to Rosyth. We have done computer simulations testing everything from the calculation for load out to float off – and we have carried out simulations of how we are going to handle it in the water,” he said.

The sheer bulk of the block which weighs 6,770 tons makes it difficult to manoeuvre and on the day 100 men were involved in the

journey from the ship hall to the barge. A total of 576 self-propelled modulator transporters were attached to the block to move it out – and one man was in charge of the remote control to co-ordinate the move.

“The barge we are using is a special type of barge used in the off shore industry. It’s not an off the shelf piece of kit and there are only a few barges in the world capable of doing this job,” he said.

The journey from Portsmouth began on May 21 and it took up to six days to reach Rosyth.

“There are only certain tides in the month when we can float the block off but the critical factor will be the weather. High winds, rough seas would mean we have to delay the sailaway or float off operation.

Being in charge of the movement of all the sections is a major responsibility as all the elements come together in the greatest engineering feat the UK has seen for many years.

“It involves so many different places in the country and so many factors have to be taken into consideration with each movement. They all require the same level of dedication, planning and commitment.

“But there is an enormous sense of satisfaction when a move goes well,” he said.

SpotlightPROJECT Manager, Gordon Burnley is a trained Naval Architect with an interesting career path. He left school with few qualifications and started his own business after working in fabrication.

An accident which left him in a wheelchair, proved to be the major turning point for him. He went back to school and gained the qualifications he needed to study engineering at university and he was offered a job by BAE Systems during his degree.

“It has been quite a journey and I am delighted to be working on such an amazing project.

“The job is 24-hours a day and seven days a week- when you are moving pieces of the carrier you don’t stop for weekends or because the clock has gone past midnight,” he said.

ON April 29 when the first QEC block moved onto a barge in preparation for its journey to Scotland, it was the culmination of a year and a half of planning.

Feature

Main Image shows Blocks LB01 and LB03Main Article is about LB02

Pump Motor Removed as part of Preparations for QEC arrival

AS PART of preparations for the departure of QEC Lower Block 2, a team of experts from contractors Hythe Marine have removed one of two hauling gear winch assemblies for over haul and re-insertion into D-lock West caisson.

Braving terrible weather conditions, the expert team removed the 6 ton assembly which has been in place for the last 25 years, in harsh tidal conditions.

The unconventional gearbox will be sent away to Mawdesleys, motor repair specialists, where it will be overhauled, tested and returned ready to endure another 25 years useage.

“It must have been there since it was built – the bolts are an inch thick and it doesn’t look like they have ever been removed.

“It is quite challenging but this is just the sort of job our company does day in day out,” said Hythe Marine director Luke Fitzgerald.

Ian Williams, Area Sales Manager of Mawdesleys, said: “Once the assembly was removed by Hythe Marine, we checked the gear box over on the dock side and then we’ve sent it to Bristol where it will be worked on prior to coming back to the Naval Base.”

James Millar, Assistant Project Manager for BAE Systems, said: “The goal is to improve the reliability of the infrastructure, so ensuring we have a high degree of confidence in it when the 6,000 ton block leaves.

“This is a demanding program with key dates that have to be met.”

ONE of the landmarks of Portsmouth Naval Base has been removed to make way for the safe movement of the QEC block.

The crane at D lock was due to be replaced and the removal has been brought forward to ensure no obstacle gets in the way once the QEC block is on the move.

Kathy Lamb, said: “The new crane will cost £3m. The materials have been bought and it will take up to 13 months to construct it off site before it is installed.

“It is being replaced as part of the whole crane strategy that we have drawn up.”.

Towering landmark moves to make way for QEC block

It is being replaced as part of the whole crane strategy that we have drawn up.Kathy Lamb

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DIARY DATES // ENIGMA ARTIFACTS

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The two-and-a-half-year-old Springer Spaniel is Portsmouth Naval Base’s first sniffer dog and he works with Constable Glen Morby.

“We cover both the base and the Historic Dockyard. I got the cards printed for Bono because he generates a lot of interest with the public especially with children, and the card tells them a little bit about him,” he said.

It takes nine months to train a dog like Bono and he patrols the base and dockyard daily as well as working with Hampshire Police when needed.

“He really is very good at his job and when he’s not at work he lives with me too.

“As well as searching for illegally held substances on the base and the Historic Dockyard, he goes out on the police launch too and it doesn’t phase him a bit,” he said.

HMNB POLICE // BONO THE SNIFFER DOG

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Interest

Bono is Helping to keep the Base SafeTHERE aren’t many dogs with their own business cards - but there’s no denying Bono is a special kind of canine.

Hi I’m BonoDOB: August 2009Breed: English Springer SpanielHandler: PC MorbyDonated from a family in Lancaster and previously a gun dog, Bono is full of energy, very playful and loving.Most search dogs have been rescued, sometimes from sad and abusive backgrounds.

Once the dogs have been assessed they are sent on an eight week course with their handlers where they are taught to search for illegal substances.

Once they complete the course, the dogs lives at home with the handlers and their families

This Bono always finds what he’s looking for.

Date Event Information / Location

16 June Rowans Moonlit Memories Walk

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

30 June NMRN Armed Forces Day Arena events

15 July Olympic Torch procession Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

18-21 July Much Ado About Nothing Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Diary Dates

National Museum reunites Enigma machine artifactsHMS Collingwood has helped The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Royal Navy’s capture of an Enigma machine), as they reunited some very special items.

CPO Craig “Blood” Read and PO Dan Powditch were cleaning out their store in MERCURY building in HMS Collingwood when they found a box containing three rotors for an Enigma machine.

Richard Noyce, Curator of Artefacts at the NMRN explains: “The number M15653 on the machine matches the number on the box of rotors and the box is stamped with ‘Kommando der Marine Sation Der 021’ albeit smudged and difficult to read. With both items originating from HMS Mercury I think there can be no doubt the Enigma Machine and its spare rotors were originally together. We are thrilled to be reuniting them again as they are a key part of our history.”

The German military used the Enigma cipher machine during WW2 to keep their communications secret. The machine was available commercially during the 1920s, but the military potential of the device was quickly realised and the German army, navy and air force all used a more developed model of the machine to encipher their messages believing that it would make these communications impenetrable to the enemy.

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Mary Rose Guns

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MARY ROSE TRUST // BEHIND THE SCENES

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Feature

Behind the Scenes at the MuseumTalented display team is working hard to ensure the artefacts are the stars

A SLIVER of Perspex, precisely cut to ease under the jaw of the Tudor skull, is slipped into place – and fits perfectly.

It’s a small detail but a measure of the intricate work going on behind the scenes at the Mary Rose Trust to prepare for the move to their new museum.

Thousands of items large and small are being prepared to go on show – many for the first time, in the purpose built museum which has been designed to be the perfect show case for the 16th century treasures of the deep.

The skull in question is that of the purser – and is all the more remarkable for the hole pierced through the top of the bone by an arrow head.

There will be a number of displays throughout the museum focusing on the individuals who sailed on the Mary

Rose from the archers to the carpenter and barber-surgeon. In the purser’s case, an artist’s impression has been created to show what he might have looked like alongside his belongings which were all beautifully preserved in the mud of the Solent.

A team of talented individuals are painstakingly creating the mounts for all the artefacts that will go on display and the irony is that while they no doubt appreciate being recognised for their hard work, they hope the public won’t really notice their efforts.

“When we were interviewingpeople for the mount-making jobs we asked them what the public should notice about the mounts – and the answer was nothing.

“We’ll know we’ve done a good job if they don’t notice – the important thing is for the objects to be the stars,” he said.

The important thing is for the objects to be the stars

Case StudyOne of the most challenging displays to put together will be the enormous guns from the Mary Rose.

Using the most up to date technology and drawing on the ability of the finest experts, the guns will once more be reunited with the wooden gun carriages that remarkably survived centuries in the Solent.

“Every gun on the ship was unique and the heaviest weighs three tons. Using the mounts we will be to place the guns and carriages together so they appear to be holding the guns once more although the mount will be taking the weight.

“It is the most challenging of all the moves – we will need to lift them through the roof of the current museum but that, frankly, will be one of the easier parts of the process.”

Mount Making Artists Impression of the Purser

Q How many items will be on display in the new museum?

A The collection totals 19,000 items and at present around 1,100 are on show to the public.

Not everything can be displayed as some are still being conserved but up to 4,000 artefacts will be on show in the context gallery alone and more on display in the main galleries where the collection can tell the story of the Mary Rose and her crew.

Question

Mary Rose Museum Display and Design Team

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TRANSFORMATION// CONSORT BRIDGE SIMULATOR

Using the very latest digital technology, the team planning the transformation needed to accommodate the carrier have been able to do crucial work in preparation for the arrival in 2016.

The current shipping channel is not straight or wide enough to take the QEC carrier and following the results of the bore hole survey in the harbour and its approach, dredging will take place.

Bridge simulator manager David Goddard explained the simulator had been used to help determine how much wider the shipping channel needs to be to allow the carrier to turn into the harbour.

“We started with a blank canvas. We knew what the simulator was capable of and it was a matter of setting up the trials so we could gather information.

“We had to look at all the issues involved in navigating the entry and exit from the harbour to find the optimum solution,” he said.

Using the simulator, the team was able to define the safest route and ensure there was enough room either side of the ship and below it, to allow for manoeuvrability.

“Dr Ian Dand, of BMT Isis, was brought in to agree the safety margins taking into account the depth and width,” he said.

Responsibility for bringing Queen Elizabeth into port for the first time will fall to the Commanding Officer, the uniformed navigation team and an Admiralty pilot.

“Prior to the first entry, the ship’s team on board and the Admiralty pilots will come here for several run throughs.

“They will already have experience of bringing ships into Portsmouth Harbour but the carrier will be a totally different experience.

“For a start the alignment of the channel has changed by 10 degrees and you have to remember that from the bridge there is an awful lot of ship astern of you.

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Feature

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IT will be several years before the towering edifice of the QEC carrier can be seen entering Portsmouth Naval Base but in the meantime experts have been able to create the moment thanks to the Consort bridge simulator at HMS Collingwood.

Simulator is Simply Breathtaking

“You are sitting approximately a third of the way down the ship leaving up to 700ft of carrier behind you – and you must always remember it takes a long time to stop a vessel of this size,” he said.

So far 110 successful carrier runs have been made using the simulator putting the ship up against different wind conditions and current strengths.

“The simulator allows you to experience what it will be like to bring the carrier into Portsmouth Harbour and it is an invaluable planning tool ,” he added.

Shoreside editor Kate Thompson was privileged to visit the simulator at HMS Collingwood to experience what it will be like to arrive in Portsmouth Harbour on board the Royal Navy’s largest ever ship, Queen Elizabeth.

She wrote about her impressions.

“Sweeping majestically into Portsmouth Harbour, with a birds eye view of the city’s historic old town, it was easy to imagine we were indeed on the bridge of the QE Class carrier Queen Elizabeth.

“The simulator at HMS Collingwood is so convincing, with every detail of the coastal city seemingly in place from the World War 2 monument on the Common to the Round Tower and well known pubs of Old Portsmouth.

“Our guide David Goddard even joked you could read the name of the licensee above the Still and West’s door.

“One thing is for sure, when Queen Elizabeth does make her first entry into Portsmouth, its going to be a showstopper.

“Nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale of the ship - if you think the ferries plying their trade from the port to France each day are pretty big, be prepared for something much bigger on the horizon. The carrier Queen Elizabeth will be two and half times bigger.

“The simulator allowed us to see the carrier from the point of view of a helicopter pilot hovering in the bay as the carrier left Portsmouth before placing us on the bridge watching the tugs ahead of us as she negotiated her way along the new channel into the harbour.

“At about 85 ft above the water, you can see over the rooftops to the city beyond. The simulator gives an accurate picture of exactly what it will be like when the ship enters Portsmouth – and leaves you with an even greater respect for the men and women whose job it will be to bring her safely home each time.”

Insight

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BASE PEOPLE // ME & MY JOBMy Job

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What does your job involve?I am MODs senior uniformed engineer at the waterfront providing assurance over much of the on-going support work which is carried out through the partnering arrangement that is Team Portsmouth.

I am also the Commanding Officer for nearly 200 uniformed and civilian people who are embedded in the COMs and Fleet Time Engineering. I am also in charge of deployed support provided to the minehunters (MCMVs) through the two Forward Support Units (FSU) one of which is permanently based in the Gulf.

What are the challenges with your job?The challenge is to shape SFM for the future. With the responsibility for surface ship force generation having moved into the Portsmouth Flotilla (PORFLOT in Lancelot Building), the challenge is to use SFM’s influence to best effect in supporting the Force Generating Authority (FGA) and the COMs.

What was your career path?I have been in the Royal Navy for 30 years serving on a number of steam, diesel and gas turbine powered ships ranging from the Royal Yacht Britannia to HMS Ocean. I am a marine engineer by trade. I’ve also had a variety of jobs ashore in engineering policy, resources & plans and safety policy.

I was involved in the Falklands in 1982 on HMS Hermes when I saw at first hand the heroic effort made by the dockyard to get a significant part of the Task Group ready for sea in five days. It was a defining moment and it left a lasting impression of just what Portsmouth dockyard can achieve.

What is the best part about your job?It’s really nice being a part of the frontline, getting on board ships regularly and feeling like your team make a difference. It’s very real and tangible being at the waterfront - the ships are the reason we are here.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?I always wanted to be in the navy. My grandfather was captain of HMS Hood and my dad was a warfare officer too who commanded the Hong Kong MCMV squadron but I decided to be an engineer. I was always technically inclined and, as I never intended to make this a long term career, I figured prospects in the outside world were better for engineers than warfare specialists. Somehow I never got round to leaving and here I am, still enjoying the numerous challenges after 31 years.

What does the future hold for you?There is a great deal of change happening at the naval base. The new Maritime Support Delivery Framework (MSDF) contract will further shape the business, there is the bedding in of the COMs and the need to support the Force Generating Authority all of which will require us to adapt SFM to deliver best effect. So, lots to do but the bottom line is we are all absolutely focused on maintaining the availability of Portsmouth based ships.

Me & My JobCaptain Andy GlennieTitle: Superintendent Fleet Maintenance (SFM)Based: Sail Loft

Me & My JobCarol EvansTitle: Energy & Environment AssistantBased: Victory Building

What does your job involve?My work is split into two main areas of activity. My mornings are taken up with walking round the base getting the shore supply meter readings for all the ships. It’s a bit like the electricity board taking a reading and it allows us to see how much electricity each individual ship is using. I have been threatened a few times with being thrown overboard for giving them the bad news, but they were only joking – I hope!

The rest of my day is taken up with environmental campaigns and ensuring everyone on the base knows about them. At the moment we’ve got the Big Green Commuter Challenge, we’ve just had Climate Week and there’s a big push for the Cycle to Work campaign coming up.

What was your career path?I was in the Royal Navy and did my basic training in Portsmouth. When I married and moved to Portsmouth, I started work at the Co-op dairy for 23 years until it closed down three years ago. And then I came back to the naval base to work with James Pollington and his team.

What is the best part about your job?I like the camaraderie. I am the only woman working with 10 men and we do have a good laugh – they all behave themselves so long as I ply them with chocolate. I like being able to get out of the office and go around the base – especially in the summer. Lots of people want to swap their jobs with me when the sun is shining but they’re not so keen in the winter when it rains or snows.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?I wanted to be either a car mechanic or to join the navy so I got the best of both worlds by joining the navy as an air mechanic.

When I joined up we were known as WRENS and we didn’t get to go to sea – which is a shame because I would have loved to do that.

What are the challenges with your job?Meeting deadlines and ensuring all the meter readings are put into spreadsheets ready to be presented to the Naval Base Commander.

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Shoreside.........

38

RECIPE // YOUR LETTERS // COMPETITION Interest

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ContributionsIf you would like to have your say – or you have a burning desire to appear in a future issue of Shoreside, - we would like to hear from you.

Contact:Email: [email protected]: 07968 262805

Kate ThompsonEditor, ShoresideRoom 222,Naval Base HQVictory BuildingHM Naval BasePortsmouth PO1 3LS.

WE’VE got a copy of Brian Patterson’s fascinating book ‘The Royal Navy at Portsmouth Since 1900’ to give away in our latest competition.

The volume is part of a major series of books published by Maritime Books featuring the activities of the Royal Navy at its various bases, both at home and abroad throughout the last century.

The late Brian Patterson was Curator of the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Collection and Keeper of Historic Boats at the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust.

He was a shipwright in the dockyard for 43 years and the author of nine books and numerous articles on military and naval topics.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Brian’s book, email your answer to the following question to [email protected]

Question: Who is the publisher of ‘The Royal Navy at Portsmouth Since 1900’?

Competition

Griddled BBQ Pork Belly with Sticky Whisky Bourbon Sauce

Ingredients for braising the pork belly

1-1/2 kg of pork belly with ribs

1 small cup of water

1 small cup of chicken stock

4 or 5 cloves

1 fl oz of white wine

3 bay leaves

Squeeze of honey

If you can get a good sized piece of pork belly from your butchers, ask him to leave the ribs on, but to take the skin off. Hopefully he will preserve the beautiful fat underneath. It is this that will caramelise on the BBQ and provide a wonderful flavour.

The ribs will help to retain the moisture in the meat and also allow you to enjoy the succulent meat. You need to allow about two ribs per person, so I would recommend a 1½ kg piece of belly.

This belly is better cooked two ways. The first is slowly braised, and the second way is on the BBQ. The reason for this is that because of the fat content, it needs to be cooked slowly. Flash cooking BBQ pork belly can be tough.

To braise the pork belly, you need a good sized deep roasting pan or a large saucepan. Combine all the ingredients in a pan and place the pork into the dish and tin foil tightly. Cook the pork in the oven at gas mark 6 for 2-2 ½ hours or on the range on a low heat for the same time.

Once the pork is cooked, chill the pork and place in the whisky sauce and refrigerate to marinade. Ideally, this can be left for a few hours. When needed. Cut the pork in between the ribs and BBQ until hot and sticky. Use any additional marinade to keep brushing the ribs as they are cooking.

Serve with a nice crunchy coleslaw and a spicy bean salad. Perfect.

Ingredients for Sauce

1/2 onion, small diced

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3/4 small cup bourbon whiskey

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon salt

2 small cups ketchup

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/3 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavouring

1/4 small cup Worcestershire sauce

1/2 small cup packed brown sugar

1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste

Bourbon whiskey BBQ Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic, and whiskey. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Mix in the ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, liquid smoke flavouring, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce.

Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Run sauce through a strainer if you prefer a smooth sauce.

Jack Snacks

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