NAVY NE WS, MAY 2 010

nd and much-needed uel with Wave Ruler aked mountains and York and her tanker umberland Bay for a e two ships in front of acier – this is the fi rst ship has seen these dings. hree days at anchor Point and the British eadquarters, in front rmer whaling station

ashore over the three the rusting, yet still ships, buildings and d as a stark reminder ry which once thrived

ure-postcard church, s company found a quietly and refl ect on s 8,500 miles away

around King Edward ost’s small cemetery e laid to rest, notably explorer Sir Ernest

there was more that was only after graveyard had been

he cemetery were rticularly large (and al which made for a teresting’ entry into

contemplation some

on of York’s sea boat very-impressive jet- everyone on board

ad, a tight turn and he destroyer heading Gold Harbour on the sland. e there’s no gold here the sun’s rays bathing and dusk). There are, uins, elephant and fur bills, and some rather ho thrive on the fi ne waters.

of the free-fl o

ating

said cemetery. York also landed an RAF explosive

ordnance disposal team who regularly visit to destroy unexploded ordnance left over from 1982. Nearly three decades on from the (brief) Argentine occupation 14 items were found and disposed of, much to the annoyance of the local fur seal populace, but less so to an elephant seal who didn’t stir. Port visits typically mean a bit of sport against local opposition. And it was no different in South Georgia. York’s football team took on the BAS scientists (and some visiting ‘yachties’), playing on a pitch which defi n

favoured the home team. It could best be described as a bog with goal posts

at either end (sounds better than the

Wembley pitch – Ed). The destroyer men triumphed. There’s a trophy to prove it – and it will be contested once more when the White Rose ship returns to South Georgia next year. Team York were also able to

itely

“To be in command of this fi ne old lady – the 12th warship to proudly bear the name York – is a rare privilege indeed,” said her Commanding Offi cer Cdr Simon Staley.

“She may be 25 years old, but to know I drive the fastest destroyer in the Fleet and that we still pack a signifi cant punch via missiles and guns, gives great heart. “The ship’s company are really terrifi c too and display all the grit, character and pride synonymous with the fi ne people of Yorkshire.” There’s only so long you can spend eat- ing cake or admiring glaciers. Eventually, you have to return to the Falklands and the rugged beauty of Mare Harbour to provide a reassuring presence to the good folk of these remote islands. “We’re now well established in the South Atlantic,” said Cdr Staley. “The unfettered training

provide an impressive number of athletes for the South Georgia half marathon. Aside from the usual 13.1-mile distance to cover, there were the minor obstacles of a mountain climb and a gauntlet of fur seals to run. There was more racing back on board: the WOs and CPOs mess hosted an evening of penguin racing on the fl ight deck.

dressed as a South Georgian native (ie penguin), while their shipmates dipped into their pockets.

roughly £700 was raised for the Children’s Cancer Ward at Southampton General Hospital.

And wherever you are in the world, there’s always time for cake.

The mini-deployment to the southern- most extremities of empire coincided with the destroyer’s 25th birthday. The Type 42 destroyer was accepted into service on March 25 1985 (the same day that Amadeus bagged the ‘best fi lm’ Oscar at the, er, Oscars).

After winnings had been paid out, Each syndicate provided a ‘volunteer’

environment here has been fully exploited with regular exercises with the very impressive RAF Typhoons, the deployed Army regiment, and, of course, our maritime sisters Clyde and

ship’s company who, day in, day out, give their all to fulfi lling our important mission down here.

“The trip to the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia was truly a well- deserved reward for them. “We will all relish the memories of the training and mission achieved as well as the unique scenery and wildlife just experienced.”

“I am immensely proud of the professionalism and attitude of my

Wave Ruler.

And any day now, the Falklands will indeed become a memory as the Type 42 prepares to hand over to HMS Portland which is taking over South Atlantic duties.

With thanks to Lt Cdr George Adams, MEO HMS York

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