Minesweep sailors get Gulf medals

Jul 17 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

BRAVE sailors have been honoured for their dangerous work in clearing mines from the waters around Iraq. The crew of HMS Blyth has carried out a delicate operation over the last five weeks removing the deadly weapons from the Northern Persian Gulf.

Sailors on the Faslane-based ship have been awarded operational medals for playing the key role within a UK-led Task Group involving 22 Warships and over 600 personnel.

Operating in high risk regions of the Gulf, they have been working to remove the threat posed by mines left over from the Iran-Iraq war, during which thousands of explosives were laid.

The dangerous task was vital to secure economic shipping routes and has been tackled with distinction by the highly-trained crew.

Among the crew on board the vessel, which is currently still in Iraqi waters, is 22-year-old Steve Wilkinson, from Stakeford, Northumberland.

Mr Wilkinson, a marine engineering technician, is responsible for the maintenance of the ship’s propulsion and electrical generation systems.

It was the first time in his four-year service that he has been involved in operations of this kind, with his additional role of minigun aimer taking him on to the upper deck in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

Speaking from the ship, Mr Wilkinson said: “It is an especially proud moment for me, and for the rest of the ship’s company, to receive recognition for the work we’re carrying out in the Gulf.

“Mine clearance operations in the area are extremely important for maintaining and reopening the shipping routes, which are vital to support the region’s economy and to have been an active part of this work is a fantastic feeling.” Mr Wilkinson and the crew of HMS Blyth were presented with their medals by Vice-Admiral Paul Boissier, deputy commander-in-chief of the fleet, during a visit to the ship. Vice-Admiral Boissier said: “It is an honour to come on board and present these medals to the people who are doing the hard work on the front line.”

HMS Blyth’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Tim Green, said: “The Royal Navy’s mine clearance units, equipment and divers led the way in this highly important operation, which will ultimately see these areas re-designated as former mined areas and subsequently safe for the region’s mariners.

“I was delighted that Rear Admiral Boissier was able to present the medals. We are both very proud of the achievements of the Royal Navy and HMS Blyth during this recent operation and its very positive and long-lasting effect on the regional waters and local economies.”