Photo: Alan Mak MP looks out from the bridge on board HMS Monmouth, assisting with navigation during her voyage from Cardiff to Plymouth.
Havant MP Alan Mak joined the crew on board HMS Monmouth during its voyage from Cardiff to Plymouth last week (24-25 March). Mak’s placement on board was part of his year-long ‘work experience’ with the Royal Navy through the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) alongside his MP duties.
HMS Monmouth, a Type 23 Frigate – also known as the ‘Black Duke’ – is the most decorated frigate in Her Majesty’s fleet and returned to its base port of Plymouth after a period of operations.
The frigate had spent a week in South Wales as part of public engagements and ceremonial celebrations following the 350th anniversary of using the name ‘Monmouth’ in the Royal Navy.
Alan Mak joined parliamentary colleagues in embarking on board the 133-metre-long, 4900 tonne warship. Thrown straight into the action, the Havant MP embarked on familiarisation sessions with the Operations Room and Weapon Engineering Department.
Mak was tasked with helping prepare an evening meal for the industrious sailors before the ‘Black Duke’ left Cardiff Harbour. Further instruction on ship procedures followed before an evening meal in the Senior Rates Dining Hall.
After assisting with navigating from the bridge and driving the ship during the Morning Watch, the Havant MP was then given a demonstration of the vessel’s destructive capacity with a live small arms firing at sea. A crash course on the use of seaboats followed before the arrival at Devonport, Plymouth, and served as a useful refresher following Mak’s recent boat-driving experience with the Royal Marines in Norway.
Once back on dry land, Alan Mak said: “I was delighted to spend time aboard HMS Monmouth as part of my year’s ‘work experience’ with the Royal Navy. The ‘Black Duke’ is a fantastic vessel and it was a great honour to be a part of the crew working on the most decorated frigate in the Royal Navy.”
The Havant MP added: “It was a real insight into the demanding and vital work that our Royal Navy sailors perform day-in-day-out across the world. A truly unforgettable experience that helps me understand the work of our Armed Forces when I’m discussing operational issues in the House of Commons.”