HMS Prince of Wales cooks up a taste of the Commonwealth

Sailors from HMS Prince of Wales offered their shipmates a taste of the Commonwealth to officially launch a Commonwealth network on board the ship.

Commonwealth sailors produced a feast of national dishes to share with their colleagues while serving in HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the Royal Navy's new Queen Elizabeth-Class aircraft carriers.

On the menu were dishes from St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria and Jamaica. These were made by Commonwealth sailors from the ship itself - Chief Petty Officer Richard Dover, Petty Officers Lionel Harry, Ianna Parsons and Ash McMillan, Leading Hands Omar Gilchrist and Kevin Joseph, and Able Rate Michael Odeme.

Leading Hand Kevin Joseph said: "I decided to take the mantle and organise this event as I have found it is a great way to bring people together while spreading awareness of the Commonwealth Network. It also has the added bonus of officially launching the Commonwealth Network on board our aircraft carrier and in Scotland.''

The event was held as part of the Commonwealth Big Lunch initiative which aims to bring people together to share food and celebrate their Commonwealth connections. It was kindly supported by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and Royal Navy Welfare.

Leading Hand Paul Harrison, who is a member of the Logistics Department on board, said: "It was great to finally taste the different cuisines of the Commonwealth as I often hear the team talking about the different dishes they make back in their countries. I was also taken back by the different types of bananas."

Lieutenant Commander Chris Wood, the Training Management Officer on board HMS Prince of Wales, said: "At the end of a busy term this is a fantastic opportunity for the ship's company to relax and take the opportunity to learn about the different cultures of our sailors, while enjoying some traditional dishes"

"We wholeheartedly support the Commonwealth Network whic can make the world of difference to our Commonwealth sailors and their families."