Improved sporting kit for Gulf-based warships

New gym kit will shortly be heading to RN ships in the Gulf - recognition of the theatre's growing importance.

Nearly 500 sailors serve in British vessels stationed long term in Bahrain - minehunters HMS Blyth, Brocklesby, Ledbury and Shoreham, their mother/command ship RFA Cardigan Bay, plus frigate HMS Montrose patrolling the Strait of Hormuz.

Several hundred more RN personnel are based at the new UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, providing support for those vessels, serving at the hub of British operations in the region (UKMCC) or on the staff of one of the international task forces tackling piracy/terrorism and other illegal activity in the Indian Ocean.

They enjoy the use of impressive gym suites in the NSF, plus facilities (including a pool) at the  neighbouring US Fifth Fleet base.
Facilities/kit on the ships is rather more limited... as is space, especially on the minehunters.

The NSF's clubz Petty Officer (Physical Training) George Wright isn't able to do much about the space. But he has had Bahrain classed by sporting/fitness bosses as the Navy's 'fourth sporting region' (Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane complete the quartet).

The establishment of this new regional group has secured funding to improve and maintain physical training capabilities for crews alongside and at sea.

"The Royal Navy's commitment to the welfare of its personnel is evident in this well-deserved improvement in facilities and kit," said George. "A high level of physical health is known to keep our sailors and divers both mentally fit and able to do their jobs to the best of their abilities."