NAVY NEWS, JUNE 2010
11
Gulf flare
HMS St Albans is back on patrol in the northern Gulf, having showcased British defence –
days alongside in Dubai for mid-deployment maintenance, assisted by local contractors and UK personnel. Work was carried out on the gas turbines, weapons and sensor systems, the upper deck required some attention, and there was plenty of painting and deep cleaning throughout. St Albans
Imogen Tate, a ten-year-old who hopes to be a Royal Navy chef (or logistician (catering services (preparation))).
With the help of Logs Andrea Denoon and ‘Buster’
Imogen created a delicious fruit dessert.
adventurous expedition trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and sea kayaking in Oman. Others were reunited with their
families, while the football, hockey and golf squads also had a run- out.
Cdr Adrian Pierce, the CO of St
● Turning up the heat: Logs ‘Buster’ Andrea
Brown
crouching), LLogs Tug Wilson (standing), LLogs Ireland (right)
Denoon (left), (centre, Logs
area, including an
sailors took the opportunity to explore
While alongside some of the the
Brown, also hosted Miss
potential new recruit.
The frigate spent 18
and welcomed
technology a
Albans, said: “We can look back at a very busy but enjoyable stay. “It was not only an opportunity to conduct essential maintenance, but for the ship’s company to recharge their batteries to ensure we are fully prepared and ready for challenges that lie ahead, whilst conducting essential maritime
Basra Oil Terminal off Iraq and conducts maritime security operations.
and fuel from American oiler USNS Rappahannock, and the ship’s company were kept busy with drills and exercises including damage control and weapon training. The frigate’s Merlin has also been active as St Albans and other coalition ships tested their response to a variety of threats. The flight crew and support
routines and practices. St Albans also hosted Capt Andrew Betton,
Commander Task Group Iraqi Maritime, who in his previous role helped the ship on pre-deployment training – and St Albans was pleased to demonstrate that the training was being used to maximum effect on operations.
● HM Ships Pembroke, Grimsby and St Albans alongside for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX). Below: HMS St Albans replenishes at sea with USNS Rappahannock
● CPO ‘Moose’ Bastow and LET(WE) Steph Simpson work on the minigun during the ship’s self- maintenance period in Dubai
the new flight She began by receiving stores
operations within the Arabian Gulf.” Dubai is now a distant memory as the ship patrols the Al
security
staff were put in the spotlight by a team from RN Air Station Culdrose, which visited St Albans to test the aviators and ship’s company’s
knowledge,
● HMS St Albans’ Merlin fi res decoy fl ares during an exercise
● Ten-year-old Imogen Tate with the fruit dessert she prepared in the galley of HMS St Albans, with the help of Logs Angela Denoon and Logs ‘Buster’ Brown
● Gulf state delegates board HMS St Albans during the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference
Pictures: LA(Phot) Steve Johncock
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