COMMANDER Andy Waddington (pictured) from Tavistock is enjoying a challenging but rewarding time in the Arabian Gulf on board HMS Echo helping to protect shipping. HMS Echo, based at Devonport, is one of the Navy?s multi-role survey vessels launched in March 2002. The ship is currently serving in the Northern Arabian Gulf gathering data to ensure the safety of vessels navigating through the area. Andy joined the Royal Navy in 1983 and has served as the captain on board the survey vessel since March 2002. He considers it a privilege to be serving at the forefront of hydrographic surveying and leading a fine team of young men and women. Co-incidentally HMS Echo?s sister ship, HMS Enterprise, is also commanded by a Tavistock man ? Commander Vaughan Naill. Andy said: ?Command of Echo is a challenging and rewarding experience. The year-long deployment to the poorly charted waters of the Northern Arabian Gulf has demonstrated what a capable ship she is and how talented and dedicated her people are.? Andy lives in Tavistock with his wife Kate and children Bethan, 14, Thomas, 12, and Ella, 10.
