Executive Department
The Executive Department is a comparatively small team that forms the backbone of all whole ship activities; responsible for routines, discipline, cleaniliness, security, health and safety and many other varied but important roles. At the head of the Department is the Ship's second in command; the Executive Officer (XO) or as he is known on Ark Royal 'The Commander'. He is responsible to the Captain for the smooth running of the Ship and the general well being of the Ships Company.
To achieve this he is assisted by a dedicated team of Officers and Ratings:
The First Lieutenant is the Deputy Head of the Executive Department, overseeing the the day-to-day running of the department for The Commander and he is chairman of the Management Group, who are responsible for delivering the Ship's short term an medium term programme, ensuring Ark Royal and her Ship's Company are at the optimum level of training and ready to deploy anywhere in the world at five days notice. Other responsibilities include the security of the ship, health and safety, discipline and the morale and welfare of the Ship's Company. He is also the Senior Bridge Watch-keeper and the seamanship officer and the Command Equality and Diversity advisor.
The First Lieutenant in Ark Royal is supported by the Second Lieutenant, whose main responsibilities are as an Officer of the Watch on the Bridge, as a Fire and Repair Party Officer when Ark Royal is at Action Stations and as the Commander's Assistant. He is also the Assistant Health and Safety Officer (ASHEO) and Beween Deck's Mate, looking after Ark Royal between decks, making sure that the ship is clean and well maintained and able to sustain our people so they are ready to fight win.
Also lying under the Executive umberella is the Damage Control Organisation; headed by a Lieutenant supported by a dedicated Warrant Officer. This sub department is resonsible for provision of all damage control and firefighting equipment, all standards and maintanance checks, co-ordination of all whole ship emergencies and whole ship training for both the damage control and chemical environments. The Bosun is the member of the team who provides the professional advice and training on all matters regarding seamanship practices. From boats to splicing, he is the overseer of traditional seafaring skills, supervising his team which includes two Petty Officer Seaman. Together they meet the challenges of battling all the elements as they work on the upper-deck on everything from anchors to flags.
A small team of 3 Royal Navy Police Officers consisting of a Master At Arms, Regulating Petty Officer and Leading Regulator also work within the Executive Department. Their role is to maintain disciplinary standards and investigate any offences. Offences are investigated in accordance with the Armed Forces Discipline Acts and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. They faced the challenges of the new Tri-Service Discipline Act when it came into force in 2008.
In addition to Regulators, the Department also includes two Physical Training Instructors or 'Clubz' (a CPOPT and a LPT), who play an important role in the fitness and well-being of the Ship's Company. They encourage all to take best advantage of the Ship's extensive fitness programme, providing circuits at various levels in addition to arranging sporting fixtures with other teams in a wide range of sports, and other activities.
The range of duties for the Executive Deprtment falls into no single, clear category. They have a wide remit of cross-departmental responsibilities to fulfil and all have to work closely with the other departments. The department is the lynchpin in the successful running of the Ship and its people need dedication, professionalism and a large sense of humour to cope with the nature and diversity of their everyday jobs.
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