HMS Quorn, RFA Cardigan Bay Represent Royal Navy at DIMDEX

HMS Quorn has been flying the flag for the Royal Navy at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX).

The Portsmouth based minehunter, currently deployed in Bahrain, was representing the Royal Navy along with Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Cardigan Bay as part of a contingent of 18 ships from different nations.

In excess of 9,000 visitors from over 50 nations visited Qatar to take part in the event.

The UK was one of only two nations to contribute more than one vessel. HMS Quorn and RFA Cardigan Bay demonstrated their capabilities while delegates were able to tour the ships and meet members of the ships’ companies.

HMS Quorn opened her doors to visitors from many nations and provided demonstrations of her Seafox Remote Controlled Mine Disposal System and other equipment used by the Mine Clearance Diving team.

At the convention centre, sailors from HMS Quorn met with the delegates, reinforcing the strong Royal Navy presence. They were also given the rare opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with some of the cutting edge equipment on display at the event – from rifles to radars!

Able Seaman (Mine Warfare) Connah “Bungy” Williams attended the convention and enjoyed being able to explore the new technology on offer.

He said: “It was great to get to grips with some of the cutting edge kit out there and to talk about the equipment we use.”

Sub-Lieutenant Tom Bell-Williamson, one of HMS Quorn’s Junior Officers, also attended and said: “It was my first time at an event like this, and the biggest thing that struck me was the sheer number of delegations attending from so many nations.”

On the second evening, RFA Cardigan Bay hosted a reception welcoming a broad range of international delegates from military, industry and government. The event was an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance relationships with regional and international colleagues.

HMS Quorn’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Stuart Yates added: “We were delighted to participate in DIMDEX 2014 and I am very pleased with the outcome of the week.

“The Royal Navy has a strong bond with Qatar and the visit further enhanced the relationship between our two countries.”

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Press Release, April 23, 2014; Image: Royal Navy