Information flow in the Gulf: ET Seltzer & AB Noden
The small island of Bahrain in the Middle East is home to the UK Maritime Component Commander HQ (UKMCC), which is where the ships on operations, in the region, get their commands.
We spoke to both Engineering Technician Clemmie Seltzer and Royal Navy Reservist AB Jo Noden about their time working in Communications Information Systems (CIS) in Bahrain. 👇
ET WE (CIS) Clemmie Seltzer 📱
I am the initial point of contact for Information Technology for staff working in the United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander Headquarters (UKMCC HQ).
I am responsible for maintaining Communication Information Systems including force protection mobile phones. I also send signals to the ships at sea to ensure the Commander’s intent is passed forward to the ships and their mission is clear.
My journey here was a tough one, I left home Warwickshire and got a flight via Brize Norton. I was then travelling for over a day and arrived at approx. 0500 and slept for a few hours before straight into my first shift for handover.
It’s given me an insight into what happens on Operations. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be able to explore Bahrain and see what the Middle East has to offer in terms of variety of culture.
This 6-month deployment felt like a good opportunity to travel.
I have enjoyed supporting the Headquarters and ultimately supporting the ships at sea under UKMCC’s command. I get to see what the ships are getting up to and understanding the challenges they face when deployed so far from their homeport.
I enjoy being “in the loop” and know where the ships are and what they are doing in terms of the operations they are supporting.
AB Jo Noden ⚓️
I am a Royal Navy Reservist N6 (Comms) Watchkeeper working in the Headquarters of the UKMCC in Bahrain. I provide Communications and IT support for the headquarters. In my civilian life, I work for MOD security in Plymouth.
I originally joined the Royal Navy in 1988 as a non-seagoing/non-deployable Wren (Women’s Royal Naval Service). I was a radio operator for 7 years, but I then left to have a family.
20 years later, once the children had left the nest I wanted to re-join in order to do the things she couldn’t do initially. I joined the Royal Navy Reserves (RNR) in 2015 and was very keen to “Scratch the Itch”.
So, I am now on my first deployment in Bahrain. I was very interested in deploying, mainly out of curiosity to explore service life beyond the UK.
My highlights are being involved with sending signals to the ships which give permission for the boarding teams to search vessels. I enjoy knowing that my contribution is providing support to UK ships in this region.
Due to the current political climate in the Middle East, the Headquarters has been very busy and the role of an N6 watchkeeper has been particularly important to ensure information flow is maintained.
This has involved various boardings and drug seizures, which is always exciting and rewarding.
Read more about some of the women who are keeping Britain safe on deployment: 👇
