A WEST Devon man, who is in the Gulf on the Royal Navy?s largest warship, this week told the Times of the hard work which has gone into co-ordinating Britain?s military presence in the region as the Iraq crisis escalates.

Commander Clive Walker has been sharing his experience of being deployed in the North Arabian Gulf on HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy?s largest warship.

Commander Walker, who lives in Lewtrenchard with his wife, Helen, sailed from Devonport in January as part of a large amphibious task force.

?We have been working very hard over the last few weeks bringing together the various air, land and sea components which make amphibious operations possible.

?HMS Ocean is the perfect platform for these type of operations as the ship is extremely versatile and can operate our landing craft and our various types of aircraft to devastating effect by projecting power from the sea to objectives miles inland,? he said.

Commander Walker is the logistics commander onboard HMS Ocean. ?My job is to make sure that I continuously support the ship and its marines.?

He said at the most basic level, his team needed to provide nutritious and wholesome meals four time a day for up to 1,200 mariners.

?At the other end of the spectrum I need to ensure that, in an operational environment, the right munitions are flown to the right weapon system ashore to maintain the tempo of the battle.?

Commander Walker recognises the future is uncertain.

?There is clearly a huge amount of diplomatic effort to resolve this potential crisis and we entirely support and understand this.

?Nevertheless the presence of a capable military force presents a potent message and we are quietly confident in our equipment and training to be ready for any future possibility.?

Commander Walker?s recent career has prepared him well for these challenges, having worked ashore and abroad with the Royal Marines over the last three years. Since joining Ocean last September, he said he has met many friends, particularly from 40 Commando unit, who also embarked on the ship.

Commander Walker said the Royal Marines possessed ?unique skills and a capability that is unparalleled in the world?, but said while onboard, they worked alongside the ship?s company and the friendly rivalry and banter continued much as it probably did in Nelson?s days.

Commander Walker?s daughter Holly attends Mount House School and keeps in touch regularly by e-mail.

?After years at sea relying on the vagaries of the mail system, it is superb to be in daily contact with Helen and Holly and it makes the inevitable operation of naval life a little easier.

?That said, there?s nothing better than the first moment you step ashore into the arms of your family and there is undoubtedly truth in the adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder,? he added.