NAVY NEWS, FEBRUARY 2009 15
On the twelve days of
Christmas...
Saturnalian tradition by the be their first time away from with Portland’s upperdeck as he the Pakistan Naval Ship Tippu
officers on board. family and loved ones over the trains for the London Marathon. Sultan, the one-time HMS
And lest anyone should festive period; but regardless all Seven complete laps of the Avenger.
be concerned by the CO Cdr will be taking time to think about deck amount to one mile, so Crews from both ships
Tim Henry taking part in the those who are dearest to us. for his full marathon the Chief enjoyed the chance to visit the
swimming session, please bear “Knowing that we have your Marine Engineering Mechanic other’s ship.
in mind that he was getting into support as we carry out our duty will need to pass the same Lt Cdr Mark Hocking, the
his role as the most junior sailor remains a huge strength; so a upper deck scenery some 183 Weapon Engineer Officer, said:
on board while AB(Sea) Becky heartfelt thanks for continuing times... “The ship has been extremely
Lowe was enjoying the novelty to give us your support and CPO Sexon admitted: busy since leaving the UK, and
of three gold stripes upon her encouragement.” “Training for a marathon at any it has been satisfying to see all
shoulder. Family and friends may be time is hard, but the limitations the training we have done put
Gifts for each member of the somewhat surprised by the of running on board a ship at into practice.
ship’s company were provided return of rather svelte sailors sea has made it that much more “We remain focused on our
by charity UK4U, we’re told “in at the end of Portland’s eight- difficult. mission and despite being
the form of a box full of very month deployment. “Since November last year
away from our families over
useful goodies”. Everyone on board has signed we have spent a lot of time at
the Christmas period, morale
And the junior rates in the up to a new fitness regime, sea, so training days – although
remains high.”
crew each received a small gift where programme and weather regular – have often been quite
He summed up: “It is clear to
courtesy of the residents of permitting, they enjoy an hour monotonous.”
all on board that what we are
Castle Barbican in Plympton. of physical training three times But the senior rate is running
doing is fundamental to ensuring
CO Cdr Henry sent a message a week. to raise money for a charity
the major maritime trade routes
back to the families and friends The ship’s physical training close to his heart – the Home
remain open to all nations.”
of the ship at home: “You will be instructor, LPT Jules Stroud Farm Trust in Bristol that offers
pleased, but not surprised, to said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity services throughout the UK.
● (Clockwise from top left) HMS
hear that Portland is doing very for the ship’s company to keep The money that he raises
Portland in the Suez Canal; hands
well and has quickly made her fit and healthy in the fresh air, will go towards buying a new
to bathe, and Christmas carols
mark amongst our friends and and to mingle with people TV/DVD system for the house on a rather sunny Christmas
allies out here. outside of their normal working where his sister lives and will Day; a hard-fought tug of war
“From deterring piracy in environment.” be available for use by all of the on deck; time for a smile during
the main shipping routes to The PTI’s efforts to keep the residents. a Red Sea RAS with RFA Wave
engaging with the local navies numerous men and women on All of this hard operational Knight; the Lynx of Flight 426 is
and coastguards and helping board fit are bolstered by the work and disciplined off-watch stowed; a Christmas Day dip for
police these difficult waters, green berets of the ship’s RM time merited the crew with an the CO; Portland’s chefs (sorry,
everyone on board is doing their detachment whose ‘motivational operational stand-off at Abu logisticians (catering services)
bit to support our mission. skills’ have proven a boon for Dhabi over the New Year, where get to grips with a fi re drill; the
“Christmas is, of course, some. the ship stocked up on stores RM boarding team return to the
a time of reflection and our One man is training particularly and provisions, and the crew ship after checking out a dhow;
thoughts will quite naturally turn hard during the patrol, although probably stocked up on a few fast-roping drills with the Lynx;
to home. For some, Christmas he’ll be leaving the ship in April stores too... and LPT Jules Stroud keeps
at sea has become a regular – CPO(CMEM) Nathan Sexon In Abu Dhabi the Naval frigate Portland’s men and women on
occurrence, for others this will is earning increasing familiarity found herself berthed alongside their toes
Pictures: LA(Phot) Alex Cave
0014-015_NN_feb09.indd 214-015_NN_feb09.indd 2 221/1/09 14:47:241/1/09 14:47:24
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