#12 HMS Montrose | Cluedo on a ship? | Fancy a Brew?
In the latest episode of our podcast, join our three participants as they discuss life onboard HMS Montrose in the Gulf
☕️ Welcome to a behind the scenes look at the thirteenth episode of our podcast.
Today join Lieutenant George, Able Rate Maca and Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Chris, who are currently serving onboard HMS Montrose in the Gulf.
HMS Montrose is one of the Royal Navy’s thirteen Type 23 Frigates. She is stationed at HMNB Devonport, but supports missions all over the world.
Following the start of the Iran–Iraq War in September 1980, tensions were high in the region and as a result the Gulf became an unstable and fragile area.
Since then, the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been on patrol in the region 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year - helping promote peace and stability in the region and ensuring the safe passage of oil and trade.
Ensuring the free flow of international commerce is the Royal Navy’s top priority. It does this through the three principles of the mission: vigilance, surveillance and assurance.
Make sure to listen to the podcast episode here if you haven’t already👇
Take a look at some highlights from the episode below👇
HMS Montrose is currently deployed on Operation KIPION in the Gulf. Can you shed a bit of light on the role of HMS Montrose in the region?
Lieutenant George: “Operation KIPION is the British Armed Forces presence in the Middle Eastern region, conducting various operations within the region that could be anything from counter-narcotics to maritime security.”
“One of the key things that we do on HMS Montrose is keeping the Straits of Hormuz open, it is a key shipping lane. With us being an island nation, it is really important that we get those shipping lanes open as it gets us our links.”
How do you play Cluedo on a ship?
Able Rate Maca: “So whole ship Cluedo is where you have a big pot of names, a space onboard and an item, and then you get someones name, you get a place onboard and an item and you have to eliminate that person from the game by getting them in that place with that item at the same time. I got killed pretty quickly in that.”
Lieutenant George: “I managed to get the navigator down the ship’s office with a dart, that was pretty tricky, but thankfully I am still alive, and I currently have to get someone in the toilets with a CO2 fire extinguisher.”
What is the food situation like?
Lieutenant George: “The chefs have been really good. Obviously they provide us with three meals a day, and when we are in defence watches, they will provide meals almost every six hours. So you’ll get breakfast, lunch and dinner and a midnight meal as well, so they do really well to churn those out and they are all to a pretty decent quality.”
Able Rate Maca: “Food is a big morale booster on board I think, especially at sea. When you have had a long day or a long watch, I think the food is the most important thing for morale. If you have a bad meal, then it is not the best way to end the day.”
What is the living situation like?
PTI Chris: “I quite enjoy it. A lot of people civilian side would probably scrunch up their eyebrows at it but living with four to five people in one small area, it sounds quite off-putting, but actually you get a good bond and a good friendship role going on.”
Lieutenant George: “In my cabin, I live with one of the other officers of the watch and we almost use it like our office as well.”
“It almost feels like a big family onboard.” — Lieutenant George
