On Board HMS Duncan: Ensuring security in the Gulf.
Lieutenant Max Chapman, Officer Commanding Royal Marines describes his highlights, challenges and learning experience as leader of the boarding team on HMS Duncan.
As Royal Marines, we fall under the Royal Navy but much of our structure, training, and implementation resemble the British Army. This meant that there was a steep learning curve for life onboard a Royal Navy warship.
My first challenge when joining HMS DUNCAN was adjusting from being in command of 30 Royal Marines as a rifle troop commander to leading the boarding team.
“Constantly working with the small team in such close confines has proven very rewarding as it has allowed me to get to know the Marines and has allowed the team to bond in a way impossible in a conventional troop.”
The boarding team quickly integrated into the Ship’s Company but there remains a good-natured banter between the ‘Bootnecks’ (Royal Marines) and ‘Matelots’ (RN sailors).
The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been managing the expectations and morale of my team. I have command of a highly motivated and highly trained team, capable of engaging in complicated and dangerous operations in an unforgiving environment. However, it has can be difficult to keep the team engaged throughout the deployment when the ship conducts activities that we cannot always directly support.
HMS Duncan being redeployed to conduct maritime security operation (Op Kipion) in the Gulf has provided a great opportunity to change this for my team. With the shift in operating areas and increased threat, there is more of a role for my team in protection for the ship and using our capabilities in defence of British flagged shipping.
The deployment has given me a thorough insight into the life and experiences of our brothers and sisters in the Royal Navy, vital for us as part of the Service and as the UK’s amphibious capability.
The thing I miss the most about home is food. Being able to choose your own ‘scran’ (food), constant access to fresh fruit and vegetables, or the opportunity to go out for a nice meal are luxuries you don’t appreciate until you lose them. These make the occasional port stops and care packages all the more anticipated and appreciated.
All in all, I’ve enjoyed my time on ship for the novel experiences around the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and now the Gulf, as well as the exposure to life on a warship.
When I get home I look forward to spending time with my friends and family, going away travelling, and most importantly, getting some decent ‘scran’.
Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here:
