More beds completed for carrier crew
The second phase of innovative new modular accommodation for sailors working on the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier has been completed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
The two future aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are currently being built and fitted out in Rosyth. DIO runs MOD Caledonia and is supporting the carrier programme by providing site security, messing and recreational facilities, and accommodation for the carrier’s crew.
Before the project commenced, MOD Caledonia had 422 suitable bed spaces, which DIO calculated was 302 fewer than needed. The first phase of the work, a total of 36 cabins, was handed over to MOD Caledonia on schedule in August and the latest phase of 79 cabins is now complete.
The completion of the cabins comes shortly after a visit to MOD Caledonia by the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, during which he toured the accommodation and met personnel using the new rooms.
DIO Head of Establishment Peter Bush said:
“These new modular cabins were the best choice as they can be set up quickly and considerably more cheaply than building new accommodation from scratch in the traditional way. I know the sailors really appreciate living so close to the ship as well, which makes things much easier for them.”
Work is now progressing on the remainder of the units which are expected to be occupied by February 2016.
Ends
Press enquiries to Helen Pickering, Assistant Communications Officer 0121 311 2413 or email helen.pickering101@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Twitter: @mod_dio
Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/
Notes to Editors
1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations.
2. DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
3. Picture caption: Pictured left to right, DIO Head of Establishment Peter Bush, Engineering Technician Lorna Hay and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon meeting members of the Carrier crew living in temporary accommodation at MOD Caledonia. (Copyright: Aircraft Carrier Alliance)
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