I am the lone percussionist in the Band for this deployment, so I know I will be kept busy with nearly all the musical combinations. Musically I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. As for whatever else lies before us, I am obviously apprehensive and look forward to returning home safely to my family in Plymouth.

Days 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
During this period we were able to see the dominating feature of the Rock of Gibraltar as the ship made its way towards the eastern Mediterranean with other ships of the Task Group. During the passage a good training routine has been established to provide the Band with a varied but appropriate program of events. Under the guidance of CSgt Dave Sharp, PT is a regular daily occurrence and the Band is already seeing the benefit from it. Musn Karl 'Elmo' Elwell is looking to become 'Slimmer of the Year' by shedding 12lbs in nearly two weeks. Training in Casualty Handling intensified with drills on the flight deck and throughout the PCRF. Most of the musical combinations are up and running and beginning to do the odd gig around the ship. The Ceilidh Band performed in the Officer's Lounge and Junior Rates mess for the 'Burn's Night' celebrations on consecutive evenings. Church is also a regular item on the agenda and gives the Band an opportunity to show off their talents.

Day 13
We are now off the coast of Cyprus for a major exercise. Frustratingly, we can only look at the mountains in the distance and not step foot on them. Congratulations to CSgt Dave Sharp and Cpl Shuggie McGleish who celebrated their birthdays today, however, circuit training continued even on Dave's birthday. More lectures to attend and a concert band rehearsal in the noisiest hangar in NATO.

Day 14
As the exercise continues we continue to integrate into the PCRF. I am assigned to the Operating Theatre where I learn about the cleaning and sterilizing of surgical instruments. During the day, Port watch receive seven reluctant casualties from the exercise. The system works.

Day 15
In the morning we were able to put into practise the lessons learnt from our Casualty Handling by moving a patient from the facility back to the flight deck to be taken ashore. This evolution worked extremely well and gave the opportunity for the plane spotters on the ship to witness an ageing Wessex helicopter land on deck. Apparently there are not many of them still flying, but Dave Sharp remembers them well. The day continues with more stores arriving and for me, cutting hair.

Day 16
Circuits begin the day. Our work rate in circuits is on the up as we become fitter. More kit is issued and we are rapidly running out of places to stow it. In the afternoon, we commence our first Dance Band rehearsal. Musn Claire Cooper makes her first tentative steps towards becoming a Disco Diva, under the guidance of Cpl Shuggie McGleish. I sustain several blisters from thrashing my drum kit.

Day 17
Inoculations take their toll as several members of the Band have to miss circuit training due to sore arms. Oh well, every cloud has a silver lining! The Big Band managed a very constructive rehearsal in the quieter environment of the High Dependency ward. After this we receive a call that a casualty is on his way to the ship. We receive the casualty on a stretcher and then take him down on the lift only for him to climb off the stretcher and into the facility! Are we miracle workers?

Day 18
A relaxing day for the Band and that gives everyone the opportunity to get on the upper deck as we transit the Suez Canal. In the evening the Ceilidh Band had a gig in the Senior Rates mess. After a slow start, they warm to us and we all enjoyed a good night.

Day 19
Temperatures are rising as we enter the very calm Red Sea and so the church service is conducted on the flight deck. The flight deck was utilised in the afternoon for some horse racing, BBQ and music provided by the Big Band that went down very well. The best day so far ended with the flight deck movie, 'The Italian Job'.

Musn Kev Harvey

Exercise Casualty Handling

When the Band first joined the ship they took part in various Training Exercises. Here is a brief story in pictures of one of the many exercises that the Band have been taking part in.

We have called this... Exercise: Casualty Handling

1	2
Waiting...	for the helicopter to arrive.
3	4
The move to the helicopter.	The Helicopter handler signals safe
5	6
to leave the area of the helicopter	with the first serious casualty.
7	8
Another team moves in	to collect the walking wounded
9	10
before being told it is safe to leave the area	with the walking wounded.
11
Endex and a chance to talk through the exercise