Vincentian sailors return home

The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate, HMS Portland, sailed into Kingstown this week, bringing with her three Vincentian sailors.

HMS Portland has been away from her base in Devonport, Plymouth, for six months,{{more}} with the last month spent conducting counter-narcotic patrols in the Caribbean. Amongst the crew of 190 are three sailors from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The three sailors are leading caterer Alex Jones from Kings Hill, Diamond, leading regulator Rawlston Alexander from Lowmans Leeward, and leading steward Livingstone Spencer from Gomea, Belair Village.

Leading caterer Alex Jones was a musician with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force before joining the Royal Navy in 2002.

In his 12 years in the Royal Navy he has served on board HMS Cumberland, HMS Bulwark and HMS Monmouth; he has also served with the Welsh Guards in Bosnia. He is proud to have won the title of senior Chef of the Year in 2010 at a tri-service catering challenge.

His job onboard is to ensure that the ship remains stocked with food to ensure she has the endurance to remain on deployed operations.

Leading regulator Rawlston Alexander joined the Royal Navy in 2005, after studying at St Vincent Technical College and serving for three years with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Rawlston has served on board HMS Cumberland and HMS Albion and was based at the Royal Naval Air Station, HMS Seahawk and HMS Drake.

His role onboard Portland is the ship’s policeman; he is responsible for maintaining good order and discipline among the ship’s company.

Leading steward Livingstone Spencer joined the Royal Navy in 2006, after serving with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Livingstone has served onboard HMS Somerset, HMS Campbeltown and HMS Sutherland. Livingstone is responsible for the administration of the ship’s central fund, which means he manages the accounts of the Officers and Senior Rates messes. He is also a member of the ship’s first aid team.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Portland, Commander Sarah West, said: “I am delighted that HMS Portland is able to visit the beautiful Island of St Vincent and allow three of my sailors the opportunity to visit their families. St Vincent is a popular destination with the Royal Navy, due to the hospitality of the people and the range of activities available.”

The three sailors recently prepared a traditional Vincentian meal for the ship’s company. The menu was a traditional Sunday lunch, including stewed chicken, macaroni pie and baked fish; this was described by many as the best meal of the ship’s deployment.

Speaking about the visit LS Spencer said “I’m looking forward to being reunited with family and friends, as well as the opportunity to show them around the ship.”

While his colleague leading caterer Jones, added: “Kingstown is an incredible place and I know the ship’s company will enjoy a fantastic visit.”

Leading regulator Alexander has arranged a football match between the ship and Campdonia Chelsea FC.

He said: “This will be a great international match to watch.”

HMS Portland has now completed six months of her seven-month deployment, during which she has undertaken maritime security operations in five continents and has successfully worked with many other navies across the Atlantic Ocean to strengthen ties and demonstrate the Royal Navy’s ongoing commitment within the region.