8 NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2007
EaEastern dstern deligghhts s ffor r BlaBlack k DukDuke e
Pictures: LA(Phot) Brian Douglas
QUITE possibly no men
newspapers... and some not so an invite to an official reception Monmouth’s CO Cdr Peacock
or women in the Senior
usual things. from the Philippine Navy. (What and visiting Flag Officer Rear
Service have been in a
Several members of the ship’s the invite didn’t mention was Admiral Chris Parry were
stickier situation this past
company donned eye patches, the small point of Monmouth’s welcomed with official receptions
month than the crew of HMS
scarfs and oodles of make-up CO, Cdr Tim Peacock, having to at Qingdao in all its forms – the
(must be a run ashore – Ed) for a attempt Filipino dancing...) city, the naval base and the ship.
Monmouth.
piratical party. The ship’s stay in Manila Good relationships between
The frigate has continued her
Monmouth hosted 60 local ended with a send-off from the the British and the Chinese were
global tour, leaving Australasia
youngsters for a swashbuckling- band of the Philippine Navy and further developed when the sailors
and sweeping around the Pacific
themed party, while 30 sailors an escort from the patrol ship from the Royal Navy headed off to
Rim, first to the Philippines, then
headed ashore for a couple of Quezon, before the Black Duke visit the city’s Tsingtao Brewery,
on to Japan and further to China.
days’ hard graft at schools and an picked her way through a flurry as well as a few other cultural
Manila was the first port of call
orphanage in Manila. of fishing boats and headed for highlights along the way.
– in the heart of the rainy season.
Dealing with modern-day open waters. The admiral was in the country
And it was somewhat sticky in
pirates was a more serious task. The Those open waters eventually to support the ongoing relationship
the Filipino capital: 35˚C with 97
Black Duke shared her expertise took the Devonport warship to the between the UK and China; he
per cent humidity.
in counter-terror operations by Japanese island of Okinawa, home also visited Beijing where he
The Black Duke’s crew did all
working with the Philippine forces to a major US naval base. discussed issues such as peace
the usual things on an official
on board and search training. It was, mercifully, rather less support operations.
visit: call in on dignitaries, host
That training was repaid for one sticky in Okinawa than Manila. In Beijing Rear Admiral Parry
VIPs, appear on national TV and
sixth of the ship’s company with And that meant sporting activity paid a call on the Academy of
(of a sort) could resume: a beach Military Science, where he was
barbecue was accompanied by a presented with a bamboo scroll
touch rugby contest (the chiefs’ in fine Chinese calligraphy of
mess proved the most agile and The Art of War by China’s pre-
lifted the trophy). eminent military strategist of the
Several crew toured the tunnels 6th Century BC Sun Tzu – an
built by Japanese troops defending appropriate gift for the admiral
the island in 1945, while others who is the Director General,
preferred the rather more relaxing Developments, Concepts and
surroundings of the Churaumi Doctrine MOD.
aquarium (the world’s second
● (right) Lt ‘Whiskey’ Walker is
largest), home to a dolphin with a
winched off the fl ightdeck of
prosthetic tail, three whale sharks
the Chinese landing ship LST(H)
and a manta ray born in captivity...
912 during a search and rescue
Registered Charity No. 1075015 until its father killed it.
exercise
PATRON: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Next on the agenda was the
● (top) HMS Monmouth travels
Chinese naval base Qingdao –
alongside the Chinese warship
The RN & RM Childrens is a National Charity
better known to Britons in the
Qingdao after leaving the naval
Westernised form Tsingtao and
based in Portsmouth. We care for children
base at the ship’s namesake
home of the eponymous brewery.
Qingdao
of men and women who have served or are
Monmouth joined with the
Chinese missile destroyer Qingdao
serving in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
to carry out a joint rescue exercise
in the seas off the ship’s namesake
Originally set up as an orphanage, Monique Bateman city.
In the simulated rescue, the
we now assist children with a wide or Laurene Smith
Royal Navy Merlin winched an
range of needs and at times of
RN & RM Children’s Fund
injured sailor from a wrecked
family crisis.
311 Twyford Avenue
vessel to Monmouth, while the
Chinese ship’s helicopter sent help
Portsmouth
to the stricken ship.
Applications can be made at any
PO2 8RN The three-hour exercise brought
time. Those seeking assistance
Telephone: 023 9263 9534
together 500 Chinese and Royal
Naval sailors perfecting the deft
can contact the office direct for an Fax: 023 9267 7574
drills of manoeuvre, rescue and
application form:- Email: rnchildren@btconnect.com
communications.
● The new 15m MOD Police launch
Picture: Paul Kemp, MDPGA
MDP surges forward
FOR THE fi rst time, an innovative launch has been indication so far is that this launch will be far and
developed for the Ministry of Defence Police. away the most capable and impressive vessel of its
The striking new boat has been designed to meet type in the UK, if not beyond.”
the MDP’s tough standards as the police force patrols The 15m launch, built by Holyhead Marine
the waters around the Navy’s bases at Devonport, Services Ltd, is the first of its type.
Portsmouth and Clyde. Officers describe it as quicker, more manoeuvra-
Assistant Chief Constable John Bligh said: “The ble, better protected and more comfortable.
Force has taken possession of many new launches It has a top speed of more than 30 knots, and uses
over the years; however, this is the first time that we water-jet technology for greater agility in driving and
have been involved in the design process from day steering – the lack of propellers also make it safer for
one. We have listened close to the Naval Base authori- people in the water.
ties to ensure that the boat will enable us to provide If the new launch continues to meet expecta-
the service they want.” tions, it is planned that a further 15 launches will be
He added: “We are still conducting trials but every brought into service.
008_NN_Oct.indd 1 19/9/07 17:14:11
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