Chiddingfold in close working relations

HMS Chiddingfold recently welcomed a Bahraini coast guard officer on board for a few days to witness life inside a Royal Navy mine hunter.

First Lieutenant Abdullah Mohammed Albinkhaleel, who trained at the Royal Saudi Naval Academy in Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, for three years, has served on the Bahraini Coast Guard’s patrol boats for three years.

This was his first visit to a Royal Navy warship.

During his time on board, he was introduced to all the departments of the ship. 

He was given a tour of the new Caterpillar ACERT diesel engines, spent time on the bridge with the crew, and also went out in the dive boat as the ship’s Clearance Diving Element conducted training evolutions.

He also celebrated his birthday on board, so in the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, the chefs made him a cake which was enjoyed by the whole crew!

Lieutenant Commander Steve White, the Commanding Officer on board said: “The Mine Countermeasures Vessels are forward deployed in Bahrain and many of my crew have served out here many times.

“It is therefore very useful and interesting to have a fellow naval officer embarked who has a great deal of local knowledge.”