News
June 28th 2019
Army Reservists support Navy Operations worldwide
HMS Queen Elizabeth by mdbgallery - licensed under CC BY 2.0
Two Army Reservists have recently been on operations where they supported the Royal Navy.
Lance Corporal Ryan Adams and Lance Corporal John Edwards both serve as Reserve chefs in 167 Catering Support Regiment and have recently been deployed to support Royal Navy operations by working in the galleys on two major vessels.
LCpl Adams
After being selected for the deployment the Reservists were put through pre-deployment training including the challenging Basic Sea Survival Course, upon passing it Lance Corporal Adams was deployed onto HMS Dragon and Lance Corporal Edwards joined the crew of the Navy’s newest flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth.
HMS Dragon has been on exercise in Oman for SAIF SAREEA and then has carried out maritime security operations seizing illegal drugs worth over £56 million.
Lance Corporal Adams explained: “My main role is ‘chef’ catering for over 250 hungry sailors but I’ve also had to cater an exclusive cocktail party for 48 VIPs and I’ve been helping to control firefighting crews when required.
“For me the real highlight has been visiting Oman, Dubai, Beiruit, Ukraine and Kuwait, I don’t think I would have ever visited any of these places if I hadn’t joined 167.”
Lance Corporal Edwards helps cater for 500 people in port and 1,500 at sea on HMS Queen Elizabeth but he has been able to develop a lot of different skills during the deployment.
LCpl Edwards
He said: “The main highlight for me is that I am developing such a diverse range of catering and non-catering skills. I’ve completed a Level 2 in first aid, I’m going to be learning new skills by working in the Quartermasters department, I’m on the Family’s Day committee and I am the welfare representative for the Junior Rates mess.
“I wouldn’t be here without 167 because the skills, knowledge and experience I have with the regiment gave me the confidence to apply for this posting. I am very proud of everything I’ve achieved with the Regiment and hope I have a lot more great experiences in the future.”
167 Catering Support Regiment are currently recruiting to find out more about joining call 01159573321 or 07973626191; or email 167rlc-rhq-rsuso@mod.gov.uk
“For me the real highlight has been visiting Oman, Dubai, Beiruit, Ukraine and Kuwait, I don’t think I would have ever visited any of these places if I hadn’t joined 167.”
