DEFENCE MINISTER 'GOES TO WAR' OFF PLYMOUTH
July 2, 2010 3:59 PM
The recently-appointed Minister for the Armed Forces Nick Harvey MP went to 'war' in the West Country when he witnessed an exercise at sea with the Royal Navy.
The North Devon MP was guest of Rear Admiral Chris Snow, who heads the Flag Officer Sea Training organisation in HM Naval Base, Devonport, Plymouth, when he was shown the dynamic exercise Thursday War off the coast of Devon and Cornwall yesterday (Thursday).
Mr Harvey, on a fact-finding tour of the Royal Navy, embarked on the frigate HMS Cumberland to experience the challenging weekly exercise which prepares ships and submarines for operational deployments such as counter-piracy patrols and humanitarian tasking and ultimately for war.
His ship was subject to constant challenges at the whim of the FOST staff as they kept the sailors on their toes, with dramatic events including mock attacks from missile and fighter planes and submarines while the HMS Cumberland sailed in convoy as it defended itself against enemy forces. He saw the crew fight floods and fires in urgent simulated scenarios and also eat on the move - as the chefs rose to the challenge of cooking under fire and disaster.
A spokesman for Rear Admiral Snow said: "The minister's visit was aimed introducing him to the workings of the Royal Navy to help build on his knowledge of all three services. Delivering training to all Royal Navy ships, FOST is the perfect shop window to display the training which gears ships up to deploy across the globe, whether it be counter piracy off Somalia, drugs interdiction and disaster relief in the Caribbean or maritime security and defence diplomacy across the globe. A Thursday War is the ideal opportunity to show him just what the Royal Navy is capable of, no matter what task we are called upon to do".
Mr Harvey followed his time at sea with a tour of Devonport Naval Base including HMS Vigilant, HMS Bulwark (both under refit) and Hasler Company (for Royal Marines needing extra medical and welfare attention).
Mr Harvey said he appreciated that Devonport is a diverse site that delivers with success across a great range of engineering, logistics and people related activities. The relationship and integrated working with Babcock, Serco and Interserve is also a strength and mature aspect of Devonport.
He said the naval base's relationship with Plymouth City was a key aspect. Mr Harvey was also impressed by the 'excellent' services of the Royal Navy welfare recovery 'pathway' and how it links with Hasler Company.
The minister visited HMS Raleigh end today (Friday) to see newly-trained sailors pass into the Royal Navy at a ceremonial parade.
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