A WIRRAL sailor is back home in the UK following a six months trip on board the Royal Navy warship HMS Cumberland, which included four months in the Gulf.
The ship a Type 22 frigate was helping to enforce United Nations trade sanctions in the Gulf as well as strengthening military and diplomatic ties in the region during visits to ports in Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
And among the crew of 260 men and women was 18-year-old Mike Reid, from Wallasey. The former Mosslands Secondary School pupil, a marine engineer mehcanic helping to maintain the ship's engines, did get one 'break' from duty, though. He fractured a bone in his hand in Dubai and flew home for four weeks while he recovered from the injury.
Also on board Cumberland for part of the trip was Guyan Kendall-Torry, of Heswall, who spent six weeks with the ship as part of his officer's training.
The 19-year-old, educated at Calday Grange Grammar School, flew to Dubai shortly after the New Year to learn about aspects of Navy life, including navigation, weapons systems and catering.
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