Eastbourne sailor joins crew of new destroyer

AN EASTBOURNE sailor has joined the Royal Navy’s newest destroyer HMS Diamond.

After a busy summer of preparations, training and inspections, HMS Diamond has just entered its homeport of Portsmouth for the first time to begin its operational life.

Engineering technician (weapons engineering) Jack Goble, 20, from Pevensey Bay, attended Bishop Bell Church of England School and Park College before joining the Royal Navy last year.

HMS Diamond is the third of the Type 45 destroyers. At nearly 8,000 tonnes, they are the largest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever operated by the Royal Navy and the largest general purpose warships since the Second World War. The HMS Diamond’s primary role is to protect a naval task group or shipping from air attack and to provide cover for troops ashore.

Jack said, “I hope the opportunity of working onboard the Royal Navy’s newest ship will be good for my career.

“I am really quite excited about joining HMS Diamond as it represents new possibilities and prospects for me and for the Royal Navy.”

^{STORY SOURCE : EASTBOURNE HERALD 19 OCTOBER 2010}