The Last Commission:

Work Up Phase III

7-14 October 1977

Our return to the Moray Firth on the 7^th was in poor weather conditions and very little fixed wing flying took place over the next few days. However the rotary wing continued with their flying tasks and the ship exercised Shelter Stations and other evolutions in readiness for the ORI. The darken ship canvas drapes added yet another obstacle to one’s movement around the ship.

FOCAS, Rear Admiral W. D. M. Staveley arrived on board during the afternoon of Monday 10^th, and it was hoped that everyone knew the various drills and procedures that might be asked of them.

Before the ORI got underway, Commander M.H.G. Layard took over as Cdr (Air) from Commander R. J. Northard – what a time to take over, but what better time to leave!! The ORI began at 1000 on Tuesday 11^th October and continued until 2230 on the 12^th, and throughout the period, AGR’s and life jackets were common sights. The main day of the ORI was the 12^th with the emphasis on flying operations and a major NBCD exercise between day and night flying. Throughout the two days the Command kept the ship’s company well informed of what was happening as the FOCAS staff moved about the ship handing out their little brown envelopes containing new evolutions.

Throughout the period everyone pulled his weight and this was evident from what Admiral Staveley said to us over the ship’s broadcast just before he left early on the 13^th. He told us that we had achieved a satisfactory ORI.

The final evolution before leaving the Moray Firth was a TOWEX, when HMS ARK ROYAL towed RFA RESOURCE during the forenoon of the 14^th. Another success for the Seaman Branch. One of the passengers to be embarked from RAF Lossiemouth was the Right Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Walmsley – Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain and Vicar General to the Royal Navy.

He spent the following few days seeing us at work and at rest; as well as visiting ships in company.

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