Sparker's Talk

[Pelican]

I have not seen this one before.
Sent as received - not my spelling mistake.

[Pelican]

From Ken Sutton:
Have just uploaded Pete Browns memoires of his time as a Communicator in the RN - great memories especially for those that served in/on the FES.
COMMSMUSEUM.CO.UK
www.commsmuseum.co.uk

[Pelican]

O.M.[C.]

Home Town Story. An official RN publicity photo of Emily Rabey, taken on 15 November 2005 when she was aged 18. She joined the Royal Navy in 2003 as an Operator Mechanic (OM) specialising in Communications. Born in Morriston, Swansea, she attended Morriston Comprehensive School prior to joining the Navy.

When the photo was taken, she was serving on the Type 22 frigate HMS CUMBERLAND and her main jobs included driving the Ship, undertaking armed sentry duties as well as working as a communications operator and mechanic. Whilst she was ship’s company, OM(C) Rabey visited the USA and many countries in the Caribbean including Grenada and Grand Cayman, which she particularly enjoyed due to their idyllic nature. She also enjoys travelling and meeting new people and cultures.

Not long before this photo was taken, OM(C) Rabey was on HMS CUMBERLAND during a short deployment to the Caribbean on Counter Drugs Operations (CD Ops) and Hurricane relief operations when the ship carried out a £200 million drugs bust.

Image by LA(Phot) Gregg Macready
"The badge is the generic om's badge with the c added for comms"

[Pelican]

New radios ordered for Royal Navy and RFA ships
DE&S has signed a £23 million agreement to provide Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships with new radios.

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Ministry of Defence procurement organisation, has signed a £23 million agreement to provide Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships with new radios.

The radios will be installed on 39 ships in total, including Type 23 Frigates, survey and ice patrol vessels, minehunters and RFA supply ships and will be used to communicate with other ships, ports and aircraft during operations.

They will replace numerous older radios. As more modern pieces of equipment they are easy to use and can be updated via software and operated remotely.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said:

“These radios will provide UK warships and supply vessels with an essential link to the outside world, both in home waters and on operations around the world.

This cutting-edge technology will ensure that in the face of intensifying threats, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel have the tools they need to stay readily and securely connected. This cutting-edge technology will ensure that in the face of intensifying threats, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel have the tools they need to stay readily and securely connected”

Under the contract, Thales will develop, fit and support a V/UHF radio solution which includes the acquisition of around 300 Rohde & Schwarz radios.
DE&S Director Ships Support Russell Brown said:

“Delivering these radios will ensure that UK sailors at sea will stay connected with the world around them, performing an essential role in defence of our national security and interests. DE&S has contracted with Thales to design, integrate and support cutting-edge V/UHF radio technology to the fleet, providing essential capability on which the Royal Navy and RFA depends, at best value to the taxpayer.”

The first radio will enter service on a Type 23 Frigate in 2020, with all radios due to be delivered and installed by the end of 2023.

Source - https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-rad ... zBqteqn2Dg

[DaveH]

A long way from our TBL ,TBM ,SWB8,87 Series TCS, 618, 619, and eventually the series to dream about the 600's Days Dave, but if it fails can they read morse at 25+ thru static ?

Modern technology is great but look at O2 yesterday . Take out the satellites and we are back to square zero and a good pair of ears.

Last time I saw today's Navy using Aldis was on an Illustious open day . Two "buntings! each end of the Hangar with an Aldis - I asked each one what they sent ........ good reply but I read it . What a load of cod's cos' Joe public would not have been any the wiser.

Old Ch Tel I may be but stupid I ain't.

Nevertheless , I wish them well but be honest .

[Pelican]

The development of a new generation of pioneering British deployable satellite antennas has been boosted following a £1m MoD investment, according to the department.
“The antenna will be exclusively developed in the UK by Oxford Space Systems (OSS). It will make the UK the first European country with the capability of a flight-proven parabolic deployable antenna. The lighter weight of the ‘wrapped-rib’ antenna means it can be transported to space more efficiently at less expense. This is critical in an industry where launch costs are high.”
Full article at - https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-inv ... 2AbiKAMLac

[Pelican]

An old friend of old, some say ancient, Sparkers.

"Latest edition to the museum - found lurking in the CHC (Collingwood Heritage Collection) store room. Thanks to the CHC guys who brought it back to life with a good clean, replaced some valves and tidied up the wiring. Goes well with the B40/B41 collection."

[Pelican]

GANGES 53 Recruitment. Collingwood 284 Class, passing out October 1963.

Anyone in this Class Steve Newton would like to contact you - advise and I will adz you how to contact Steve.

[Pelican]

D.A. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYhrSEERvbI
See the comments.

[DaveH]

Awesome David , I only knew one guy RN who could match that and he was my great mentor and oppo Ron Hill [RCI] a Scouser from Magull in Liverpool .
He was my Insturctor for my Killick's Course and RS's Course . We served together Malta 1958 , him at STC Manoel Island , me at Lascaris . Again when on the same Squadron 1972/4 , he on Charybdis , me on Lynx . When he eventually finished his sixth five he became a leading light in the Amateur World Operating from HMS Plymouth [Liverpool] and HMS Belfast [London] and from Home practically 24/7 until he passed aaway. He was music to the ears on a bug , a skill I never acquired to any degree that was readable . Great memories RIP RONNIE .