NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2010


15


O in Rio


Having ‘conquered’ the small isle, the marines of both nationalities did what marines do best: ditted. The Royals shared their experiences – the British told of work in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Brazilians recounted their experiences of providing security in Haiti in the wake of January’s terrible earthquake. “It’s been a fantastic experience – and a completely different environment,” said L/Cpl Ben Jenkins. “We need to maintain our capability and we’ve done just that out here.”


Not all the Os were aboard for the amphibious exercises; a 21-strong party led by Lt Alex Karavla was left behind in Barro Vermelho at the ‘Project Reaching Lives’ which helps young mothers, providing care for the children and education and support for their parents. More than 30 locals had been employed


of painting rooms, clearing outbuildings, cutting back overgrown garden areas and generally tidying up.


“Despite having nothing, the children always have a smile on their faces,” said AET Andrew Ireson.


reconstructing the project’s crumbling buildings, but the revamp was falling behind schedule. The team from Ocean worked tirelessly


everyone has worked really well as a team, we have learned a few building skills ourselves and we have really moved the project forwards by months,” said Wtr Natalie Harbord. Another group of 12 volunteers led by Lt Chris St Claire, made for Casa Jimmy – the charity for Rio’s street children set up by legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Since it was opened a dozen years ago,


In the Mighty O’s case, there was plenty amazing few days,


through the heat of the day and managed to knock down disused buildings and level large areas of the site ready for paving. “This was an


create a more promising future for them has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my naval career – I will always remember it”. And so back to Rio for a lengthier visit and quite a few formal occasions: the ship served as the platform for a UK trade and industry exhibition, hosted a reception for local dignitaries and finally a security seminar, attended by security minister Gerald Howarth, culminating in a dinner for 150 guests and the signing of a formal defence agreement between London and Brasilia. The chefs catered for four major events in two days. Hard work? Yes, said LCH Simon Butcher, “but what a great opportunity to show off the RN’s culinary skills.


“Helping brighten up their lives and


He continued: “We’re normally cooking for up to 1,200 people three times a day, but formal occasions are what we do best – and what we like doing best.” As for the treaty, Mr Howarth said the


more than 450 children have benefi ted from its support... and virtually every Royal Navy/RFA vessel visiting Rio has helped out.


ties with Brazil should encourage the best of both nations’ defence industries to work together, while the countries’ security services and Armed Forces would co-operate even more closely. “This treaty offers much more than grand gestures,” said the minister. “The UK and Brazil are old and trusted friends. I believe this treaty will mark a new dawn in defence relations between our two countries.”


Having “achieved all that we set out to do”, said Capt Blount, Ocean turned westwards.


Next stop the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and maritime security operations.


pictures: la(phot) guy pool, hms ocean


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