Sailors stay fit for Operations while raising cancer awareness

During October Somerset’s sailors, aviators and marines embarked on a mission of their own: to collectively cover the distance from Plymouth to the Seychelles.

The distance required was 5155.3 miles and to achieve this, the crew could run, cycle, row or cross train 2 miles each day.

122 members of the Ship’s Company took part in the event with each participant donating a minimum of £5 to enter into the fundraiser.

During September, the ship went ‘Blue’ to promote the awareness of male cancers.

Whilst holding health promotion clinics throughout September, and running ‘Blue Fridays’ (getting men to participate in male-only Zumba and circuit training), the team brought attention to the importance of potentially lifesaving routines such as self examinations.

In total, the fundraising events helped raise £946.50 for Cancer Research UK.

Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Bristowe Royal Navy said:

“Whether conducting boarding operations, working in engine rooms or maintaining equipment on the upper deck, we are currently working in high temperatures for prolonged periods.

"Somerset’s crew must not only remain functional, but be able to respond to the physical demands of operational tasking or ship’s emergencies.

"This requires a high level of personal fitness, and I am delighted that so many of the team have taken the opportunity to combine their fitness routines with raising funds for such a good causes as cancer research and awareness.”

The Devonport-based Type 23 frigate is currently patrolling the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), an area of sea between the coast of Yemen and Somalia.

Commercial sea traffic vital to the global economic recovery can travel the IRTC in the knowledge that help is available if required: coalition warships from the multinational Combined Maritime Force and other coalitions are patrolling the area to deter, disrupt and defeat criminal acts.

Throughout Somerset’s deployment her ship’s company will continue to promote stable and cooperative relationships with nations with whom she has contact.

However, she remains at readiness to respond to any tasking.

Somerset will shortly undertake a routine Operational Assurance inspection by Staff of Flag Officer Sea Training to ensure that, if required, she is ready to respond to any contingency tasking.

Somerset is due to return to the UK in February 2012.