UK: High Profile Naval Visitor for Re-Vamped Minehunter HMS Chiddingfold

The crew of Portsmouth based Minehunter HMS Chiddingfold hosted a high profile Naval visitor on Wednesday when Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC RN, Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff visited the Hunt class vessel.

It was on with overalls and down into the engine spaces.

Admiral Zambellas, who commanded HMS Chiddingfold’s sister ship HMS Cattistock, was shown around the newly configured engine room by the Ship’s Marine Engineer Officer (MEO) Warrant Officer ‘Jelly’ Bean, to get a real idea of the changes that have gone on beneath the skin of the ship.

Pride of place was reserved for the shiny new Caterpillar engines that Chiddingfold was fitted with as part of her current refit and will subsequently be rolled out to the rest of the Hunt class ships.

Replacing 1980’s technology, these engines will significantly reduce the emissions of the Hunt class as well as providing increased performance, endurance and serviceability.

The Admiral was also shown the new systems that have brought the Ship’s Control Centre (SCC) up to date with state-of-the-art technology similar to that seen on the new Type 45 Destroyers.

Two members of the Ship’s Company were also presented medals for their part in the NATO Operation Unified Protector off the coast of Libya last year.

Lieutenant Mike Rydiard (25), Chiddingfold’s Navigating Officer, and Leading Chef Mark Stokes-Lilley (26) were both serving in Chiddingfold’s sister ship HMS Brocklesby when she was called into action off the coast of Libya in 2011.

HMS Brocklesby played a key role in the NATO operation, clearing a minefield laid outside Misrata Harbour by pro-Gadaffi forces cutting off much needed aid to the besieged city.

“It was a great honour to receive the medal from the Fleet Commander,” said Lt Rydiard,

“The team in Brocklesby worked incredibly hard throughout the operation in challenging circumstances and it was a real privilege to be a part of that team.”

Chiddingfold has spent the past year in her home port of Portsmouth as part of a mid-life update project.

Alongside her new engines she has also received upgrades to her machinery monitoring systems, computer systems and had obsolete equipment removed.

All of this work will contribute to maintaining the Royal Navy’s position in the forefront of Mine Warfare worldwide.

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Naval Today Staff, November 27, 2012; Image: Royal Navy