When deployed overseas, our ties to the UK are never completely severed.
Captain Mine Warfare, Fishery, diving and Patrol vessels (Captain MFP) who is based in Portsmouth paid his first visit to the Arabian Gulf since taking over the role earlier this year.
Visiting HMS Middleton and Crew 6 in Bahrain, Captain Roger Readwin presented several awards to Crew 6.
First up were 3 Able Seaman who received their “AB1’s” recognising the completion of their initial professional training.
This was followed by presenting the Deputy Marine Engineering Officer an award for achieving his Warrant Officer Professional Exams, the final stage of his professional examinations.
The first three presentations were made to AB(MW) ‘Julie’ Andrew, AB(D) ‘Dutchy’ Mulholland and AB(D) ‘Spence’ Crane.
After the many challenges of Operational Sea Training back in the UK, Crew 6 took ownership of HMS Middleton in the Gulf in June this year, the three AB’s successfully completing their task books through this process, consolidated all the training they received so far in their careers.
Covering all areas of their jobs, they must prove themselves highly competent in all areas of Mine Warfare and Diving respectively.
They have all now earned the right to wear the star on their badge as AB1’s.
At the other end of the spectrum is CPOET(ME) ‘Buck’ Rogers, who through the successful completion of a 4 hour board (the culmination of a life time’s work) being questioned on all aspects of Marine Engineering is now eligible for promotion to Warrant Officer, the final milestone and highest rank achievable as a non-commissioned officer.
To complete such an assessment whilst also delivering HMS Middleton’s engineering department ready to fight and win is testament to his drive, professional skill and enthusiasm.
During Capt Readwin’s visit to HMS Middleton, he got the opportunity to meet the entire crew and find out the challenges they face while deployed on Operation KIPION.
Now reaching the two month point of their six month deployment the sailors have settled into the harsh conditions and routine as part of the Forward Deployed MCM Task Force maintaining Sea Lanes within the Gulf Region, fostering the strongest of relationships with partner nations both inside the Gulf and further afield.
In his address to the Crew, Capt Readwin commended the strong camaraderie within the team who pride themselves on being fighting fit and ready for anything.
He also had the opportunity to present the RNRMC Sailor of the Month award to LS(MW) ‘Singles’ Smith who gained the award as a result of his dedicated and detailed approach in managing maintenance of Middleton’s upper deck in the extreme temperatures of the Middle East this time of year.
Leading from the front, he had motivated the team in arduous conditions, maintaining momentum on the recent project to ensure it stayed on track.
