HMS Queen Elizabeth
Discussion
yellowjack said:
acd80 said:
Yes - I left it in early 2011. It was a very strange time. Due to the role I did, there wasn't much to do alongside other than Divisional Officer stuff and it turns out de-kitting an aircraft carrier is a long drawn out process. Jerry Kidd was the old man onboard and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. Easily the best skipper I've ever had.
Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
14 said:
yellowjack said:
acd80 said:
Yes - I left it in early 2011. It was a very strange time. Due to the role I did, there wasn't much to do alongside other than Divisional Officer stuff and it turns out de-kitting an aircraft carrier is a long drawn out process. Jerry Kidd was the old man onboard and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. Easily the best skipper I've ever had.
Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
OOD - Officer of the day. Runs the ship while in port (security, fire, emergency etc).
SLIB - Second leave is best. Taunt for opposite number who works while you go on leave.
acd80 said:
98elise said:
Nice one! I'm assuming you were on it at decommissioning? I was on it in the late 80's.
Yes - I left it in early 2011. It was a very strange time. Due to the role I did, there wasn't much to do alongside other than Divisional Officer stuff and it turns out de-kitting an aircraft carrier is a long drawn out process. Jerry Kidd was the old man onboard and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. Easily the best skipper I've ever had. Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
Will definitely get down to see her in the flesh.
14 said:
I’m guessing that 2OOD stands for Second Officer On Deck and OOD Officer On Deck. I’ve no idea what SLIB is though.
98Elise is right with the definitions (obviously) and with SLIB but the best thing about SLIB is when people come back after a leave period such as main Summer or Christmas leave and then you get to go on holidays when it's less crammed, cheaper flights etc. Working over leave periods isn't that bad as it's usually a relaxed routine with not that much to do - I managed to watch 2 series of 24 during 3 days of duty once. There was literally nothing else to do and I couldn't do anything else. acd80 said:
Yes - I left it in early 2011. It was a very strange time. Due to the role I did, there wasn't much to do alongside other than Divisional Officer stuff and it turns out de-kitting an aircraft carrier is a long drawn out process. Jerry Kidd was the old man onboard and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. Easily the best skipper I've ever had.
Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
I knew Captain Mike, John Clink and Jerry. I'm guessing you knew my great friend Steve P who was XO before Rob B. Rocky and Sarah in FLYCO too.Being 2OOD and subsequently OOD onboard was a mind-numbing chore but my oppo and I did 4 days about during leave periods - SLIB!
One of my favourite drafts if I'm perfectly honest - I'm still in now, albeit as a reservist in a niche role, and when I've been cutting around the dockyard, I've seen up close the size difference between Big Lizzie and ARKR. She's a big old unit and HUGELY impressive in the flesh.
I'm glad I'm not an OOD on the new class - going from HQ1 to HQ2 via the bridge at the rush wouldn't be my idea of fun...
I spent many a happy trip in ARKR as a civvy and I was honoured and touched to be asked aboard for Glenmallan to the Tyne. I'd known her from childhood and first went aboard when she was a just launched empty hulk.
She was loved.
Quick heads up for those who fancy popping down to wave. She has just successfully conducted her basin trial which can only mean departure is imminent - although, a specific time and date is as yet unpublished to the public. (I'm going to speculate Tuesday based on nothing of any substance so feel free to ignore as it's most likely incorrect. High tide will be around midday by then, just sayin'. 
)
The upcoming voyage is going to be a brief shakedown trip before returning to port for a splash and dash replenishment prior to leaving for the autumn Group Exercise/Joint Warrior exercise being held off the west coast of Scotland. GroupEx/JW202 is going to be quite a big deal.
After that she will be deemed ready for deployment due in May next year. Where and what TBA.
A little summary here: https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/counting-down-to-...
)The upcoming voyage is going to be a brief shakedown trip before returning to port for a splash and dash replenishment prior to leaving for the autumn Group Exercise/Joint Warrior exercise being held off the west coast of Scotland. GroupEx/JW202 is going to be quite a big deal.
After that she will be deemed ready for deployment due in May next year. Where and what TBA.
A little summary here: https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/counting-down-to-...
Cold said:
Quick heads up for those who fancy popping down to wave. She has just successfully conducted her basin trial which can only mean departure is imminent - although, a specific time and date is as yet unpublished to the public. (I'm going to speculate Tuesday based on nothing of any substance so feel free to ignore as it's most likely incorrect. High tide will be around midday by then, just sayin'. )
The upcoming voyage is going to be a brief shakedown trip before returning to port for a splash and dash replenishment prior to leaving for the autumn Group Exercise/Joint Warrior exercise being held off the west coast of Scotland. GroupEx/JW202 is going to be quite a big deal.
After that she will be deemed ready for deployment due in May next year. Where and what TBA.
A little summary here: https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/counting-down-to-...
Yep, been watching as stuff is being rapidly removed from deck over the last few days. All the deck ‘marquee/tents’ are now gone. Doe the deck coating require major work every time she comes back from flight ops? Seems that way.)The upcoming voyage is going to be a brief shakedown trip before returning to port for a splash and dash replenishment prior to leaving for the autumn Group Exercise/Joint Warrior exercise being held off the west coast of Scotland. GroupEx/JW202 is going to be quite a big deal.
After that she will be deemed ready for deployment due in May next year. Where and what TBA.
A little summary here: https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/counting-down-to-...
acd80 said:
Jerry Kidd was the old man onboard and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about him. Easily the best skipper I've ever had.
He came across as a very impressive individual on "Britain's Biggest Warship", and I really wanted to give his steward a hug when Jerry Kidd left.Wildcat45 said:
I knew Captain Mike, John Clink and Jerry. I'm guessing you knew my great friend Steve P who was XO before Rob B. Rocky and Sarah in FLYCO too.
I spent many a happy trip in ARKR as a civvy and I was honoured and touched to be asked aboard for Glenmallan to the Tyne. I'd known her from childhood and first went aboard when she was a just launched empty hulk.
She was loved.
I missed this so apologies for the late response. We probably passed each other on 5 deck at some point then on that trip! She was an awesome vessel and I enjoyed my time onboard immensely. I spent many a happy trip in ARKR as a civvy and I was honoured and touched to be asked aboard for Glenmallan to the Tyne. I'd known her from childhood and first went aboard when she was a just launched empty hulk.
She was loved.
Europa1 said:
He came across as a very impressive individual on "Britain's Biggest Warship", and I really wanted to give his steward a hug when Jerry Kidd left.
Put it this way - I've never heard anyone say a bad thing about him. He was a top skipper to work for and probably the best one I worked for in over 2 decades service. acd80 said:
Europa1 said:
He came across as a very impressive individual on "Britain's Biggest Warship", and I really wanted to give his steward a hug when Jerry Kidd left.
Put it this way - I've never heard anyone say a bad thing about him. He was a top skipper to work for and probably the best one I worked for in over 2 decades service. One would hope of course that the man in charge of the UK's flagship would be a sharp cookie, but from what was shown on TV, you could tell he had "the right stuff" in spades. Clearly very sharp, a deep thinker, attention to detail and things being done "right" and running a tight ship, but also very human.
IroningMan said:
Wasn't one of them essentially going to be mothballed on arrival - in practice if not in principle - anyway?
The RN simply don't have the headcount to crew both, never mind whether there will ever be enough F35 to equip both at the same time; the sensible policy is to have one in refit while the other is off doing stuff, selling one renders ownership of the other an expensive and pointless exercise.Six helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron landed on deck yesterday afternoon/early evening ready for this month's adventures. Merlins? (Someone here will know - if it's not a Sea King or a Bell Jet Ranger then I'm stumped 
)
The next departure from Portsmouth will be on Monday 7th Sept with cast off scheduled for 15:30.
This will be for the brief shakedown voyage.
If you're intending on coming down to see her off then I really wouldn't recommend trying to view from Gunwharf Quays at the moment. Not only are there still numerous restrictions including visitor number limitations and physical barriers in place limiting your access to the waterside, but there's also a dirty big motor launch (Amaryllis) moored on the outer pontoon of the little harbour which totally blocks the view of the water.
Old Portsmouth (the Hot Walls, Round Tower, Spice Island etc) will give you a much better chance of a close-up experience.
)The next departure from Portsmouth will be on Monday 7th Sept with cast off scheduled for 15:30.
This will be for the brief shakedown voyage.
If you're intending on coming down to see her off then I really wouldn't recommend trying to view from Gunwharf Quays at the moment. Not only are there still numerous restrictions including visitor number limitations and physical barriers in place limiting your access to the waterside, but there's also a dirty big motor launch (Amaryllis) moored on the outer pontoon of the little harbour which totally blocks the view of the water.
Old Portsmouth (the Hot Walls, Round Tower, Spice Island etc) will give you a much better chance of a close-up experience.
Cold said:
Six helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron landed on deck yesterday afternoon/early evening ready for this month's adventures. Merlins? (Someone here will know - if it's not a Sea King or a Bell Jet Ranger then I'm stumped )
The next departure from Portsmouth will be on Monday 7th Sept with cast off scheduled for 15:30.
This will be for the brief shakedown voyage.
If you're intending on coming down to see her off then I really wouldn't recommend trying to view from Gunwharf Quays at the moment. Not only are there still numerous restrictions including visitor number limitations and physical barriers in place limiting your access to the waterside, but there's also a dirty big motor launch (Amaryllis) moored on the outer pontoon of the little harbour which totally blocks the view of the water.
Old Portsmouth (the Hot Walls, Round Tower, Spice Island etc) will give you a much better chance of a close-up experience.
Good shout, Spice Island and the hot walls have been super busy. How about Gosport? The BOATHOUSE Bistro at the marina allows you to see a little albeit from a good distance. )The next departure from Portsmouth will be on Monday 7th Sept with cast off scheduled for 15:30.
This will be for the brief shakedown voyage.
If you're intending on coming down to see her off then I really wouldn't recommend trying to view from Gunwharf Quays at the moment. Not only are there still numerous restrictions including visitor number limitations and physical barriers in place limiting your access to the waterside, but there's also a dirty big motor launch (Amaryllis) moored on the outer pontoon of the little harbour which totally blocks the view of the water.
Old Portsmouth (the Hot Walls, Round Tower, Spice Island etc) will give you a much better chance of a close-up experience.
Are they doing FOST?
hidetheelephants said:
IroningMan said:
Wasn't one of them essentially going to be mothballed on arrival - in practice if not in principle - anyway?
The RN simply don't have the headcount to crew both, never mind whether there will ever be enough F35 to equip both at the same time; the sensible policy is to have one in refit while the other is off doing stuff, selling one renders ownership of the other an expensive and pointless exercise.Why would you refit a new ship? Refits are where you replace and refurbish old/redundant kit, or do major upgrades. Refits happen probably once or twice in the life of a ship.
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