Warship - the 2008 TV version

[spheroid]

Regarding tonights episode, there was a segment about the laundry run by the Chinese gentlemen. I know that it has been naval tradition for the laundrymen to be from Hong Kong and that they're very efficient. I'm curious to know what status do they have within a naval world. Are they civilian or military or a completely separate entity. How are they vetted regarding security, bearing in mind their country of residence ?

They used to come rom HK but since we gave it back they tend to come from anywhere at the moment. They are civilians and treated as civilians (in 1982 they were given the option to stay at home - most of them remained). I don't think they have any security clearance as they simply do the washing and ironing.

[taxydual]

I recall a story from years ago that whilst at anchor in HK, a very junior Midshipman aboard a very big Aircraft Carrier instructed the duty Telegraphist to send a signal to the shore base that read "Send Admiral's woman aboard".

This was followed (after a major bo££ocking from the Commander) by a correction signal that read "insert 'washer' between Admiral's and woman".

I know it's pointless, but I'm bored.................I'll get my coat, then.

[I'm Off!]

What an embarrassment this series is to the men and women of the RN that are currently operating in Iraq/Afghanistan. I'm afraid to say that the only sentiment that I felt on watching this was that I cannot wait to leave this amateurish tinpot organisation!!

[x213a]

I'm curious to know what status do they have within a naval world. Are they civilian or military or a completely separate entity. How are they vetted regarding security, bearing in mind their country of residence ?

The "Chorgis" normally keep themselves to themselves and many often live and sleep in the laundry compt. On some ships the elect to live in a messdeck with No1 laundryman sometimes using the senior rates mess. They are treated as civilian but have the same privileges as whatever mess they allocated such as senior rates mess= spirits in the mess and senior rates dining hall etc. Many are very good charachters on board.

Naafi staff are essentially the same but the Canteen manager (canman) belongs to the sr mess whilst the cannass is normally with the jr's. Some do get carried away with it and think they are chiefs because they belong to that mess though but are usually quickly "corrected".

[taxydual]

Why an embarrassment?

It's shows the usual drunks/cock up's/SNAFU's/bull****/warts and all situations that are part of normal service life.

However, as always, when the chips are down...............out comes the professionalism. Wait and watch. Then, if you are so minded, condemn.

Regards

[SOTV]

On one ship we had 2 lots of Chogeys. One in the laundry and another couple set up a Jewing shop turning out No1s, 2s, 8s, boxer shorts, excellent tropical rig and custom made civvy suits, shirts etc. I remember getting a 'tiddly No1 suit' made out of lightweight barathea. No zip, button flap 32" bells with lead shot in the hem. Zipless jumper with low cut front. 2 white fronts, 1 collar, one silk and tapes for £40.

Quite the little Jackmedhobeybucket.

Number 1 dhobeyman died on that deployment. Spent 2 months in the freezers before we got him back to Guzz.

[x213a]

Most Jimmys ban chorgi made tropical shorts & shirts nowadays.

[SOTV]

Pussers sandals were obviously made from old Maltese donkey pelts that had been in store since Aladdin was a lad. I spent two weeks treating them to saddle soap and the ministrations of a sailmakers fid but still got blisters upon blisters. Chogey sandals were the norm from the skipper down.

I hear tales from my own and old oppos sons that are serving today and it seems most of the fun has left the house now.

Sad times.

[buoy15]

HMS Superb EXO Lt Cdr John Aitken demonstrated good leadership - he spoke to the ships company 'warts and all' - perhaps this dour sod of a PM could speak to his government along the same lines and then remove most of the warts before the Tory's remove them all

[exscribbler]

Last night

Nothing about last night's episode, yet?

For what it's worth, I thought it was unremittingly dreadful apart from when the Harriers came aboard, although I was surprised the RAF pilots weren't complaining about the accommodation.

The narrator talked about floors instead of decks (they even call them decks on cruise liners, FFS!), we were breathlessly informed that the engine in a Harrier can lift 10 family cars, gormless uninterested trainee "it's boring" PWO wanting to be a bean-counter so she can be with her boyfriend, etc., etc.. This was the greatest dumbing-down of all time.

Ct all-by mighty, is it come to this?

[frostbite]

Typical C5 treatment of a potentially good subject.

The BBC version was so much better, all those years ago.

[airborne_artist]

It has to be said that the Subby PWO-to-be was about as dull as a wet Wednesday in Skegness. A good example of a graduate having had an easy-ish three years at university and not being able to get her head round Service life. She may have lasted longer in a smaller ship, perhaps? The little steward has more going for her, and that's saying something.

I guess the reality is that until there's a war/major civil emergency, life at sea is much like life elsewhere, routine and not full of life/death moments 24/7. Not really a big surprise.

I remember quite a few leaving BRNC and finding it a bit of a let down. One was a Divisional Sub Lt who had thoroughly enjoyed the status of being a big fish in small pond, and found the small fish/big pond thing too hard. He left.

[Union Jack]

I sadly have to agree with the general tenor of remarks about the latest episode - the Navy has obviously no great say on what does or does not go out.

I also totally agree with AA's point about how the junior Warfare Officer would have been much better off in a frigate or destroyer - more responsibility and, ergo, more job satisfaction much sooner.

On a higher level, it does seem rather odd that Cdr (Air), who I believe hasn't previously had a look-in, didn't even get interviewed when the Harriers landed on or were launched. And as for the young pilot's remarks about the ship's company complaining about the inconvenience of the squadrons being embarked .... Reminds me of the old mnemonic for the bugle call sounding the Alert when an officer of flag rank boards or leaves a ship - "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be here"!

On an even higher level (relatively speaking), I had to smile when I saw that the Commander-in-Chief - No, not George Bush! - was wearing what I believe were US Navy white shoes! And no, he - rather like the captain (who seems to keep a very low profile) didn't get enough airtime either.

Jack

PS AA - Still hoping for a reaction to my April PM ....

[4mastacker]

The BBC version was so much better, all those years ago.

Yes, a programme with a decent signature tune about a proper aircraft carrier with what were, IMHO, proper aircraft and some real characters - 'Uncle' Tom (the Master at Arms), in particular. He would have sorted out that lady u/t Weapons Officer in short order - not that there were any females serving on the Ark in those days (though I did have my doubts about a couple of killicks on 892 when they were disembarked to Leuchars).

[Flugplatz]

And you can bet there were a few blokes who were desperate to go to the Warfare branch but didn't get it because it was 'under-represented with women'.

It could be a great series but of course only the most banal and trivial incidents and comments make it onto the screen. There is virtually nothing about the roles and duties of those on board or about the capability of the deployed ships.
It never ceases to amaze me that mil pers seem to forget that ANYTHING they say or do may be broadcast (Harrier pilot going on about peeing in a bottle and 'drunken' 'Bish falling into the sea - they probably recorded several hours of good interviews with these two where they talked well about the job and the satisfaction, but of course none of that is going to get on the screen). Shame, there must be a lot of good work going on, and real stories - all passed up for Big Brother-style bolleaux

Flug

[Green Flash]

What do the laundry men do when the ship is under attack? You know what I mean! - everyone on board has a duty ie firefighting, so what does the dhobi wallahs do?

[Navaleye]

Not a patch on Sailor

A "Strike Carrier" with 4 aircraft on the biggest exercise of the year. Hmnnn You will never have a properly cohesive unit without a dedicated CAG. Everyone knows the current arrangement is a load of BS. I gave up watching it.

[Wycombe]

Even the more recent "HMS Brilliant" series was much better.

I think the thing I learnt most about from last nights show was the "no touching" rule, nothing really of substance about the ship, or what it can do.

Is 4 GR9's really as much as she can carry with Merlin aboard aswell?

If so, roll on getting some proper carriers

[It's Not Working]

Airborne said:

It has to be said that the Subby PWO-to-be was about as dull as a wet Wednesday in Skegness. A good example of a graduate having had an easy-ish three years at university and not being able to get her head round Service life. She may have lasted longer in a smaller ship, perhaps? The little steward has more going for her, and that's saying something.

Strange, or perhaps refreshing, that 2 people can watch the same program and come away with opposing opinions. I felt desperately sorry for the Subby PWO-to-be. She had the nous to get a degree, a commission in the Royal Navy and survive x weeks at BRNC only to find her professional training as dull as a wet Wednesday in Skegness. I am sure she’ll be a loss to the service. As for the steward! I would imagine (hope) that she is hanging her head in embarrassment at last night’s episode as will her parents be. I thought these youngsters had a ‘sea-daddy’ to stop them making fools of themselves, where was he when it mattered? Top marks to the Captain’s chef however, do they all eat that well or was it a TV-meal?

Best fly-on-the-wall I can remember was Army Pilot, if I had my life again (and the eyesight)...

[exscribbler]

4mastacker: Was that the same hardb*stard Master who was in tears when he saw the Ark being cut up at Cairnryan? Despite rumours to the contrary, Masters are human. Just think, that was in 1980 - a lifetime ago.

HMS Brilliant? Who can forget Captain Rapp and his eyepatch?