British warship visits Belize
A reporter’s job is not always an easy one… and this morning I drew the short straw, earning an assignment that got me wet, made me seasick and thrust me into the company of a ship full of strangers. But guess what? I’d go back in a minute.
Getting out to the H.M.S. Newcastle was an adventure all by itself as the wind swept waves made the half hour trip out to the warship a wet and bumpy ride… and if the boat ride wasn’t exciting enough, the climb up the small and intimidating steps of Jacob’s ladder was almost heart stopping. Luckily for me, being the only female among over two hundred and eighty men, I was given special care and quickly hoisted aboard.
The H.M.S. Newcastle a type 42 guided missile destroyer, is four hundred and thirteen foot long. Although her primary role is air defense, in twenty two years at sea, she has yet to fire a shot in anger.
Lt. Comdr. Martin Doolan
“Well, she is primarily designed as an anti-air warship, if you would like. We are armed with a four and a half inch gun and a sea dart missile system specifically for anti warfare.”
But while all has been quiet at sea, the past four and a half months, have been busy for the ship and its crew as West Indies guardship. The Newcastle has also been on stand by off the Island of Montserrat in the event of any further volcanic activity. According to Lieutenant Commander Martin Doolan, the ship’s Second in Command, after a long period at sea his men are only too happy to be in Belize for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Lt. Comdr. Martin Doolan
“We are very pleased to be in Belize for a couple of days to give the guys some R and R in Belize. We are sorry that it’s just two days. We would like to spend some more time here to look at the country. We have a lot of sports arranged for the ship’s coming. We are playing some football and some cricket and also a lot of diving. A lot of our guys are qualified divers and Belize being one of the best dive spots in the world, then it’s nice to come here and take advantage of the wonderful facilities that you’ve got here.”
The men, who work twenty four hours a day, keeping the warship up and running are only too happy for the break. For young Sub Lieutenant Phil Miles, the stop in Belize is just one of the reasons why he has chosen the navy as his career.
Sub Lt. Phil Miles
“So far it has been great. I can’t really ask for a better deployment. To come to the Caribbean; to see all these beautiful islands, etc. rather than being stuck in the North Sea. But I mean it has been great so far. I’ve really enjoyed myself. Hopefully I get the chance to enjoy Belize over the next few days and already I am loving it.
I’ve been here for three months, I will be here for another five months. I really just go in all the different departments on the ship, basically learning what they do. At the end of my appointment, I go back to England and take a test, examine my knowledge about all the departments.”
C. P. O. Phil Stansby
“You kind of write letters all the time. When you go into port, it’s one or two phone calls at least. You play sports a few times and have a few drinks.”
Life away from home on the high seas, has also been challenging for the family men, like Chief Petty Officer Phil Stansby. Stansby says unlike the old adage about men in the navy, there are many seamen who are committed and have a difficult time spending months at a time away from home.
C. P. O. Phil Stansby
“I’ve been away for five months. I’ve got two children: one six, one three. Originally just after they were born I was away for a short period and it wasn’t too bad. But now it’s a long time; they are asking where their father is. I’m missing them they are also always getting on my wife’s back, so she doesn’t get any kind of outcome to, for someone to look after them while she needs a rest. It’s a bit hectic after a while.”
L.A.C. Tony Staples
“I’ve been at the sea for nearly ten years now. I am used to it. I prefer at sea cause you go around seeing different countries – see a different way of life. I think I would be bored in a normal job, nine to five at home. I enjoy it totally.”
Q: “And you don’t get tired or bored having so many other guys around you?”
L.A.C. Tony Staples
“Yeh you do. After a long period of time, you do. But that’s just one of those things; you get use to it.”
While the ship’s crew will be enjoying sports and other recreational activities on land and underwater, the H.M.S. Newcastle will also be properly cleaned and washed during her two day stay in port.
Due to security restrictions we were not allowed to take pictures of the sensitive equipment below decks. Anyone who would like to find out more about the H.M.S. Newcastle and her crew can probably find them tonight out on the town at any one of a number of Belize City nightspots.
