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HMS Prince of Wales Launches Commonwealth Network
25 May 2018
HMS Prince of Wales has officially launched their support network for Commonwealth sailors to celebrate and support their different cultures and wide diverse backgrounds.
The ship has an increasing number of Commonwealth sailors on board as work continues at a pace to prepare the ship to join the fleet.
Leading Hand Kevin Joseph, who grew up on the Island of Tobago, joined the Royal Navy to see the world and to do something that he loved. He has been involved in setting up the Commonwealth Network on board HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
LH Joseph was instrumental in organising the ship’s Commonwealth Network launch during a special celebratory ‘stand easy’ – naval slang for tea break - to mark the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
We wholeheartedly support the Commonwealth Network who can make the world of difference to our Commonwealth sailors and their families.
He said: “I want to keep the Commonwealth sailors on board HMS Prince of Wales informed about issues affecting us, whilst also providing positive role models and mentors to those in the wider Commonwealth Naval Service community.”
Able Rate Joshi Smith, who comes from the Island of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, said: “I wanted to join the Royal Navy since I was a young boy as I wanted to meet people, travel the world and follow in my sister’s footsteps, who served as a Writer for 15 years."
Now a Commonwealth Network member, Joshi, who has been a member of the Royal Navy for the past 14 months, heard about the Commonwealth Network through his colleagues.
He said: “It is important to be a part of the Commonwealth Network because I identify well with the network and what it is about.
“As someone who wants nothing but equality and diversity, this network is ideal for that reason.”
Lieutenant Commander Chris Wood, the Training Management Officer on board, said: “We wholeheartedly support the Commonwealth Network who can make the world of difference to our Commonwealth sailors and their families.”