NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 1997
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Seal of approval for sea Ranger HMS RANGER (foreground) carried out a week-long series of exercises with the Cyclone-class coastal defence ship USS Tempest. The Archer-class patrol craft of the Gibraltar Squadron worked with her in co-ordinated tactical manoeuvres, gunnery, range work and fast pacing, culminating in an exercise with US Navy Seals that involved a night insertion of teams in a seaborne operation. The Ranger, commanded by Lt Cdr Steve duett-Green, also gave an anti-narcotics exercise display for visiting Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Doug Henderson (inset).
Trevor sets Virgin boss a new challenge RICHARD BRANSON has accepted a round-the world challenge from a Navy helicopter pilot who plucked him from the sea ten years ago. Former Lt Trevor Jones flew the Lynx helicopter which located Branson and fellow balloonist Per Linstrand when their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in ) 987 went disastrously wrong. Lt Jones was credited with saving their lives, but just a year later he came perilously close to losing his own and was left with paralysis in all four limbs after a terrible skiing accident. Since then he has steadfastly refused to be limited by his condition and has, among other things, gained a pilot's licence from the CAA, learned to scuba dive and flown a microlite across the Channel. Branson and Linstrand are making another attempt on the record in December, but when the trio were reunited on board HMS Endurance last month Trevor issued a challenge of his own.
He plans to sail around the world in an adapted trimaran and believes he can complete the circumnavigation before the ballooning record falls. Accepting the challenge, Mr Branson said he was grateful to the Royal Navy for their assistance in 1987 and said: "If anyone can sail around the world in a wheelchair, it is Trevor. We expect to succeed in our attempt but we wish him the very best of luck." His 54ft trimaran Inventure is powered by electronically controlled 'wings' which are operated from inside the boat and Trevor is now turning his attention to finding a sponsor to cash in on the intense interest his trip will generate. He said: "This is the one thing that I have always wanted to do, even before my accident. "Sailing has always been my first love, so for me travelling on a wave beats travelling by air.
'Can do' Lusty a credit to UK Ltd CAPT Steve Meyer, commanding officer of HMS Illustrious, receives the Desmond Wettern Trophy from the distinguished naval correspondent's widow, Gillian. The trophy is given each year to the Fleet unit which has done most to keep the Royal Navy in the public eye. It was the first time it had been given to a carrier.Recent highlights in her career have been the Ocean Wave deployment to the Far East, hot weather trials with the Sea Harrier GR7 and air operations over the Southern Iraq 'no fly zone'. Two other Portsmouth ships, HMS Gloucester and HMS Invincible, came second and third In the competition. At a ceremony on board HMS Illustrious Director of Public Relations (N<wy) Commodore Barry Leighton said the ship's company had brought "great credit to the Royal Navy - and to UK Ltd" through their "can do" attitude and passed on the congratulations of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jock Slater.
• Left to right: Trevor Jones with Per Lindstrand and Richard Branson, on board HMS Endurance with a model of trimaran Inventure in which Trevor plans to mount his global challenge. "Naturally, I wish Richard and Q The inspirational story of Per every success, but if they do Trevor Jones' life and his battle beat me they have promised to against his injuries has been pubteach me how to fly a balloon." lished by Heineman and Random Trevor plans to set out from House UK. Walking on Air is Greenwich in 1999 and to sail via available from all good bookshops Sydney where the Millenium at £15.99 or by calling 01621 Olympics are being held in 819596. September 2000. See also page 8.
Survey craft given a new direction HMS WATERWITCH, the inshore survey craft originally named Powderham and later employed as the Liverpool University RN Unit tender, may soon have a new educational role. Project M2720, led by a number of ex-RN and Merchant Navy personnel, aims to offer shipboard training courses to "young people
in need of direction". Including renovation work, these will include engineering, radio electrical and carpentry. Waterwitch currently has a free berth at the Royal Dock. North Shields. Hull and machinery are in good condition - but £60,000 is needed for materials and slipway costs to bring her to a habitable state. Contact Capt. P.J.Webster on 0181 909 9546 for details.
Guidance given on silence Coventry OBSERVANCE of two minutes silence on November 11 - Armistice Day - has been left to the discretion of Service commanding officers and individuals. This follows the statement by Defence Secretary George Robertson that the primary focus for the Armed Forces would be the two minutes silence at 1100 on Remembrance Sunday, November 9. He said: "Observance of the two minutes silence on November 11 is optional for individuals, albeit strongly encouraged, where possible and where operational circumstances permit. Commanders and managers are required to make appropriate arrangements for those observing the silence."
away for 8 months
HMS COVENTRY left Devonport for an eight month deployment on the Armilla Patrol in the Persian Gulf. She will visit over 13 countries in that time, spending Christmas in Dubai. On her departure from Devonport she embarked the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John Mutton and his wife Mai, the Lady Mayoress, who stayed with the ship during the journey to Gibraltar. Over Remembrance Day weekend the Type 22 frigate will lay a wreath in the Mediterranean just east of Tobruk, where the World War II HMS Coventry was sunk
Timeshare draw date SIXTY timesharc holidays in the prime holiday season are available to serving RN ratings at £300 a week. Write to the China Fleet C l u b ( U K ) Charitable Trust, Timeshares, Saltash, Cornwall PL 12 6LJ for details of locations and dates. Successful applicants, who will have to pay t h e i r own travel expenses, will be decided by a draw in February. •A plaque in memory of the 46 naval personnel killed during the Yangtse Incident in 1949 - and another in memory of Simon, HMS Amethyst's famous cat was dedicated at a ceremony at the club.
Chart positions ADMIRALTY Charts and Publications have produced a new user-friendly booklet How to Correct your Churls the Admiralty Way. Designed to assist mariners working from the weekly Admiralty Notices to Mariners, it is available from Admiralty Char! Agents at £7.95.