After 15 days we are now some 4500 miles into our passage across the Atlantic with only about 500 miles to steam before we reach Gulfport USA tomorrow.

The weather is now much changed from that which we left behind in Portsmouth on 25 March with the air temperature consistently over 25 degrees and the sea temperature not far behind. Blue skies and sunshine are now the norm although we have experienced some spectacular tropical storms and lightening at times. The ship has warmed up considerably but the air conditioning keeps conditions manageable.. Everyone is turning brown, or in some cases red as we acclimatise to the hotter climate.

The ship has conducted a fairly busy programme of internal training and preparations for the exercises and trials that await us on our arrival. The improving weather has allowed us to devote time to work on the upper deck fixtures and fittings to get the ship looking as good as possible after the British winter. We have seen little in the way of other shipping since leaving British waters except for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tanker Oakleaf last Wednesday afternoon, who we met for some much needed fuel.

The program has allowed for some recreation of course including the start of a flight deck sports Olympiad between the messes, which began on Sunday 31st with a fast and furious game of bucket ball won by 3K mess. Additionally a regular quiz night takes place hosted by the Leading Physical Trainer. We also managed a welcome opportunity to go for a hands to bathe ( see photo) as we stopped in the water for an hour. We have also had a Flight Deck BBQ and the ships library of books and videos is also in demand.

Overall, we have made a positive start to the deployment. The ship's company has settled down well and everyone is in good form, looking forward to our short stop in Gulfport.