It’s DIY SOS HMS Ocean style as the field gun team from Britain’s biggest warship get stuck in to sprucing up a community project in their affiliated time.
The team took a week out of the helicopter carrier’s busy schedule to make the 800-mile round trip from their native Devon to Wearside for a series of public events – some physical, some inspirational.
On the first day of their visit, the sailors were invited to a concert by popular Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins who was presented with a bouquet by Ocean’s CO Capt Steve Moorhouse.
The crew demonstrated their prowess hauling the gun in front of the Princess Royal, who was visiting Sunderland, then showed off their seafaring skills at the launch of the Tall Ships Sail Training Ambassador Programme by joining the crew of the Black Diamond.
The runners then got stuck in at the Parker Trust Project, a community venue offering activities for young adults up to the age of 25.
The house was completely transformed inside and out by the time the sailors had finished.
“To be involved in such a worthwhile project and to make such a noticeable difference in such a short period of time, is testament to the enthusiasm, team work and training that the Royal Navy receives, said Lt Paul Phillips.
“These young people will now be able to enjoy the grounds of the house and help them to engage in even more activities.”
The visit closed with a presentation at the University of Sunderland on what it’s like to be an engineer in the RN and creating all sorts of 3D articles in the University’s FabLab – including key rings and t-shirts sporting the field gun logo.
“The reception and support that the ship’s company have received from the people of Sunderland throughout our visit has been fantastic.
It truly reinforces the strong affiliation that Ocean has with the city and the high regard in which the city is held by the ship’s company,” said Lt Cdr Stuart Pike, Ocean’s affiliation officer.
