On board HMS Albion, Marine Engineers showcased their extraordinary skills.
When things break at sea, you can't just call the AA…If it wasn't for our fantastic engineers, we wouldn't be able to operate.
This example shows our Marine Engineers using parts they manufactured on board; displaying innovative solutions that keep the ship underway. pic.twitter.com/wk11g0FfHn
— HMS Albion (@hms_albion) May 18, 2023
In a recent tweet from the official HMS Albion account, it was said: “When things break at sea, you can’t just call the AA…If it wasn’t for our fantastic engineers, we wouldn’t be able to operate.”
The tweet emphasised the unique nature of their work environment and the pivotal role of engineers in keeping the ship operational.
The post further featured a remarkable example of their ingenuity: “Our Marine Engineers [are] using parts they manufactured on board; displaying innovative solutions that keep the ship underway.”
These dedicated professionals are responsible for creating on-the-spot solutions to ensure the ship remains functional and mission-ready. This involves manufacturing necessary parts on board, a testament to their resourcefulness and adaptability.
HMS Albion was participating in a large-scale military exercise designed to test Sweden’s defensive capabilities in the event of an armed attack. As part of a task group of ships and commandos sent into the Baltic Sea, Albion played central role in these operations.
The exercise involved 26,000 troops from 14 different nations. Conducting operations across the expansive Nordic nation, the Royal Navy was at the heart of the training, carrying out amphibious exercises under the leadership of Albion.
Yes, sounds almost like Tiffys. One of the expensive horror stories associated with the USA’s littoral combat ships revolves around an agreement that any work beyond basic ‘service level’ requires the exclusive attention of the constuctors own technicians. In effect, a continual income jamboree.
Standard fare for when the RN had Tiffs. Looks like Mazel Metal repair to an eroded cooling stack end plate.
As the Dept WO, I was forever telling my lot “OK you have ordered the parts to fix it which will arrive in our next port in XX weeks. So what are you going to do now to fix it and give the capability back to the Command?”
That was always the interesting and job satisfaction/ fulfilling part.
Robbing parts and components from other systems and onboard spares. Adapting them. Getting creative.
A great mate of mine and a radar maintainer kept 996 going for weeks with TOSLINK fibre obtic cable from a Hi Fi!
I am trying to think where 996 would have had a TOSLINK or even a fibre optic cable in it?
That would have had to the last, in service, mod which had the ‘aftermarket’ digitiser fitted and that linked it to the UNIX box I am guessing on a T22?
RT996 was never fitted to 22s, it was only on 23s & 45s (plus CVs, LPDs & LPH). I can’t think where or if it had f/o links in (maybe plot & track extractor?), but 997 is full of fibre, perhaps that is where the confusion is?
Sorry: you are 100% right. I’m getting confused. Do you perhaps mean T42 rather than T45?
Thanks for the informed correction!
Don’t tell the MoD about this kind of approach as it could save millions and cut years of repair and development time.
The last time I called the AA, a clueless fat bloke from a Dudley Garage rocked up covered in oil and driving a beaten up old recovery vehicle, with fewer tools in his cab than I had in my Defender!
The AA is certainly not what it once was, so the RN best not bother calling them out…….😂😂
It’s should be called the pick up service.
I had a car that made a clunk going round a roundabout. Few miles later it died. Call the AA and he must of asked 20 times is the fuel in it. He even still asked for money to go fill a Jerry can! I had half a tank it’s not the fuel. The engine is broken u half wit.
Asked him for a tow.
The next guy came to get me to go get a courtesy car the next day. Took me to the airport, we went to the flying club had a coffee and his mate took us out for an hour in his little plane! After that went and got the car.
I think there is a leader in Russia, that could use the British engineer’s tho assist in mending a very smokey Aircraft carrier. I personally think the UKs naval engineers would have it sorted in a jiffy.
Keep up the good work.
MY dad was a chief tiff back in the 40/50/60 s and he made a part in those days and on the smaller ships he did it mostly on his own in the blackie shop plumber /chippie blacksmith and even electric s when needed but the navy has change