HMS Kent rejuvenates Lord Nelson

A small team from HMS Kent spent a day assisting the Jubilee Sailing Trust, an international, UN accredited disability charity that promotes integration through the challenge of adventure of tall ship sailing.

Led by Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Will Kilbey, from Shilton in Warwickshire, the team of HMS Kent’s engineers were there to assist with the refurbishment of the STS Lord Nelson. 

Arriving for an early start, the enthusiastic team were rewarded a cup of tea and some breakfast, before being split into groups to work alongside the engineering staff on-board STS Lord Nelson,  carrying out some much needed maintenance in the galley, on the capstans and on the fresh water pumps. 

Also taking a break from their own duties on-board the Portsmouth based Type 23 Frigate were Sub Lieutenant Edward Smith, LET(ME) Mike Watson, from Milton Keynes, and ET(ME)s Mike Lawledge-Evans, from Staffordshire and Adam Churn, from Telford.  

ET(ME) Kilbey said “It was a very rewarding experience and beneficial both for the Trust, who were grateful for the extra hands, and for us as well. 

“As a group of junior engineers working alongside the ship’s own engineers, some of whom are ex-service, it exposed us to a different way of working and to an environment where funding and tool availability is dependent so much on charitable donations.” 

STS Lord Nelson’s next stop, after her maintenance period in Southampton, is the slightly sunnier surroundings of the Canary Islands, whilst HMS Kent will be alongside in Devonport preparing for a major refit to ensure she’s prepared for the future challenges that the Royal Navy is likely to face.