‘I’m just a natural at sea, I never get sick... The rocking just sends me to sleep’

Oct 15 2007 by Katie Bodinger, South Wales Echo

TINA Jones says the best thing she ever did was ditch her factory job for a life on the high seas.

The 26-year-old, from Cardiff, joined the Royal Navy six years ago and hasn’t looked back.

Tina enjoyed a weekend of relaxation docked in Britannia Quay, Cardiff Bay, before her ship, the destroyer HMS Manchester, heads to the Northern Arabian Gulf for a seven-month mission with American troops.

But despite the many risks that lie ahead, the dedicated logistician said she can’t wait to be out there.

“I’ve never been worried about the thought of going into a war zone,” said Tina.

“My parents are always worried. But I don’t think about it. I’d prefer to be out there representing my country than sitting in a quiet office.

“It gives a meaning to your job. It’s what I’ve been trained to do.

“If anything does happen it shouldn’t be that scary because we’ve all been prepared to know how to deal with it.”

Tina, who lived in Grangemoor Court, Cardiff Bay, while she was based at HMS Cambria in Sully, decided to join the Navy after speaking to friends who had done the same.

She left her job working in a pine furniture factory and signed up at the age of 20.

Since then, she has travelled the world and built up lots of stories to tell along the way.

“There was nothing for me where I was brought up,” said Tina, whose parents live in Ammanford.

“I wanted to be doing a job that was fulfilling. My parents were really supportive. They’ve always backed me all the way. They’re really proud.”

She deals mainly with personnel issues and is responsible for the mountains of paperwork that come with running a war ship of this size.

But she insisted it is not an average desk job.

“There’s lots to do apart from admin’,” she said.

“I might be called to help with fire drills. I’ve been doing guard for the people coming on board this weekend. You don’t just get stuck in front of a computer all day. I love the fact that every day is different.”

As Tina walks around the ship, it is clear she is at home in her surroundings. She darts up and down narrow stairs with ease and knows the windy passageways off by heart.

Women first served “afloat” alongside men in 1990, and in 1993 women were fully integrated into all roles in the Royal Navy – nine per cent of officers are now female.

HMS Manchester has 250 crew members, 38 of whom are female.

Tina said being in a minority of women was not a problem.

“All the lads treat us well,” she said.

“They look after us. It’s nice having them there keeping an eye on us.”

The Type-42 war ship, the same class as the now decommissioned HMS Cardiff, carries powerful Sea Dart missiles which are designed to intercept attacking aircraft.

It has some of the most advanced radar and tracking systems in the world and everything on board is geared up to dealing with the threat of potential enemies.

The past year has been spent preparing for the operation with the United States Navy.

It will be the first time a British war ship of its kind will work as part of a US task force, helping protect the waterways in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

But away from the weapons, down in the mess, is the place where Tina can relax and unwind after a stressful day. She and 14 female colleagues call the compact living quarters home.

Tina sleeps on the top bunk in a tiny room, being the top of three beds, with another three opposite. Scores of photographs of her family are stuck to her wall.

“Our rooms are located towards the front of the ship, and it can get quite rough when we are at sea,” said Tina.

“At one time, I was pretty much standing up because I was being thrown around so much. But I quite enjoy it. I think I’m a natural at sea. I never get sick. Quite often, the rocking just sends me to sleep.”

Inside the small living room, flower lights give a warm cosy feel and a Marilyn Monroe picture decorates the wall.

“This is where we all chill out,” said Tina.

“If I’m feeling upset about something, I know I can come here and the girls will be there for me.

“We watch a lot of DVDs – mostly chick flicks. Charlotte’s Web is our favourite at the moment.”

Tina admitted it was hard being away from her family for long periods of time. Her dad, Bryan, is a retired miner, while mum Elaine works in a factory. Her brother Darrel, 31, is a self-employed builder.

“It can be difficult at times,” she said. “I do miss them. But I contact them whenever I can.

“If I get down, I’ll phone home and talk to my parents. They’ll cheer me up and I’ll be all right for the next couple of weeks.”

The ship’s last trip was to America, for training with the US Navy before they head off to the Middle East.

The crew were in New York for July 4, berthed near the Brooklyn Bridge and had the best view of the fireworks.

“I’ve never been to America before so it was great to visit,” said Tina.

“We got to wear our white uniforms and we were let straight up the Empire State Building and got into all the clubs for free.

“I love going to places I’ve never been before. When I go home, I’ve got so much to tell.”

Tina’s ambition is to stay in the Navy for as long as possible, gaining training and qualifications along the way.

“I love what I do,” said Tina, adding: “I don’t have time for a boyfriend or anything else – I’m too busy making the most of my job.”

katie.bodinger@mediawales.co.uk