UK: HMS Westminster’s Crew Raise Awareness of Men’s Health Issues

HMS Westminster saved the best ‘Movember’ moustache for last. On the final day of the month urging men to grow ‘taches to raise awareness of men’s health issues, the crew unveiled the ship’s Lynx helicopter complete with a giant moustache… and bushy eyebrows.

If you thought the RAF had the monopoly on aviators with ‘taches, here’s HMS Westminster’s flight (and a few shipmates) to prove otherwise.

They’re just as adept at dodgy facial hair as the Algies and Gingers in the air force – although their Lynx (callsign Rosie) was given a little help… and bushy eyebrows…

The Portsmouth-based frigate has been carrying out anti-submarine warfare training in the Western Approaches for the past ten or so days – which gave the male members of the ship’s company little time to do their best Freddie Mercury impressions during the aptly-named Hunt for Red Movember.

The ship’s “slug-balancing act” (their words) raised £300 for the Movember movement, which aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, especially cancers such as prostate, by encouraging blokes to grow moustaches throughout the 11th month.

As it’s now December, the ‘taches are gone, alas, but not the submarine training for Westminster.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, December 6, 2012; Image: Royal Navy