Thinking to the Finish

It has been an exceptionally challenging 12 months for my Ship’s Company. Initially serving in HMS Atherstone in the UK where a busy schedule saw us bring the Ship out of refit before conducting shakedown, Joint Warrior 011 and Operational Sea Training.”

Lieutenant Commander Andy Ingham

Thinking to the Finish24/01/2012

The 45 officers and sailors of crew 8 of mine counter measure squadron (MCM) 2 are preparing to bid farewell to HMS Middleton and the Arabian Gulf after 7 months in theatre in support of the Royal Navy’s (RN) enduring presence east of Suez.

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MCM2 CREW 8 SET TO RETURN HOME

During this time they have sailed over of 7,000 miles, consumed over 10,000 snorkers (sausages) and fired over 69,000 rounds of ammunition in gunnery practice.

This has all been achieved in some of the world’s most challenging conditions for MCM operations where human endurance and the complex warfare equipment which make up a modern warship are tested to their limits by the extreme temperatures of the summer months.

During the length of the deployment Middleton has worked with naval forces from United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, strengthening ties with some of the UK’s key strategic regional partners in what is a vital part of the world for UK interests. The Ship also participated in OP COUGAR 11, the RN’s main annual exercise of its Response Force Task Group (RFTG), the UK’s maritime quick reaction force. This involved acting in her primary role as a mine hunter but also providing Royal Marines, embarked from a task group a platform to practice boarding operations; a key skill in counter-narcotics and counter-piracy operations.

However, the deployment hasn’t been all work and no play. Over the Christmas period the sweep deck of the ship was turned into an impromptu ‘Santa’s Grotto’ resplendent with a secret Santa presentation. Unfortunately the ‘Big Man’ himself was unable to attend in person but proceedings were held under the supervision of PO(ME) Terrence ‘Tel’ Dyer – a most fitting stand in.

The Ship’s Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Andy Ingham says

“It has been an exceptionally challenging 12 months for my Ship’s Company. Initially serving in HMS Atherstone in the UK where a busy schedule saw us bring the Ship out of refit before conducting shakedown, Joint Warrior 011 and Operational Sea Training.”

He added “The tempo of operations has not abated during the previous 7 months in the Arabian Gulf in HMS Middleton. What has struck me throughout has been the consistent hard work, cheerfulness and professionalism which my team has brought to their roles.”

Crew 8 depart the Gulf to enjoy a period of leave before taking over HMS Cattistock in Portsmouth in the early spring.