The Official Magazine of TEAM PORTSMOUTH Issue 6 Summer 2012

JACK SNACKS // MY JOB // HERITAGE

Flaming Marvellous

Energy Saving on a Major ScaleFULL STORY PAgE 20

PNB will have a starring role in Les MisérablesFULL STORY PAgE 14

Flog It! Comes to Portsmouth Historic DockyardFULL STORY PAgE 34

A Proud Day for PortsmouthFULL STORY PAgE 10

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welcome

It has been a busy summer of intense activity and this edition of the naval base magazine underlines just how much is going on around us all the time.

Thankfully, the sun finally came out and we were able to share the magical moment when the Olympic torch arrived with the local community and make sure the historic dockyard provided a befitting location for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Another event this term, worthy of recognition was the naming ceremony for Amazonas, the first Brazilian ship to be completed here in the naval base by BAE Systems.

Months of hard work went into planning and organising both events and they are examples of what we do so well at Portsmouth Naval Base and I would like to thank all those who made these possible.

Activity for the rest of 2012 looks set to be pitched at the same high tempo, underlining the fact that Portsmouth Naval Base has a key role to play keeping our ships ready and available. We are now welcoming back some of our deployers, such as Daring and Westminster. Meanwhile Kent and York have both been away on shorter but important operational tasks. And HMS Defender has arrived in Portsmouth, fresh from build.

I hope those who are taking a well-deserved break through the summer months have the opportunity to recharge their batteries in readiness for their return.

Let’s hope the sun continues to shine...

WelcomeIntroductions and Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of Shoreside

Naval Base Commander Portsmouth Commodore Tony Radakin, RN

ContentsSummer 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 contents

PNB will have a starring role in Les Misérables

When the opening scenes roll for the multi-million pound film production of

the massively popular musical Les Misérables, Portsmouth Naval

Base will have a starring role.

FULL STORY PAGE 14

10

14

Energy Saving on a Major Scale

With an annual energy bill of £10m, experts at Portsmouth Naval Base were keen to make savings. FULL STORY PAGE 20

20

34

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Flaming Marvellous

The Olympic Torch in HMS Victory’s Starboard Arena. FULL STORY PAGE 10

Flog It! Comes to Portsmouth

Historic Dockyard

When the crew from popular BBC2 programme Flog It! came

to town, the people of Portsmouth turned up in their droves to see if their treasured family items were

in fact priceless antiques.

FULL STORY PAGE 34

3 Welcome and IntroWelcome to this edition of Shoreside

6 Look AheadForthcoming events in and around PNB

8 HMS Diamond DeploysFor her maiden operational deployment

9 HMS Illustrious Celebrates 30th Anniversary

10 Flaming MarvellousOlympic Torch in HMS Victory’s starboard arena

12 Base ReviewWhat’s been going on in the past months

16 Commendation for RN wordsmiths

17 Tenacious by name and by natureCrew of Tenacious tour Portsmouth Naval Base

18 Dennis Miles Brings Naval Base History to Life

22 HMS Dragon breathes fire Sea Viper has fired for the first time

23 New Ammunition Jetty for Portsmouth Naval Base

24 Fleet SnapshotFind out the latest about the Portsmouth Flotilla

26 Music to his EarsLearn about Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace

28 Brazilian Navy gets to grips with Living in Blighty

30 Major Engineering Feat Helps QEC Take Shape

31 HMS Defender Enters New Home at Portsmouth

32 NEW CEO for Historic DockyardMeet Lincoln Clarke

36 Me & My JobMeet Sarah Bailey and Simon Smith

38 Jack Snacks

EditorKate Thompsonkate.thompson@baesystems.com

CreditsContributors / Magazine

Shoreside Magazine is published quarterly and is a collaborative publication produced by TEAM PORTSMOUTH

Standing on a windswept jetty praying the rain would stay away long enough for the handover ceremony for the Brazilian ship Amazonas to be completed – and then waiting in the sunshine for the Olympic flame to arrive.

The weather this summer has been predictably unpredictable but whether rain or shine, it hasn’t stopped the frenetic activity at the naval base.

I’ve been privileged to attend some memorable events in recent weeks at the naval base.

Capturing all those stories has been a wonderful challenge and in this edition of Shoreside, we welcome Defender, the latest Type 45 and follow HMS Diamond as she deploys.

With 46 years in the naval base, you could excuse Dennis Miles for being a little blasé about his surroundings. But as the interview on page 18 proves, he has a passion for the base and the ethos of Team Portsmouth.

He has a wealth of stories to tell about the people and the buildings that make the base what it is – and I’m delighted to say Dennis will be contributing to future editions of the magazine.

While James Pollington on page 20 expertly defines the energy challenge facing the naval base in the coming years.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Shoreside

Kate Thompson Editor

Photos/Images RN Photographers, Phil Stanton, Kate Thompson, Steve Wallace

Advertising Lance Publishing Ltd 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 Sales: Christina Mclean www.lancepublishing.co.uk Printed by Lance Print Ltd Shoreside is published quarterly. Next copy deadline is end of October 2012 All contributions and correspondence should be sent - preferably by email - to: The Editor, Shoreside Magazine, Room 222, Naval Base HQ, Victory Building, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LS Email: kate.thompson@baesystems.com All contributions are included at the Editor’s discretion. View all back issues of Shoreside at: www.teamportsmouth.com/publications.html Front Cover Image - RN Photographers

BC525212.Iss6.d11

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Shoreside

JUST over one million commemorative Mary Rose £2 coins have now been released into public circulation and the Mary Rose Trust would like to encourage anyone who finds one to donate it to the fundraising appeal for the completion of the new museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Last year, 1,511 commemorative precious metal versions of the coin were struck in 22 carat gold, reflecting the year of the Mary Rose’s maiden voyage.

Shane Bissett, the Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coins, commented: “We produced the Mary Rose coin as a tribute to the world’s only surviving Tudor warship – and hope it serves as a reminder of Britain’s rich heritage as a maritime nation.”

John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Royal Mint following production of the Mary Rose £2 coin.

“We have much work to do to secure the future of the ship and we are grateful to everyone who supports our fundraising drive to help us build the new Mary Rose Museum here in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

“Our hope is that when people find one they will send it back to us or, if they want to keep it, as it is so special, text COIN02 £2 to 70070 and donate £2.00 to the Mary Rose Trust to help us achieve our target by the end of this year.”

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Look Ahead WHAT’S ON

SPINNAKER Tower has created an exclusive exhibition to celebrate the towers of the world, offering visitors the chance to

learn about and experience the stunning views from vantage points around the globe, while also enjoying the breathtaking scenery on offer atop the 170 metre Portsmouth viewing tower.

Created in association with the World Federation of Great Towers, the exhibition, named ‘Friends in High Places’, will be held between Monday 17 and Friday 28 September and is a complimentary addition to a Spinnaker Tower visit.

The World Federation of Great Towers is an association of international monuments which join together to foster global awareness and develop international opportunities for promotion. The Federation has 32 members, ranging from the historic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the state-of-the-art Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world.

The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth offers visitors spectacular 350° panoramic views of one of the most fascinating seascapes on earth. Its unique position over Portsmouth Harbour provides visitors with incredible views stretching out for up to 23 miles over the historic harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

The Spinnaker Tower is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).

See www.spinnakertower.co.uk or call 02392 857520 to book in advance or to find out more!

‘FRIENDS IN HIgH PLACES’ TOWER EXHIBITION Spinnaker Tower / Mon 17 - Fri 28 Sep / 10am-6pm

SPECIAL MARY ROSE TREASURE HUNT COIN Happy hunting starting now!

SEE HMS VICTORY FROM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ANgLE Sat 1 - Wed 5 Sept / 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm, 3pm

HERE’s a unique chance to go below the waterline of HMS Victory. Join a tour guide for the opportunity to walk under 3,500 tonnes of ship and view Victory’s keel at close range for a completely different perspective of the ship. (Please note – this does not include a tour of the interior of HMS Victory).

The tours take place from September 1 to 5 at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm & 3pm.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 15 places per tour no under 14s for health and safety reasons.

To book your place visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk for details

HAVE you thought about researching your naval and military ancestors? Come along to hear a case study and short presentations to demonstrate how to look for information and what that information can tell you. Museum Curators and Archivists will be on hand to answer individual enquiries where possible.

Archivist and Librarian Matt Little has worked with Royal Marines historical records for 33 years at the Royal Marines Museum, and is responsible for the document and book collections. Matt provides search guides and answers research inquiries regarding many aspects of Royal

Marine history and genealogy. Having previously worked in the local history department of Portsmouth City Museum & Record Office, Matt has published works on Marines in Portsmouth, Royal Marine Victoria Crosses, and tracing Royal Marines ancestors.

No booking required.

MEET THE CURATORS, RESEARCHINg YOUR NAVAL AND MILITARY ANCESTORS Royal Marines Museum / October 21 / 10am-5pm

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HMS Diamond Deploys Following Key Role in Jubilee Celebrations

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FIRST DEPLOYMENT // HMS DIAMOND

HMS Diamond, which played a starring role in the nation’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, sailed from Portsmouth in June for her maiden operational deployment to the Middle East.

The Type 45 destroyer – which launched the jubilee weekend with a spectacular ceremonial entry into Portsmouth - will spend six months carrying out maritime security patrols in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Gulf, replacing her sister ship HMS Daring.

The ship will be acting as part of the Navy’s standing commitment in the Middle East, providing a range of capabilities from counter piracy to reassurance of the UK’s allies in the region.

Diamond’s build-up to the deployment has been extensive, having been thoroughly trained and assessed for every eventuality by the Navy’s naval training organisation, Flag Officer Sea Training.

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond MP, said: “The deployment of HMS Diamond marks another watershed for the Type 45 programme, with three of these highly capable destroyers now on operations worldwide. I wish her success in her Middle East deployment where the security of the international shipping lanes continues to be of the utmost importance.

The Royal Navy continues to make a significant contribution to protecting the freedom of the seas and Britain’s interests across the globe.”

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Ian Clarke, said: “After completing months of rigorous training, topped off with the obvious pride in our participation in the national jubilee celebrations earlier this month, Diamond is ready set to sail on her first operational deployment. We are ready for all of the likely scenarios we may encounter.”

HMS Diamond was launched in 2007 and commissioned into the fleet in 2011. She is the third of the Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers. Four have been commissioned and the remaining two will enter service over the next two years.

I wish her success in her Middle East deployment where the security of the international shipping lanes continues to be of the utmost importance. Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Defence

The crew of the helicopter and commando carrier HMS Illustrious celebrated her 30th birthday in style with a ceremonial parade in the presence of the ship’s sponsor Lady Sarah Chatto and former commanding officers including the current First Sea Lord.

HMS Illustrious was commissioned in a ceremony at sea in June 1982 - on her way to the Falklands in the aftermath of the conflict - and has been an iconic member of the Royal Navy’s fleet ever since. Thousands of sailors have served in her during the past three decades.

The parade took place on Victory Jetty in Portsmouth Naval Base when Lady Sarah Chatto (daughter of the late HRH Princess Margaret, the ship’s original Lady Sponsor) inspected some of the troops and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. Other crew members on parade were inspected by serving and retired admirals who are former commanding officers of the ship. Among those were the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.

Alongside the VIPs were families and friends of the crew and representatives of some of the ship’s affiliated charities and community organisations.

The current Commanding Officer, Captain Martin Connell, said: “This was a memorable and fitting occasion to celebrate a milestone in the history of HMS Illustrious.

“She has been a busy, versatile and faithful servant to the nation for the past 30 years,

both in times of conflict but also a reassuring presence helping to preserve peace at all other times.

“Thousands of sailors have been proud to call Illustrious their ship over these last 30 years, just as my sailors and I are today.”

The event concluded with a flypast from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

CELEBRATING IN STYLE // HMS ILLUSTRIOUS

HMS Illustrious Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Focus

She has been a busy, versatile and faithful servant to the nation for the past 30 yearsCaptain Martin Connell, Commanding Officer

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The Olympic Flame’s route through Portsmouth took on a distinctive Naval flavour as it arrived in the city by sea from Gosport.

Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Exploit - and two World War II motorboats - escorted the Gosport Ferry as it brought the torch across the harbour into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Greeting the torch-bearing party as it stepped ashore were Captain of the Base, Captain Jeremy Rigby, Base Services Manager Commander David Hilton and Chief Executive of Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust Peter Goodship.

Watched by hundreds of spectators, the torch made its way the short distance to HMS Victory’s Starboard Arena where the flame changed hands again for its next leg of its journey through the city.

On hand to witness the exchange against the backdrop of HMS Victory were Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Charles Montgomery, and Naval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin. They were accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Frank Jonas and other civic dignitaries.

Cdre Radakin said: “This has been an historic day for local families and a delight to host this with our local dignitaries. It was great to see so many people in the naval base supporting the water leg of the torch’s journey and reflecting Portsmouth and the Royal Navy’s importance as an island nation.”

Jacquie Shaw, Head of Communications and Operations for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, added: “Being the arrival location for the Olympic Torch into Portsmouth has been a hugely memorable event and a fantastic way to showcase our unique naval attractions, past and present, as well as highlighting the talent in our local community to a worldwide audience.”

OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY // HISTORIC EVENT

Flaming MarvellousThe Olympic Torch in HMS Victory’s Starboard Arena

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BASE REVIEW // NEWS ROUND -UPReview

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HMS LEDBURY RETURNS HOME FROM DEPLOYMENTHMS Ledbury returned home after spending six months working alongside NATO counterparts in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Hunt Class minehunter and her 42 crew sailed in early January. Since then Ledbury clocked up 12,000 nautical miles and spent her time operating with NATO’s permanent mine countermeasures group, assisting with the task of clearing the Mediterranean of historic ordnance left from the World Wars and more recent conflicts and to conduct a series of exercises.

The ship and her crew sailed around most of the Mediterranean in their six-month deployment

visiting 18 ports in eight countries including: Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Sicily and Spain. There were also two visits to key North African countries as part of NATO’s role in the Mediterranean.

Lieutenant Commander Tony Williams Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of HMS Ledbury said, “I am very proud of the efforts of my crew who have unrelentingly displayed their professionalism and fortitude from the moment we started preparing for this deployment over a year ago.

“My crew and I would like to thank all those who have supported us during this deployment and we are all very glad to be coming home to our families after such a long time away.”

WORKMATES SHOW THEIR RESPECTS WITH BEAUTIFUL gIFT FOR WIDOW MARYWHEN John Keable died suddenly at work a year ago, it was a major shock for all the workmates who loved him for his revolutionary ways.

A year after his sad passing, the team working in the Joiners Workshop marked the anniversary by creating a beautiful memorial for his widow Mary and daughters Jasmin and Lucy.

Apprentice Martin Johnson and his colleagues created a bench which reflected John’s love of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Carved in both Cuban and English is the legend – ‘Until the Everlasting Victory Always’ (Hasta La Victoria Siempre).

And a brass engraved plate marked his passing with the touching memorial – ‘It’s not the length of life but the depth of life.’

Visibly moved by the unveiling of the memorial bench, Mary

explained: “John went to Cuba on holiday and really enjoyed it. He had a tattoo of Che Guevara.

“He would have appreciated the fact this has been created by his colleagues. We have just cut down a tree in the garden and that has created the perfect space for the bench.”

John worked at the naval base for nearly 25 years. He started as a cleaner and became an engraver. He was well known for his friendly banter and welcoming attitude.

Director Naval Base Services, Mal Lewis, said: “John is very much still remembered in the naval base as a great friend and employee. He is sadly missed by all and that is why his colleagues wanted to create a suitable memorial for John.

“It is a fantastic piece of craftsmanship and a very beautiful piece of work.”

Mary said: “I can see the care, skill and love that has gone into making this – thank you.”

SPLICE THE MAINBRACE AT HMS NELSONA CENTURIES old tradition was repeated in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee when serving personnel at Portsmouth Naval Base enjoyed a tot of rum to drink to the monarch’s health.

Three hundred took part in the Splice the Mainbrace ceremony at HMS Nelson including Naval Base Commander, Commodore Tony Radakin (pictured).

Splice the mainbrace is an order given aboard naval vessels to issue the crew with a drink. A ration of rum was standard issue in the Royal Navy until 1970 when it was abolished due to concerns over operating machinery under the influence of alcohol.

Only the Queen, a member of the Royal Family or the Admiralty Board is allowed to issue the order.

THOUgHT PROVOKINg SPEAKERS AT ACTION STATIONSHISTORIAN, broadcaster and writer Sir Max Hastings battled through the Portsmouth traffic to deliver a thought-provoking lecture on the impact World War II had on millions of ordinary people.

While the stories of heroic actions by fighter pilots and the like have been well chronicled over the years, the stories of men and women caught up in the conflict have remained untold and it is this source of commentary that fascinated Sir Max.

He told an audience at Action Stations in the Historic Dockyard of the devastation suffered by the Russian people and those who were so hungry they resorted to cannibalism to survive.

Another welcome visitor to Action Stations, was the founder of the Big Issue John Bird. He delivered the inaugural Christopher Hitchens lecture and his audience was treated to a memorable performance.

MBE FOR NAVAL CHAPLAINA PORTSMOUTH-based Naval chaplain who served on board HMS Ocean during the Libya campaign last year has been awarded the MBE.

The Reverend Bernard Clarke, 59, of Gosport, will retire next year after a 30-year career with the Navy – most of which has been spent in posts at sea.

He served on board the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean throughout 2011, including several months off Libya as part of the UN-backed mission to protect civilians from Gaddafi forces.

His citation reads: “Serving with selfless commitment for over three decades, you have displayed the utmost dedication and compassion, making a significant contribution to the welfare of countless individuals both at sea and ashore. In particular, as the chaplain in HMS Ocean during an uncertain and intense period of sustained operations, you were recognised as a tower of strength.”

Rev Clarke, who currently works at Portsmouth Naval Base, said he was surprised but extremely proud to have received the award. “Working at sea as the friend and adviser of all on board is a privilege. It was an honour to serve in HMS Ocean – the flagship for the Libya operation, and in many other ships. I am grateful for the support and encouragement that I have received from the ship’s company and from my fellow chaplains.”

gONg FOR JOHN ‘WHISKEY’ WALKERA PORTSMOUTH-based Royal Navy engineer, described as the heartbeat of HMS Illustrious and HMS Ark Royal, has been awarded the MBE.

Warrant Officer 1st Class Marine Engineering Mechanic John ‘Whiskey’ Walker, 50, of Portsmouth, is currently serving on board aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious with the job of training the entire ships company in fire fighting and damage control techniques.

His 32-year career has included service throughout the world on nine ships including HMS Ariadne in the Gulf in the 1980s and two deployments on the former ice patrol vessel HMS Endurance.

His citation reads: “Putting the needs of the Service before your own, you have always demonstrated boundless dynamism and inspirational leadership. You have made a major impact in consecutive seagoing appointments especially in the Service’s two capital ships HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious. Your professional excellence, sustained energy and enthusiasm earned you universal respect and admiration.

WO1 Walker said he was extremely proud but humbled to receive the award. “When I phoned my wife to tell her the news I was very emotional. As a young rating joining HMS Raleigh in 1980 it never crossed my mind that I would end up as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy with an MBE.”

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“I’ve slept rough round here before and came down here to beg off the good people of Portsmouth,” he said.

He linked his own remarkable story of growing up with an aggressive father who beat his mother to that of Charles Dickens father John whose feckless ways resulted in the family spending time in a debters prison.

No stranger to prison himself, John Bird explained how the Big Issue had come about and the need to provide a hand-up and not a hand-out to the poor.

During a hectic few days in March, No 9 Dock was the focus for filming as Hollywood stars Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman went through their paces – even treating the rest of the cast and extras to the sound of them singing.

Months of planning went into arranging the filming and NBC(P) Business Resource Manager David Owen was in charge of making sure everything came together for the production team.

The bulging file on his desk (pictured) is testament to the level of detail required to ensure the filming ran like clockwork.

David explained the first recce by director Tom Hopper, who won an Oscar for his direction of the King’s Speech, took place this January.

“They told us they had visited nearly every dry dock in the country – they looked at all the docks in the naval base and it was decided No 9 Dock best met their requirements.

“9 Dock is primarily used for commercial work and just before filming one of the Isle of Wight ferries was in there undergoing a package of maintenance.

“From our point of view we had to ensure the uninterrupted availability of 9 Dock and also that COB II car park could be used for the stars’ trailers, catering and make-up,” he said.

David worked with other stakeholders across Team Portsmouth to ensure everything was in place for Barricade Productions to start filming.

He was impressed with how the filming caused very little disruption to normal operations within the Naval Base.

“The whole thing was seamless. They set up with the minimum of fuss, did their filming to a really tight schedule and kept us up to speed with everything they were doing.

“And then in a blink of an eye they were gone; it was similar to a circus rolling into town. There was a lot of excitement when Russell Crowe decided to walk to the set from his trailer – he was like a magnet instantly attracting people to him.

“And at one point he went for a bike ride to have a look around,” he said.

As well as making the dock available, David and his team had to ensure cranes were available when required, water could be safely pumped into the dock and ensure the 150 extras arrived and exited safely and with an eye on security requirements.

“One of my main concerns was that we had everything starting on a Monday morning – we had 150 extras being bussed in, all the infrastructure to get in place and parking places lost because of the production.

“I had visions of the place coming to a standstill and being backed up along the M275. But with the expert help from a number of colleagues this did not happen so there was a real sense of relief for the whole team when everything passed off so smoothly,” he said.

Now David is looking forward to seeing the film when it opens later this year.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the first time Portsmouth Naval Base has featured in a major film.

“I did get a real buzz from seeing everything come together from our point of view – it was a real spectacle,” he said.

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LES MISERABLES FILMING // CENTRE STAGE

PNB will have a starring role in Les Misérables When the opening scenes roll for the multi-million pound film production of the massively popular musical Les Misérables, Portsmouth Naval Base will have a starring role.

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It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the first time Portsmouth Naval Base has featured in a major filmNBC(P) Business Resource Manager David Owen

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COMMENDATION // NAVY NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-Chief of Navy News Sarah Fletcher, Editor Mike Gray, News Editor Richard Hargreaves, Production Editor Helen Craven and archivist Trevor Muston were the only civilians to be honoured on the day at the ceremony which was held at Northwood.

Together the team had successfully researched, written and updated the RN website in just under a year.

“It certainly wasn’t a cut and paste job,” said Sarah. “We had to contact lots of people to get up to date facts and figures – and a huge amount had to be written from scratch.”

The key was to ensure the information was up-to-date, factually correct, accessible and engaging.

It’s the first time the editorial team of Navy News, which is based in HMS Nelson, has been honoured in this way.

“It’s a real feather in our caps and a wonderful surprise” added Sarah.

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Commendation for RN wordsmithsEnsuring the RN website provides the best possible window on the world for the service has won the editorial team a commendation from Admiral George Zambellas, Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Staff.

The key was to ensure the information was up-to-date, factually correct, accessible and engagingEditor-in-Chief of Navy News Sarah Fletcher

Review

The crew of the Jubilee Sailing Trust ship Tenacious braved the recent bad weather to have a tour of Portsmouth Naval Base by Dennis Miles, Strategic Development Manager.

The crew, which comprises both able bodied and disabled people, took part in the tour and soaked up the history of the dockyard.

Christina Whiting was delighted with the experience and wrote to Dennis to say a big thank you.

“I was amazed there was so much history there and you must have made it very interesting as I am quoting all sorts of information to anyone who will listen, and usually I forget everything instantly, can you believe no-one has heard of ‘Jack the Painter,’ she said.

Dennis said: “It was a pleasure to show them around the naval base.

“My tours are designed to give people a real flavour of everything that goes on here – from building the latest aircraft carrier to cutting the grass - drawing out the history to create the context for today and how the base needs to develop for the future,” he said.

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JUBILEE SAILING TRUST // VISITVisit

Tenacious by name and by nature

Read more about Dennis Miles and his impressive tours of the naval base over the page

Buildings you might not have given a second glance suddenly become fascinating under the tutored gaze of Dennis.

He has a knack for bringing the history to life by uncovering the stories of some of the people who have lived and worked here in previous centuries.

And what makes it all the more engaging is Dennis’s sheer love for the place.

“I am particularly passionate about Team Portsmouth and what we collectively do here at the Naval Base.

“Everybody knows that BAE Systems build and repair ships here in Portsmouth but what is not so obvious is the operation and maintenance of the site infrastructure, its utilities, and the hundreds of buildings which have evolved since the very beginning of the Dockyard in 1194. Many of these assets are ‘listed’ and great care has to be exercised to preserve their authenticity.

“My tours are designed to give people a real flavour of everything that goes on here – from building the latest aircraft carrier to cutting the grass - drawing out the history to create the context for today and how the base needs to develop for the future” he said.

Having worked at the base for the past 46 years, not surprisingly Dennis has more than a passing familiarity with the 350 acres that are now home to 17,000 people.

But while others might take the buildings and history for granted, Dennis has delighted in finding out more and adding to his extensive knowledge.

“There are so many firsts that Portsmouth Naval Base can claim with everything from the world’s first factory in 1802 and about the same time the invention of the Caisson still in worldwide use today. There is also another fascinating story about the first flushing loo in the UK.”

He explained the dockyard tours started about five years ago when he was volunteered to show a new Director around and since then he has taken literally hundreds of visitors on a similar tour – national and international service personnel, foreign dignitaries, and company VIPs.

“I’ve been fortunate that doing the tours has fitted in with my work as a member of the Chief Engineer’s team. As Strategic Development Manager, I am responsible for investment planning and identifying what the future infrastructure should look like and apart from the regular opportunity to view all aspects of the operation, the feedback I receive often leads to useful comparisons with other sites and associated initiatives.”

“In 1995 as a member of the FMRO management board I was asked to take the Duke of Edinburgh on an underground tour of the Reservoir beneath the Blockmills – I feel really honoured to have spent time on a one-to-one basis with him. Then in more recent times I conducted a tour for the Newcomen Society – the world’s oldest society for the study of the history of engineering and technology and I was privileged on that occasion to spend time with their patron, The Duke of Gloucester,” he said.

PORTSMOUTH NAVAL BASE TOURS // HERITAGE

Dennis Brings Naval Base History to LifeGoing on a trip around Portsmouth Naval Base with Dennis Miles is a real eye-opener.

Did you know?Shoreside will be tapping into Dennis’s knowledge of the base to bring you some fascinating stories in future editions.

Jack the Painter Did you realise that perhaps the first terrorist incident in the UK happened in Portsmouth Naval Base back in 1776?

The Rope House – which at one time was the longest single span building in Europe – was a key building for the navy.

A ready supply of rope was needed to service the Royal Navy and its sailing ships. James Aitken was disgruntled with the British and had sided with the Americans in their battle for independence

He knew if he could stop rope production in Portsmouth it would have a major effect on the navy’s fighting capacity.

He set fire to the building - and paid for the act of destruction with his life.

He was executed and because the authorities wanted to make an example of him, they took his body from the gallows covered him in tar and hoisted him up on a gantry at Fort Blockhouse for all to see.

From an engineering background I find it fascinating that so much creativity has gone on here – and that it continues to be such a dynamic place

Heritage

Dennis Miles

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Roughly half the bill is down to the ships. They need electricity 24/7 while they are alongside to power everything from lighting and air conditioning to weapons systems.

And the rest is spent on the buildings that cover the base from offices and store rooms to the giant ship building halls.

Since 2003 savings of £5m have been made but there is a continuing quest to cut the cost of powering the naval base.

Engineering Manager for Energy and Environment, James Pollington explained this year they were looking to make savings of £100,000 by focusing on the top 10 buildings on the base which currently have an energy bill of £1m between them.

“We sit down once a month and review progress.

“In the first quarter we have seen savings of £64,000. In total we have seen improvements in eight out of the ten buildings.

“Anomalies have been highlighted. For instance, one of the buildings had a fault on its automatic lighting system which meant the lights were staying on and there were issues with some air conditioning units and anti-condensation heaters.”

Energy Saving on a Major Scale

ENERGY SAVINGS // ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

We could find ourselves in a similar position to Japan, with rolling blackouts or calls for industry to switch off at peak times to maintain domestic suppliesJames Pollington Engineering Manager for Energy and Environment

With an annual energy bill of £10m, experts at Portsmouth Naval Base were keen to make savings.

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As well as looking at how savings can be made today, James is looking further ahead and planning for 2020 when both the new carriers will be in Portsmouth.

“Each carrier will pull more electricity than the entire Naval Base, this in itself presents a considerable challenge, but we also have to look beyond this to the arrival of T26s and impacts of government policy to reduce UK emissions.”

“Key issues will be the redistribution of power to new berthing positions, the ongoing reduction of demand to ‘right size’ the heat and power infrastructure, and the anticipated demise of fossil fuels in the longer term”

Within the next two or three years a decision needs to be made about whether the Naval Base should have its own local power generation.

“This needs to be seen in the wider context. I am currently refreshing our plans in the light of what the government say’s is likely to happen.

“Within the next decade many of our power generators across the UK are likely to retire. The scale of investment required is quoted as the equivalent to two Olympic Games every year for the next ten years. I’m not sure that kind of money is available!

“By 2020 we could find ourselves in a similar position to Japan, with rolling blackouts or calls for industry to switch off at peak times to maintain domestic supplies.

“We have to think of security of supply because of the nature of what we do here. We need to find a new way of procuring energy. That could mean a transition through gas fired local power generation, where we use the waste heat to raise efficiencies, all the way through to ‘zero carbon’ biomass in the longer term.

“It will cost £6m to supply one carrier with energy a year so if we can knock 10 per cent off by having local supply, that would be a substantial saving,” he said.

DRAGON successfully fired an Aster 30 missile, hitting a moving target drone at the MOD’s range in the Hebrides.

Sea Viper is one of the most advanced weapons systems in the world. Its ability to engage multiple targets gives the Royal Navy unparalleled protection from air attack which, together with the ship’s speed and agility, makes the Type 45 a truly formidable fighting force. The Sea Viper system also works in support of land and air forces.

Commander Darren Houston, Commanding officer of HMS Dragon said: “I am delighted that the first firing for the ship has been a huge success and is the result of a sterling effort from the team. It demonstrates good progress in the extensive qualification programme for Dragon’s weapons system.”

The Sampson multi-function radar is at the core of the Sea Viper naval air defence system. It provides surveillance and dedicated tracking in a single system, enabling the Type 45 to defend itself and other ships in its company from attack.

Able to simultaneously detect and track multiple targets, Sampson is compatible with both active and semi-active homing missile systems, providing mid-course guidance. It supports fully automatic operation where rapid reaction is required.

Following the successful firing of Sea Viper Dragon will now return to Portsmouth where she will continue with preparations for Operational Sea Training in the autumn and then complete her final maintenance package before deploying on operations in the early part of 2013.

HMS DRAGON // SEA VIPER SUCCESS

Sea Viper, the Royal Navy’s air defence system, has been fired from HMS Dragon the fourth of the Type 45 Destroyers for the first time.

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HMS Dragon breathes fire

I am delighted that the first firing for the ship has been a huge success and is the result of a sterling effort from the teamCommander Darren Houston, Commanding officer of HMS Dragon

Feature

The new Upper Harbour Ammunitioning Facility - delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) - will replace the existing jetty which was built in 1929 and is not large enough to accommodate the Navy’s new Type 45 destroyers.

VolkerStevin Marine has spent the last ten months building the jetty and has now formally handed it over to the Ministry of Defence.

Captain Iain Greenlees, who has overseen the project, said: “The completion of this vital new facility is another milestone in the history of the naval base.

“Being able to ammunition ships in their base port is a key element in getting them ready

for operations around the world. Critically this facility will be able to load ammunition on the Type 45 destroyers and this significant investment in the base will then goes on to support all the Navy’s destroyers, frigates and patrol boats for the next 50 years.”

The facility – which also includes two hydraulic cranes and mooring pontoons – measures 85 metres by 15 metres and can accommodate ships up to 10,000 tonnes. It can be used in winds of up to force six.

Paul Simmonds of the DIO, who managed the project, added: “DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. This has been a complex project due to the nature of the requirement,

the environment and additional levels of regulation required for explosives facilities. The fact that the UHAF has been completed on time and within budget is testament to the excellent collaborative approach taken between VolkerStevin Marine, DIO and naval base staff.”

The new jetty is scheduled to be used for the first time in September when the old facility will be demolished.

NEW AMMUNITION JETTY // LATEST NEWSFocus

Work on a new £18m jetty in Portsmouth Harbour where Royal Navy warships will load up with ammunition has just been completed.

New Ammunition Jetty for Portsmouth Naval Base

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UHAF has been completed on time and within budget

Paul Simmonds, Defence Infrastructure Organisation hands the keys over to

Captain Ian Greenlees, Royal Navy

Paul Simmonds, Defence Infrastructure Organisation

ROYAL NAVY WARSHIP VISITS HOME OF THE gERMAN NAVYROYAL Navy frigate HMS St Albans took part in Germany’s Kieler Woche - the largest summer festival in Northern Europe.

The Portsmouth-based ship visited Kiel for a week, joining in

the huge maritime event attended by 50 countries, 2000 yachts and pleasure craft and more than 5,000 yachtsmen and women.

Before joining in the celebrations, members of the ship’s company including Commanding Officer Commander Tom Sharpe, two platoons and the ship’s guard headed to a remembrance

service and wreath laying at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Nordfriedhof.

Here they paid their respects to the 983 British servicemen – mainly from the RAF – who were killed during bombing raids on the port in the Second World War. In addition to the fallen airmen, there are numerous Senior

Servicemen laid to rest here, including 127 men lost when destroyer HMS Esk sank after hitting a mine off the Dutch coast on September 1 1940.

HMS LEDBURY DESTROYS LIVE MINE IN THE MEDHMS Ledbury helped destroy a live World War II sea mine off the coast of Sardinia.

The Portsmouth based minehunter found the mine while conducting training in the bay of Cagliari during exercises with other ships of NATO’s permanent mine countermeasures group in the Mediterranean.

The mine was spotted using the ship’s sophisticated sonar at a depth of 43 metres. Two ship divers – Able Seaman Josh Spibey and Lieutenant Sean Heaton – were despatched to the seabed and confirmed the device was a German GY(STAR) buoyant contact mine.

The device – measuring 1.5m in diameter and containing 335kg of high explosives - was designed to be anchored to the seabed, float just below the surface and detonate if struck by an unsuspecting vessel. It sank after breaking away from its mooring some time ago but still posed a threat to fishermen or other vessels.

As the mine was within Italian territorial waters, permission had to be sought from the Italian authorities to destroy it. Ledbury’s dive team, working with Italian counterparts, placed 4lb packs of plastic explosives on the device to ensure a successful detonation.

Ledbury’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Tony Williams, said: “The discovery and disposal of this mine has demonstrated once again the professionalism and effectiveness of the Royal Navy’s mine

countermeasure capability. I am immensely proud of the efforts of my team and this is a fitting culmination to a

challenging deployment for Ledbury working with our NATO partners.”

He said the water pressure suppressed the majority of the explosion but an impressive shockwave was seen and the sea boiled as the 70 year-old mine blew a large crater in the sea floor and threw sand and mud into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

HMS Ledbury is nearing the end of a six-month deployment with her NATO allies in the region.

She has conducted exercises and cleared the Mediterranean of historic ordnance left from the world wars and more recent conflicts. She has also taken part in wider regional engagement with the African nations around the Mediterranean.

SNAPSHOT // FLEET UPDATE

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Review

HMS DIAMOND EXERCISES WITH HER FRENCH COUNTERPARTONE of the Royal Navy’s newest warships, HMS Diamond has worked with one of her near-identical twin ships and French counterpart in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Type 45 destroyer took part in a series of exercises with the FS Forbin, a French Horizon class frigate which looks similar to the Royal Navy’s brand new fleet of ships.

Originally conceived under the same project that envisaged a single design for the British, French and Italian Navies, the UK subsequently decided to pursue its own design, the Type 45, but there are still many similarities between the two.

HMS Diamond met up with the FS Forbin while on her way to the Middle East where she will be working to protect the seas, keeping them safe for international trade.

As specialist air defence platforms, both ships engaged in exercises that saw them defend themselves against attacking jets flown from the French aircraft carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle.

This scenario reflected what both HMS Diamond and FS Forbin are primarily designed to deal with if they were escorting a task group of warships, and it allowed them to engage with multiple aircraft and simulated missile runs.

Captain Marc Assedat, the Commanding Officer of the Forbin said: “Speaking openly and sharing each other’s experiences strengthens our confidence.”

Having left her home port of Portsmouth on 13 June and already called in at Gibraltar, Diamond continues to the Middle East, where she will take on her operational duties from her sister ship, HMS Daring, protecting UK interests in the region.

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UPgRADED HMS RICHMOND RETURNS TO PORTSMOUTHTYPE 23 frigate HMS Richmond returned to Portsmouth after an eight-month upgrade in Plymouth.

The ship underwent a compre-hensive £20m refit in Devonport. The work included improvements to several weapons - including the Seawolf missile system and two automatic 30mm small calibre guns - and a new versatile com-mand system.

Since leaving Devonport HMS Richmond has been conduct-ing trials along the UK’s south coast and around Scotland. In the autumn she is due to conduct operational sea training to ensure

the ship and crew are ready for future tasking.

Her Commanding Officer, Com-mander Robert Pedre, said: “It is a great privilege to command HMS Richmond as we emerge from a comprehensive upkeep period in Devonport with signifi-cant upgrades to our weapon systems and a highly motivated, professionally-trained ship’s company.

“Our return to sea is the culmina-tion of many months of hard work by my ship’s company and we very much look forward to the completion of our sea trials and rejoining the fleet thereafter.”

OOH LA LA! ROYAL NAVY TRAINS WITH THE FRENCH IN BAY OF BISCAY ROYAL Navy helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious has lent a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to air warfare training by working alongside the French Navy in the Bay of Biscay.

The Portsmouth-based warship spent 18 hours taking part in ten exercises practising a range of anti-surface operations against FS Lavallee, an Exocet-armed corvette, to demonstrating anti-air warfare against Rafale and Super Etendard fighter aircraft.

As well as the war fighting opportunities the new NH90 Caiman helicopter, which has only recently entered service with the French Navy, landed on a British warship for the first time.

Captain Martin Connell, Commanding Officer of HMS Illustrious, said: “This short but very productive exercise proved once again that we can work together safely and effectively with our French counterparts at the highest level.

“All serials were performed to a very high level of professionalism and it was a fantastic opportunity to prove our combined capability.”

The exercise was planned by Lieutenant Nicolas Lesbats, a French fighter controller on exchange from the French Navy and currently working with HMS Illustrious. He joined the ship earlier this year after serving in HMS Liverpool off the coast of Libya last year.

He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for both the Royal Navy and French Navy. These serials provided a very high level of training for all concerned and I am pleased that I was able to organise such an event. I am looking forward to being able to develop further the relationships we have built with all the units that took part.”

HMS DEFENDER SAILS INTO PORTSMOUTH NAVAL BASE FOR FIRST TIMEHMS Defender – the fifth of six formidable air defence warships being built for the Royal Navy – arrived in her home port of Portsmouth at the end of July.

Later the same day the Type 45 destroyer was handed over to the Royal Navy during a ceremony on the ship’s flight deck.

Built by BAE Systems, the ship was launched in October

2009 from its Govan shipyard in Glasgow.

Final stages of construction and systems integration were then carried out at its Scotstoun yard in the city and the ship has since been carrying out sea trials in Scottish waters.

SEA FARINg STUDENTS SAIL TO THE BALTIC WITH THE ROYAL NAVYSTUDENTS from four British universities spent 12 weeks sailing with the Royal Navy to more than 30 European and Baltic ports as part of an annual summer deployment.

The students, all part of University Royal Navy Units, have their own P2000 patrol vessel captained by a Royal Navy Lieutenant and crewed by up to 12 young people studying at the universities.

As well as giving them seamanship skills, the URNUs provide opportunities for personal development

- often deploying for several days over a weekend to give them time at sea.

The annual deployment sees the students - who start as Officer Cadets and rise to the rank of midshipman - man the ship on a rotating fortnightly basis. This year they travelled to ports such as Helsinki, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Karlskrona and Kiel.

Music to his Ears He may be the most senior military musician in the country but Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace admitted the hairs on the back of his neck still go on end when he hears the Royal Marines band play.

A recent sold-out event at Portsmouth Guildhall saw 75 trainees from the Royal Marines School of Music play a spectacular two hour concert before a ceremonial Beating the Retreat was performed in Guildhall Square.

“There’s nothing like it for me. I was there on Friday afternoon listening to the band in the Guildhall and then outside doing the Beating the Retreat.

“There is no better sight or sound – it still gives me goosebumps after all these years,” he said.

By anyone’s standards it has been an exceptional year. Nick took the musical lead for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Armed Forces Muster and Review and conducted the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor and then the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Thames Pageant in 2012.

“Planning for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor went on for 12 months and we were really excited to be involved. Michael McDermott wrote all the music for it - there were changes right up to the last minute but the bands are extremely professional and they coped very well,” he said.

Such high profile events are all part of the job for Nick and despite being watched by millions, he explained there was little time for nerves.

“You are working so hard to make sure everything goes right and everyone knows what they are doing, you don’t really have time to be nervous,” he said.

Nick has been with the Royal Marines for 30 years. He joined as a euphonium and cello player in April 1982 just as the Falklands conflict was getting started and his career saw him serve for several years in Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, including a circumnavigation of the world, a royal honeymoon cruise, and rescuing British and foreign nationals from Aden.

He was commissioned in January 1999. On his Director of Music Course he studied conducting with Patrick Bailey and composition with Martin Ellerby at the London College of Music gaining a ‘First Class’ Bachelor of Music degree with Honours.

He was awarded the ‘Henry Purcell’ prize for composition, gained a Fellowship diploma in conducting and the Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians on graduation in 2001.

Planning is already underway for the 350th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Royal Marines in 2014 when among the major events a Beating the Retreat in Horse Guards Parade is planned with members of the US and Dutch marine corps bands.

“In military music this is the best job in the world – I am working with world class musicians who are so committed and enthusiastic, they are able to perform to the highest standard,” he said.

RM MUSIC // LIEUTENANT COLONEL NICK GRACE

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Review

In military music this is the best job in the world – I am working with world class musicians Colonel Nick Grace

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WORKING TOGETHER // BRAZILIAN NAVY

Developing a taste for poached eggs, cooked mushrooms and black pudding as part of a hearty Portsmouth breakfast were minor challenges compared to getting to grips with the electronics, weapons and machinery of the three offshore patrol vessels that will be sailing back to Brazil.

Lt Cdr Giovani came to Portsmouth as Captain of the first ship, Amazonas, which he and his 81-strong crew formally accepted in a handover ceremony at the naval base at the end of June. They are now on their way back to Brazil having completed ship’s systems and sea trials training.

The crew were living on a barge to prepare for life at sea – but that did not prepare them for the UK weather, as Lt Cdr Gustavo da Silva Nogueira noted in sharing his first impressions. Lt Cdr Gustavo, who is part of an 11-strong support team based in Portsmouth supporting all three OPVs, said: “Life is pretty good in the UK; there are some good people here, who are extremely polite, everyone says ‘thank you’ wherever you go. The weather is a little bit crazy; in Brazil

the weather is crazy sometimes but here it’s not easy to adapt. It’s cold and raining one minute and sunshine the next.

“I work in the support team, so will be based here for two to three years and I am lucky to have my wife and baby, who is five months old, living with me in Portsmouth. Although I am happy in the UK, I am missing my family back home in Brazil – especially my two

chocolate Labrador dogs’.

Lt Cdr Giovani was certainly impressed by his ship. He said: “When I visited the ship for the first time I was surprised at her modernity, comfort and performance. This is a fast vessel capable of reaching maximum speeds of 25 knots, with a range of 4000 nautical miles. Amazonas has the autonomy to remain at sea for up to 35 days and gives us the possibility of conducting a vast patrol, including transatlantic patrolling. We also can provide support in both combat and humanitarian causes, carrying up to six containers and 50 additional military as on-board troops.”

The crew has been impressed with the capabilities of Amazonas and referred to her as ‘Tigre da Guanabara’ after Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, where Amazonas will be based. This translates as ‘Tiger of the Bay’.

Lt Cdr Giovani has been doing a lot of translating for his crew, not least those English breakfasts. However, they had little difficulty adapting to working alongside BAE Systems personnel.

He said: “It is impressive how BAE Systems staff love this project and make, every day, a great effort to make it better and better.

“The handover ceremony marks a new era of multiple function vessels to the Brazilian Navy. BAE Systems provided us with a beautiful ceremony that I think the crew will remember forever.”

Brazilian Navy Gets to Grips with Living in Blighty

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Focus

“Eggs on water, black mushrooms and bloody biscuits” are just three of the oddities of life in Portsmouth that Lieutenant Commander Giovani Correa and his Brazilian Navy crew had to get used to.

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It is impressive how BAE Systems staff love this project and make, every day, a great effort to make it better and better. Lieutenant Commander Giovani Correa

At the beginning of June the 6,000 tonne LB02 section arrived in Scotland from BAE Systems in Portsmouth, and sections of the forward flight deck – CB02 - arrived from Cammell Laird in Merseyside.

This signaled the end of the first of three phases, or ‘Dock Cycles’, that will see HMS Queen Elizabeth’s hull put together.

LB02 arrived on board a specialist submersible barge, and in a carefully controlled operation, the barge sank right to the sea bed and the 6,000 tonne section was floated off. Tugs then maneuvered it to a berthing point just outside the entrance to the dock.

The next step was to clear a space for it in the dock. For the first time in over a year the dock was flooded and in a major engineering effort, the 13,000 tonne SB03 was carefully floated out for the first time.

LB02 was then carefully brought into the dock and SB03 was maneuvered back in behind it. Finally, both sections were moved precisely into place and the dock was drained, signaling the start of the next phase of integration.

There is a superb time lapse video of this operation, seach for “Major milestone HMS Queen Elizabeth” on youtube.com

Once both sections were back in the dock Goliath swung into action, moving the first section of flight deck into place on SB03.

The next step was to bring both blocks together. This meant using specialist hydraulic rams to skid the 13,000 tonne SB03 almost 90 metres along the bottom of the dock.

This massive operation was completed in one day and was a tremendous success. Theres a video of this taking place, search for “Skidding 13,000 tonnes” on youtube.com

Since then the heavy lift teams have been busy adding more sections of flight deck into place and the ship’s bulbous bow has also been lowered into the dock where it is currently being integrated with the rest of the ship.

In Govan more than 100km of cabling has been installed during work on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s LB04 section. The largest single block of the ship, LB04 is due to move to Rosyth in November.

In Portsmouth, the Forward Island structure (which is responsible for air-traffic control on the ship) is complete with installation, outfit work and the paint programme continuing to plan. Over 1000 pipes, couplings and valves have already been fitted on the block.

LB02 construction for HMS Prince of Wales continues to progress well and to plan with preparation work underway ready for the diesel generator installation later in the year.

In Merseyside, the four rings that make up CB04 are all structurally complete and work continues on outfit and fabrication. CB04 is due to be delivered to Rosyth in November.

QEC LATEST

Major Engineering Feat Helps QEC Take Shape

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HMS Queen Elizabeth is really taking shape.

Over 1000 pipes, couplings and valves have already been fitted on the block

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The 7,500 tonne vessel was formally accepted by the Royal Navy from shipbuilder BAE Systems and will now undergo sea trials before being declared ready for operations in 2013.

Armed with the world-leading Sea Viper missile defence system, HMS Defender is able to defend against multiple attacks from even the most sophisticated anti-ship missiles, approaching from any direction and at supersonic speeds.

Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff said: “This latest addition to our fleet of state-of-the-art destroyers marks the remarkable progress being made on the Type 45 programme. HMS Defender, together with her five sister vessels, will form a formidable fleet and ensure that the Royal Navy remains a powerful maritime force on the world stage.”

Head of Ship Support (Alliance), Commodore John Newell, said: “Entry into Portsmouth of this very powerful and advanced warship is not only a great day for the Royal Navy but also for the Destroyers Project Team and our industry partners who ensured this magnificent vessel was ship shape and ready to be accepted from BAE Systems.

“Defender is a welcome addition to the fleet and when she enters service she will help ensure that the Royal Navy can react to any defence challenges anywhere in the world.”

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HMS Defender Enters New Home at PortsmouthThe Royal Navy’s newest Type 45 destroyer, HMS Defender, has arrived at her new home at Portsmouth Naval Base.

HMS DEFENDER LATEST

See page 22 for more details on the Sea Viper firing onboard HMS Dragon

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PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD // NEW CEO

NEW CEO for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Heritage

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Former boss of the Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, Lincoln Clarke, will be the new Chief Executive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from September.

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His appointment coincides with the publication of an ambitious programme of major development for the Historic Dockyard, which is home to HMS Victory, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, HMS Warrior 1860, the Mary Rose, Action Stations and Harbour Tours.

He will assume responsibility for delivering a five-year strategy for growth at the naval heritage attraction which currently attracts almost 500,000 visitors a year and which will see the opening of the new £21 million Mary Rose Museum towards the end of the year.

During Lincoln’s tenure as Chief Operating Officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon, visitor numbers at the world famous Shakespeare heritage sites have increased consistently year on year.

In 2011 the iconic properties attracted more than 805,000 visits, an increase of 45,000 over 2010 and the highest number in seven years. Visitor revenues, which account for 86% of the charity’s income, have increased by 30% since 2007.

Prior to joining the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Lincoln was Marketing Director at Merlin Entertainments.

His previous experience includes senior marketing roles at premium food store chain Booths and Vodafone. He is currently Chair of the Destination Steering Group recently formed to kick start the tourism economy for Stratford-upon-Avon district.

Dr Caroline Williams, Chairman of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomed Lincoln’s appointment commenting: “We are entering an exciting period of unprecedented change at the Historic Dockyard heralded by the opening of a superb new museum for the Mary Rose. Our attractions are household names, known throughout the world. Lincoln clearly demonstrated he has the experience, the vision and the energy to lead us through this period of development, building effective partnerships and maximising our commercial performance.”

Lincoln clearly demonstrated he has the experience, the vision and the energy to lead us through this period of developmentDr Caroline Williams, Chairman of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

FLOG IT COMES TO TOWN // INSIGHT

The sun shone as the crowds waited to be seen with their items on board HMS Warrior – and all the while film crews recorded the events of the day for a series of programmes that will be aired in 2013.

Affable host Paul Martin is no stranger to the dockyard and has treasured memories of visiting as a child.

“This place evokes so many schoolboy memories for me. I can remember at the age of 12 coming down with my parents.

“It has a powerful connection for me as I was brought up by the sea in Falmouth. If I was born in the 1700s I would undoubtedly have gone to sea like so many other young men at the time,” he said.

There’s no denying there is a hunger for TV programmes that explore our links with the past through the antiques we have in our homes.

Paul explained: “Everyone wants a connection with the past, something tactile and tangible that evokes passion

“People love to watch programmes like Flog It! In Portsmouth we saw the usual collection of jewellery, fine art, porcelain and curios, all with interesting stories to tell, and they are items we can all relate to.

“We can give people a little bit of social history and tell them when it was made and why,” he said.

As part of the filming for the series, Paul teamed up with the coastguard at Lee on the Solent to take part in a rescue exercise – and he was flown over the naval base to get a birds eye view.

“We have got the best navy in the world – it made me feel proud to be British,” he said.

And Paul was happy to give his own view on why audiences love antiques shows so much.

“It’s the human greed factor.

“People want to pick up something for nothing and sell it for a great deal of money.

“We love to see people’s reactions when it sells well – and even more so when it doesn’t do so well,” he said.

Flog It! Comes to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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When the crew from popular BBC2 programme Flog It! came to town, the people of Portsmouth turned up in their droves to see if their treasured family items were in fact priceless antiques.

We have got the best navy in the world – it made me feel proud to be British Paul Martin, Flog It! Host

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SpotlightSteve’s Cufflinks Cause A Stir

MOD Police Constable Steve Leigh is more used to ensuring the safety of all those who work at the naval base.

But he took time out to appear on Flog It! with an unusual pair of cufflinks that were given to him by his grandfather.

There was speculation that the vessel with four funnels depicted in enamel could be RMS Titanic and there was an air of expectation as they went under the hammer for £45.

“I will be putting the money towards a pram for my daughter who is expecting a baby,” said Steve.

From Pompey to Pompeii

Lynne Smith plans to use the proceeds from the sale of the painting she bought for £2 at a jumble sale to fulfill a lifetime ambition to go to Pompeii.

“It’s been on my wall for years – I appreciated it but my family never did.

“I brought it to Flog It! to see what it was worth – and as the price went up at auction to £570 I could feel my heart pounding,” she said.

MOD Police Constable Steve Leigh

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BASE PEOPLE // ME & MY JOBMy Job

What does your job involve? I work with our MOD partners to ensure the smooth running of the base which is achieved through WSMI – the Warship Support Modernisation Initiative contract.

WSMI covers a very wide section of what happens at the base from Estates Management to Fleet Time Engineering and Pay As You Dine.

On the partnering side, my focus is on ensuring any issues are resolved as quickly as possible.

From the BAE Systems perspective, I am responsible for the high level reporting of WSMI to the Maritime Services Management Team.

What is the best part of your job? Getting feedback from the customer that they are pleased with what we are doing gives you a boost - especially as my role is part of making the partner environment work well.

What are the challenges with your job? The main challenge will be moving from WSMI to the new Maritime Support Delivery Framework (MSDF) contract.

I need to understand the implications it will have on partnering and how we are going to work together under the new contract. We have to ensure the new contract is effective and make sure there is a smooth transition allowing for continuity of service.

What was your career path? I’ve had a varied career working for Royal Mail and other smaller companies. I had a career break when I had my twins and took a law degree. I went on to do a legal practice course but ended up coming into the defence industry with Flagship Training as a commercial officer.

From there I joined BAE Systems, then FSL and then back to BAE Systems. I reached commercial executive level and began a project management role for WSMI in 2009 becoming Head of Partnering last year.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was really little I wanted to be an air hostess. I am Australian by birth and came over here aged six and being an air hostess seemed quite glamorous. However, I flunked my A’ levels and ended up on a YOP (Youth Opportunities Programme) earning £23 a week doing theatre in education. I then worked in a pub until I got a job with the Post Office.

It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I went to university.

What does the future hold? The immediate future is focused on the successful transition to MSDF in seven months’ time and then making sure it runs smoothly and that we work well together.

Me & My JobSarah BaileyTitle: Head of Partnering and Project Manager for WSMI Based: Victory Building

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Water SafetyIt is important to keep all domestic taps clean and free from contamination, says Environment Assistant Carol Evans.

While the water coming to your taps is safe, many bacteria can live on the outside of the spout and on the inside of the lip.

Here are just a few tips to keep you safe:

` Regularly clean household taps thoroughly with a mild household disinfectant and make sure you do the inside lip of the tap also.

` Run the water for a few seconds after to remove any remaining disinfectant.

` Don’t leave the dishcloth hanging over the tap, the cloth may look clean but it will still be harbouring germs that can then get in to your water system.

“Chlorine is added during water treatment as a disinfectant to kill any disease producing organisms. A small residual amount of chlorine is left in the water reaching your tap; this is to ensure the quality of the drinking water is maintained through the pipe network,” explained Carol.

Bottled water costs around 1000 times more than tap water, and that doesn’t include the transport costs.

Try filling a bottle with tap water and put in the fridge overnight. Take the taste test – you’ll be amazed with the results.

Me & My JobSimon SmithTitle: Senior Press Officer Based: Victory Building

What does your job involve? In short my job is to generate the maximum positive media coverage for the MOD and RN side of the naval base – and that means ships, people and the base itself.

We handle hundreds of media enquiries every year covering a wide range of issues, both positive and negative.

Generating positive coverage involves identifying, researching and writing news stories and features – in the form of press releases - predominantly for the regional media.

Working face-to-face with media also forms a large part of the job. Journalists are invited to attend newsworthy events such as homecomings, commissioning ceremonies, deployments and royal visits. We also deal with filming requests from documentary makers, getting involved with those which have PR value. In recent times we’ve had TV programmes such as Coast, Andrew Marr’s History of Modern Britain and David Dimbleby’s A Picture of Britain. What was your career path? I was a senior reporter on the Isle of Wight County Press before moving to Rochester City Council in Kent to become a press officer. I joined the MOD in 1997 working as a press officer for the army in Colchester Garrison. I travelled quite extensively with the troops going to Kenya, USA, Canada, Macedonia and Holland. I came to Portsmouth Naval Base in 2001 as a deputy press officer and in May 2008 became senior press officer working with a deputy and office manager. What is the best part about your job? Just like when I was a reporter working on newspapers, I still get pleasure from researching a story and seeing the end result in print. I enjoy making close contacts with reporters from local TV, radio and newspapers – we need them on side to gain the most effective PR.

Press officers need to have a real understanding of the constraints reporters work under and what they need – personally I don’t think you can be totally effective in this job unless you have worked in the media and know what makes them tick. What did you want to be when you were growing up? English was always my favourite subject at school and I was interested in current affairs so it seemed natural to want to be a journalist. The Portsmouth News used to have a Young Reporters Club and I had a couple of things printed so that kick-started my interest. What are the challenges with your job? Meeting deadlines can be tricky. It’s a question of getting information out as quickly as possible to meet the needs of the media but also understanding how busy people are on the base and that being hounded by a press officer for urgent information is often the last thing they want.

BASE PEOPLE // ME & MY JOB ENVIRONMENT // WATER SAFETY

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: kate.thompson@baesystems.com Phone: 07968 262805

Kate Thompson Editor, Shoreside Room 222, Naval Base HQ Victory Building HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LS.

Summer BBQ Recipe Grilled Fish Steaks with Garlic INGREDIENTS Serves 6

` 6 x fish steaks, such as salmon or halibut, roughly 200g (7oz) each

` Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

` Vegetable oil

` 25g (1oz) unsalted butter

` Bunch fresh thyme

` Bunch fresh rosemary

` 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

For the baste

` 2tbsp olive oil

` 25g (1oz) unsalted butter

` 10 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

` A few sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage, leaves picked and finely chopped

METHOD

` Season with salt and pepper and glisten with vegetable oil.

` Mix the baste ingredients together.

` Prepare barbecue to a medium-high heat.

` Melt the butter in a pan on the barbecue.

` Add the fish and cook, turning once or twice, for about 4 minutes.

` Add the thyme, rosemary and garlic for about 1 minute.

` Divide among the fish steaks, placing a crushed garlic clove on top of each.

` Transfer the fish to the barbecue, keeping the garlic and herbs on top, and cook, turning frequently and basting as they cook, for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaking slightly.

` Serve with the remaining baste.

Summer BBQ Recipe Grilled Vegetables INGREDIENTS - Serves 6

` 1.5kg (3lb 5oz) vegetables (courgettes, mushrooms, fennel and spring onions)

` Few sprigs chopped chives and parsley

` 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil

` 1tbsp red wine vinegar

For the marinade

` 5tbsp white wine vinegar

` 1tbsp runny honey

` 1tsp soy sauce

` 2tbsp granulated sugar

` ½tbsp each sea salt and black pepper

` 3 spring onions, trimmed and chopped

` 6 cloves garlic, peeled and grated

` ½ an onion, peeled and grated

` 1 fresh red chilli, de seeded and chopped

` Few sprigs fresh oregano, chopped

` 1tbsp dried oregano

` 6tbsp olive oil

METHOD

` Slice the courgettes and fennel, remove mushroom stems and leave the spring onions whole.

` Mix and crush the marinade ingredients in a bowl.

` Add the vegetables and leave for 30 minutes.

` Prepare your barbecue to a medium-high heat.

` Drain the veg, reserving the marinade and put them on the oiled grill. Pour the marinade into a pan to one side of the barbecue.

` Cook the vegetables, turning frequently and dunking them in the marinade, until caramelised on all sides.

` Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with the chives, parsley, oil and red wine vinegar, and serve.

Eating al fresco has to be one of the best things about summer. Here are two delicious recipes to try on your barbie supplied by Chief Petty Officer Sharky Ward.

RECIPE // CONTRIBUTIONS Interest

Jack Snacks

BBQ TOP TIPSIt’s all in the presentation: If using salmon steaks, secure the thin ends together with cocktail sticks. Re-season as you cook because grill bars tend to pull off spices as you turn them.

BBQ TOP TIPSIf you have a herb garden and grow rosemary, bay, thyme or myrtle, then cut large branches or sprigs and throw them on the barbecue embers. As they burn, they’ll release this fantastic smoke and flavour into your food.

..............38 Shoreside

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