Top Navy Chief Supports UKHO
The head of the Royal Navy visited the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) on Friday 7th December to get an update on the navigational services and charts the organisation provides. The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, spent the day with National Hydrographer Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff and UKHO Chief Executive Mike Robinson touring the facilities in Taunton and meeting staff.
During the visit Sir Jonathon was given the latest information and development plans for the defence services and products UKHO provides. He saw for himself first hand the operation of the Radio Navigational Warning Service, which sends out emergency chart information to mariners 24 hours a day, Electronic Navigational Chart production, submarine support services and the Source Data Receipt operation that receives and analyses chart information that comes in from all over the world.
His visit comes the day after UKHO announced major changes to its structure that will see 250-300 jobs reduced over the next five years as the organisation prepares to meet the digital needs of the 21st century Mariner.
Sir Jonathon said he had been impressed by the professional focus and enthusiasm. With regard to the earlier announcement the MoD has clearly set out the objectives and operational outputs expected of the UKHO and the First Sea Lord is looking forward to seeing the same world class UKHO products and services supplied to the Royal Navy and the commercial Mariner.
