Writing this Foreword for the Ship's Magazine suddenly seems to bring the end of the commission very close. We look forward to returning to our families and to new jobs so I don't suppose that at this moment, many of us feel really sad. That is the nature of things. Nevertheless we, 180 of us, have lived, and some even worked, together for eighteen months in the close confines of this ship. We have shared experiences, perhaps some we'd prefer to forget; we have made friendships which will last the rest of our lives. Throughout all this we have had one thing in common - Our Ship.
It is not easy to say what I wish to now without seeming a little fatuous: The Ship, her appearance and efficiency, has been a source of considerable pride to me and, I hope, to you, for it is you who have made her so. I think you are a fine Ship's Company, you have worked hard and from time to time it has been obvious that you've played hard as well; that is how it should be.
The Ship, our home for the last eighteen months, is now some fifteen years old. She has not had the gentlest of lives so it is hardly surprising that it takes a lot of work to keep her spruce and running. You have done that and have reason to be proud of the results of your efforts. We have steamed a long way and only once, at the beginning of the commission, been unable to meet a commitment.
Many of us were volunteers to serve on this station but whether we were or not, I do not think that there can he more than a few who will say that they have not enjoyed themselves out here. We have been lucky in the number and variety of places we have visited, probably luckier than any of our contemporaries. But I hope that some of your enjoyment has stemmed from our being a happy ship and that in the years to come you will look back and say that this was a good commission.
It has been a great pleasure to me to have served with you all and I hope we will meet again. Thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the commission.
I hope you all have a good Foreign Service leave - you've earned it; and I wish everyone the best of good fortune in whatever the future may hold.
Commander R von T B
Kettle RN
Captain