EDITORIAL

JOIN the Navy and see the world. This was once the Royal Navy's main recruitment slogan but with Britain's withdrawl from its overseas territories many thought that this catchy phrase was no longer appropriate. The Royal Navy would be centred around Europe and the fleet was scaled down as a direct result. These days the Royal Navy is a fraction of the size of the U.S. Navy and its equipment, is in some cases outdated and elderly. But the Royal Navy, led by the aircraft carrier Ark Royal presently moored in Palma, has once again shown that it is capable of operating thousands of miles away from home with limited equipment. The Ark Royal itself is almost as old as many of her crew. But what is evident, and I was reminded of this fact again yesterday when I went aboard the carrier, is the great quality of the personnel which serve in the Royal Navy. They are second to none and probably the failings of some of the equipment is made-up by crews who are world-beaters. The officers I spoke to yesterday enthused how proud they were of the ship's company and how well they had performed in very difficult and in some cases, dangerous conditions. Their average age is 23 so you can safely say that many are in their late teens. They worked up to 15 hours a day within sight of the Iraqi coast with the ship effectively sealed in case of chemical attack. I am not going to get involved in the rights and wrongs of this senseless war. It would not be appropriate as the people I have mentioned above were just doing what they were told. The Royal Navy is not as big as it once was but it certainly has the same calibre of people. Once British troops were committed the majority of the British public gave their support. They are quite right, one thing that Britain can pride itself on is the quality of its forces. And to the crew of the Ark Royal and York enjoy yourself in Majorca you deserve it.