Chiddingfold sailors see the 'world'

Several thousand metres above Dubai, AB(D) Ethan ‘Jenks’ Jenkins tries his hand at skydiving – one of numerous activities laid on for the ship’s company of HMS Chiddingfold during a week in the Gulf’s capital of pleasure-seeking.

The Bahrain-based minehunter took a break from the near-constant exercises, training and patrols in the Gulf for a CO’s week – a mix of routine maintenance for the ship and a break for the ship’s company.

The stopover in Dubai provided a welcome opportunity for crew to fly their families and partners out – for most the first time they’d been together in four months.

Otherwise, there was AT and other activities aplenty, notably desert safaris and sky diving.

“Seeing my wonderful girlfriend again after four months away and then going sky diving across The Palm in Dubai have to be two of the highest points of the deployment,” said Jenks.

Lieutenant Scott Hamer, Chiddingfold’s Executive Officer, said the week in the UAE was vital to allow crew to recharge their batteries.

“Being deployed for long periods can bring real challenges to the people onboard as they have spent four months working long hours at sea, away from home, and family and friends,” he added.

“CO’s week goes a long way in maintaining the morale of the crew and keeping the ship ready.”

Five Chids had another reason to celebrate while in Dubai as they discovered they were in line for promotion: ETs Stuart ‘Stuey’ McCabe and Jonny ‘Jeff’ Whittle, ABs Scott ‘Brodders’ Brodrick and Tom ‘Watty’ Watkinson and LET Aaron ‘Bob’ Mortimer.