All change for HMS Hurworth

It was all change for the mine hunter HMS Hurworth as Crew 3 bade farewell to their home for the last six months and handed over to Crew 1.

Crew 3 has conducted a rigorous programme of pre-deployment training to make sure that they are ready for their forthcoming deployment to the Middle East.

Lt Cdr James Baker, Commanding Officer of MCM Crew 3, said: “The last six months has been a busy period of training that has allowed my team to practice the mine hunting skills we will need whilst deployed to the Gulf region.

“I am proud to have served in HMS Hurworth and delighted to be able to hand over this fine Ship to Crew 1 today.”   

Petty Officer Craig Smith, Operation Room Supervisor, said: “We all know that work up can be tough but the end goal of a deployment is in everyone’s mind and is something professionally satisfying to work towards.

“I have found the FOST training really useful this time as it is the first as a Petty Officer I am looking forward to getting out to the Gulf again.”

Crew 1, under the Command of Lt Cdr Conor O’Neill will, after a period of maintenance in Portsmouth, also conduct a similar period of training in Hurworth.