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HMS Kent – Royal Navy
WARRANT OFFICERS’ AND SERGEANTS’ MESS UPDATE
Sergeant Barrett (President of the Entertainments Committee) and Sergeant Perrin (Mess Committee)
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Due to the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought over the past year to the Regiment and with the constant battle of restrictions in recent months, the WOs & Sgts Mess was long overdue a function to bring the mess back together.
SUMMER FUNCTION
With BADGER deployed on Op CABRIT 8, and with DREADNAUGHT and EGYPT preparing to deploy with the RTR Battlegroup on Op CABRIT 9, the decision was made to give the Mess a Summer function so that members could finally have a drink together before all parting their ways to the many RTR commitments currently ongoing.
The current Forces Health Protection measures prevented us from using our own Mess at the time, so it was a last-minute scramble for the lucky Mess committee to find an ideal location outside of camp that was brave enough to let the Mess put money behind the bar. After many hours of calls and a bit of email ping pong a suitable venue was finally found and a small, low key event was held at the Gray Manor Hotel, a lovely venue with amazing and welcoming staff. It was a BBQ theme with a cocktail fountain for arrival drinks.
It was an ideal opportunity to get the Mess together, to welcome in those new members that arrived over the last year but also bid farewell to members who have now moved to pastures new. As the RTR Battlegroup now looks to deploy to Estonia and BADGER returns to re-join AJAX and the ROG, the Mess will continue to find ways to slowly come alive, after what we can all agree has been unprecedented times. Clearly, those members deploying will be missed but on their return the Mess can get together as a whole and look back on recent events.
WO2 Bethell (Trg WO), SSgt Davies (AJAX SQMS(T)) and WO2 Smith PMC (AJAX SSM) enjoying the evening
Cocktail fountain for arrival drinks
THE ROYAL WESSEX YEOMANRY
Major David Barclay
It has been another busy year for The Royal Wessex Yeomanry, with the Regiment’s main effort being preparation for the live firing package at Lulworth during our annual training period. This will see eight crews firing. The Regiment will also run a dismounted battle camp.
C Sqn conducting dismounted training on Salisbury Plain
The Regiment once again has shown its robustness, adapting to the challenges of COVID-19. During the lockdown, drill nights were moved virtually to ensure that training was not disrupted and that the Regiment could maintain its currency. Individuals have been mobilised for Op RESCRIPT (COVID-19), and the Regiment has provided locations for those travelling from red list countries to test and isolate prior to the current scheme set up by the government.
This year, the RWxY have provided a crew to DREADNAUGHT for Op CABRIT 9. Initially firing with CYCLOPS in February they then joined DREADNAUGHT for Ex TALLINN DAWN as part of the RTR Battlegroup. The crew, now integrated into the Squadron, returned to Tidworth for preparation for Estonia. The crew have been made very welcome and the experience working alongside our full-time regular colleagues undoubtedly developed them as soldiers. They are very much looking forward to their deployment with the Squadron. Further attachments have included a crew that joined B Squadron KRH at Castlemartin ranges to complete a firing package. Lt Ashworth has been attached to A Squadron, QRH for 9 months. The experience provided him with an excellent opportunity to develop the skills necessary in becoming a grounded and effective Troop Leader.
Despite the lockdown, Adventurous Training and Sport has still been big this year, with the Regiment participating in Riding, Swimming, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Hockey and Sailing. Ex WESSEX SQUALL was the first sailing trip of the year that allowed Junior NCOs to qualify as Competent Crew or Day Skippers. This was followed by a further course in June, sailing around the Isle of Scilly. The Regiment is always well represented in the RAC Offshore Race Team, with two members racing in this year’s Fastnet race. Our swimmers recently had a successful outing at the Inter Corps and Unit championships, with RWxY becoming the Army Open Water Swimming Champions over 1500 m for the Minor Teams.
The year will continue to be exciting, as the Regiment celebrates 50 years since its formation. Squadrons will remain busy throughout the year, with plenty of mounted and dismounted training mixed with multi-day AT packages, a three peaks challenge and plenty of socials.
HMS KENT – ROYAL NAVY
Commander M Sykes (Royal Navy)
Message from the Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Adrian Long Royal Navy:
Dear families and friends of HMS Kent,
We have now passed the halfway point of the deployment and when we set sail from our Mid-Deployment Support Period in Guam we will be heading back towards the UK. Looking back over the first half of this deployment, Kent has proven she is able to deliver on operations, supporting and protecting HMS Queen Elizabeth and her other escorts from submarines in multiple operational theatres.
Operating on the other side of the world with extended periods at sea has presented some logistical and engineering support challenges but overcoming these has been extremely rewarding. With an upcoming period of maintenance support Kent will be fully prepared for the journey home. During this maintenance period there is also an opportunity for our sailors to explore the island of Guam, as well as take some rest and recuperate prior to the return journey. It is regrettable that COVID-19 travel regulations have prevented friends and family from visiting during this period, but I hope you all take advantage of the improved connectivity to contact your loved ones as we all greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. We look forward to seeing you soon, stay safe in the meantime.
Hands to bathe in waters over 4Km deep!
PROMOTIONS & AWARDS
The following personnel have received awards for their exceptional performance. Sailor of the Month August ET(ME) Halliwell
INVICTA Termly Prizes
Weapon Engineering ET(WE)(CIS) Gower Logistics Catering Services Sub-dept Marine Engineering ET(ME) Lindsay Warfare AB(AWW) Basaj
AB(AWW) Barrow acts as Swimmer of the Watch during a man overboard exercise.
AB(SEA) Bennett connects the boat rope during a boarding exercise.
