Page 90 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

98 EAGLE AND CARBINE
HMS Glasgow
2022 has been an exceptional time of change for us here at HMS Glasgow. The year started with a leadership team of only 7 crew members, and nearly tripled to 19 as the essential technical Senior Ratings joined. It is a tremendous endeavour to undertake the building of a complex warship, and the crew have started to place a gentle hand on the tiller to support the MoD and Industry in delivering the prototype.
The Ship’s Company have three core workstreams: we prepare the routine functions for running a Ship; we learn how to use, maintain, and repair her; and we act as a focal point for the wider enterprise to address challenges. The ultimate goal is to create a smooth transfer of ownership from industry to in-service, a colossal challenge because of the scale of the equipment and regulations, but one which the whole enterprise is buying into to resolve. Our first step has been to create and refine our plans and processes and set them down as guidelines to support the remainder of the class and the Type 31 frigate in build in Rosyth.
As a cornerstone to these workstreams we have been building the culture and ethos of the Ship, getting it right now will go a long way to sustaining a positive
atmosphere throughout the Ship’s life. Whilst a significant element of this is ensuring our people are motivated, empowered and treated well, a key component of this has been to build our relationships within the defence community. The crew have hosted 19 visits, including 2 “Glasgow Conferences” to pull together the ship-building community. Going beyond working relationships, the visits have included two from our affiliated military units, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and RAF CXX Squadron, helping develop our inter-Service operability.
A particular highlight of the year was meeting the Princess of Wales. In her first formal military engagement in her new role, she met the crew of HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle. The Ship’s Company were awed by the venue, and reflected on the Princess’ authenticity and interest in our work. Princess Catherine will be the Ship’s Sponsor, and will play the crucial role of naming the Ship.
Perhaps the most poignant event of 2022 was the Glasgow Falklands 40 event hosted in the Govan Shipyard. A joint endeavour with BAE, it was a reunion opportunity for the crew of the 1982 D88 HMS
CPOET(ME) Foggett and LSC Halofaki at the Glasgow Remembrance Sunday 2022