Bahrain: HMS Monmouth’s Crew, Rear Admiral Discuss Personnel & Welfare Issues

During a recent visit to Bahrain, the company of HMS Monmouth had the opportunity to discuss key welfare and operational matters. Rear Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and NAVSEC, visited HMS Monmouth to discuss personnel and welfare issues.

He met a wide cross-section of the ship’s company and discussed several issues important to their long term careers.

He also received briefings covering Monmouth’s preparations for deployment and the ship’s successful Maritime Security patrols, and spent time discussing related manpower and welfare issues such as the Families Welfare Grant initiative and the delivery of tri-service Operational Welfare Package to deployed ships.

Commanding Officer Gordon Ruddock said:

“When far from home and in the middle of a seven-month deployment sailors can naturally feel slightly cut off from developments in their profession and career structures.

“It is reassuring for my ship’s company to be able to openly discuss important manning and career related issues with the decision makers in charge of current and future employment strategy, particularly following a period of uncertainty over redundancies in the Service.”

Commodore Jake Moores OBE ADC, Commodore Devonport Flotilla, also took the opportunity to call on the Black Duke during the brief period alongside.

During the mid-deployment liaison visit he took the opportunity to meet the ship’s company and discuss key questions on both the ship’s current Maritime Security patrol and her plans for her return to Plymouth on completion of her deployment.

His last visit to the Black Duke before leaving the Royal Navy after 36 years service, the Commodore was formally dined out onboard by the Commanding Officer and Heads of Department.

Before retiring, Commodore Moores will hand over the reins of the Devonport Flotilla to Captain Richard Farringdon RN. Captain Farringdon is no stranger to the Black Duke, having also recently visited in his current role as Director Maritime Warfare Centre to discuss recent tactical developments in Maritime Security.

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Naval Today Staff, March 27, 2013; Image: Royal Navy