Community

Cardigan Bay delayed by crew shortage after vital Gaza mission

Published

3 months ago

September 17, 2024

THE Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Cardigan Bay, renowned for its recent humanitarian efforts in Gaza, has returned to UK shores but faces an unexpected obstacle. The vessel is currently stuck in Portland due to a lack of available sailors, delaying its planned journey to Falmouth for a vital refit.

The Cardigan Bay arrived in Portland in early September after more than two years on operations abroad, including a high-profile mission supporting humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Gaza. Despite her distinguished service, the ship cannot proceed to the A&P shipyard in Falmouth, where she is due for a Lloyd’s survey and much-needed maintenance. Crew shortages have left the RFA struggling to find enough certified personnel to navigate the ship on what should have been a routine passage.

During her deployment, Cardigan Bay was re-tasked from operations in the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean in March 2024, where she played a pivotal role in supporting US-led efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The vessel provided accommodation for over 200 US Army personnel working to build a temporary floating pier, allowing essential supplies to reach the region.

**US Army personnel serving as the force protection team for the Gaza humanitarian aid operation pose for a team photo on board the Cardigan Bay, May 2024 (Photo: US Army)**

Despite technical challenges on board, including unreliable air conditioning and satellite communications, Cardigan Bay‘s crew displayed exceptional resilience in the face of difficult conditions. Captain Mark Colley praised the team for their “professionalism and resolve” as they helped deliver 8,800 tonnes of food aid, a vital lifeline for the people of Gaza. The operation, however, received little attention from international media, overshadowed by other global events.

Now back in the UK, the Cardigan Bay is caught in a personnel crisis that reflects broader issues within the RFA. For years, the organisation has relied on the goodwill of its mariners to keep operations running, but a long-standing dissatisfaction over pay and working conditions has reached a breaking point. This shortage of sailors has not only delayed the Cardigan Bay‘s refit but also threatens the future operational capabilities of other RFA ships, such as RFA Tidespring, which is also stranded in Portland.

“It’s a worrying sign for the future of the RFA,” one insider commented. “In the past, we could have found volunteers for a short passage like this, but morale has hit rock bottom.”

The situation raises concerns about the RFA’s ability to maintain its fleet and fulfil its essential roles. As a key part of the Royal Navy’s auxiliary force, the RFA supports military operations worldwide, providing logistics, mine countermeasures support, and humanitarian assistance. The inability to crew ships risks undermining these critical functions at a time of increasing global instability.

In stark contrast to the Cardigan Bay’s quiet homecoming, HMS Diamond, which had escorted her through the treacherous Bab el Mandeb Strait, was met with fanfare upon returning from its own challenging deployment. The lack of celebration for Cardigan Bay speaks volumes about the struggles now facing the RFA.

The ship’s delayed refit is expected to cause only minor disruptions in the short term, but longer-term concerns loom large. With a dwindling pool of certified sailors, there is growing speculation that some RFA vessels may never return to active service after undergoing maintenance.

As residents of Cardigan and the wider West Wales area take pride in the ship that bears their town’s name, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cardigan Bay and the RFA as a whole will undoubtedly be of great concern.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

15 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”