HMS Montrose Hosts Sheik in UAE

HMS Montrose Hosts Sheik in UAE

HMS Montrose hosted a member of one of the most influential clans in the United Arab Emirates during a port visit to the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, five other sheikhs and representatives of the port authority and customs agencies were welcomed onboard to meet the ship’s company and learn about HMS Montrose’s maritime security operations in the Gulf.

Chef Louise “Shep” Shepard crafted the visitors’ Wardroom lunch menu. She said:

“I really enjoyed creating a menu that was something out of the ordinary, and to receive such high praise from the VIPs made the days of effort worthwhile.”

After lunch, the party went on a ship’s tour and met members of the ship’s company.

Chief Petty Officer David Bent, lead maintainer, and Engineering Technician (ET) ‘Buck’ Rogers briefed the visitors on the weapons systems.

Captain Chris Nightingale, RM, Officer Commanding the Royal Marines, outlined the role of the boarding team and Lieutenant Joseph Keane, Flight Commander, provided a brief on Montrose’s Lynx Mk8 helicopter.

ET Rogers said:

“It was a pleasure to meet a real Sheikh.

“He was very personable and asked some interesting questions about the maintenance and capability of the equipment I work on every day.”

After the Sheikh had signed the visitor’s book, Commander James Parkin, Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, said:

“It was an honour to host a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah on board my warship.

“His Highness seemed genuinely interested in and appreciative of the work that the Royal Navy is conducting in the region and had nothing but praise for the ship and for my ship’s company.”

[mappress]
Press Release, December 06, 2013; Image: Royal Navy