This Is Cheshire

KNUTSFORD SAILOR KEEPS HMS ILLUSTRIOUS AFLOAT

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 4th Oct 2001.

THE parents of a naval officer on red alert in the Gulf said this week: We are worried, but he is there to do a job.

Paul Yates, at 46 the oldest man on board the Royal Navy's flapship HMS Illustrious, is currently awaiting orders from the Government.

His job is to keep HMS Illustrious afloat, ordering everything from frozen peas to cruise missiles.

On Monday night, his parents Agnes and Ted said they had been ëglued' to the television for news of the expected imminent military attack against Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban regime.

"We just have to remember this is what he has trained for," said Mrs Yates, of Mereheath Park, Knutsford.

Their son had boarded the aircraft carrier to take part in his final Gulf exercise just weeks before Islamic terrorists flew two hijacked passenger jets into the World Trade Center in New York.

"When we heard that the prime suspect was in the Middle East we realised Paul was heading straight for the conflict," said

Mrs Yates.

Yesterday (Tuesday) a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told the Knutsford Guardian that the ship's role could change dramatically if an attack on Afghanistan is ordered.

"The ship is continuing its routine exercises that were planned four years ago," said the spokesman. "But all our ships around the world could be deployed on a higher alert at any moment and the sailors are aware of that."

Paul, who grew up in Knutsford, joined the Royal Navy when he was 15.

He was serving on land in England during the Falklands War, having returned from the area just weeks before the 1982 conflict began.

In 1991 he was stationed in the Gulf but his ship was not involved in the war against Iraq.

"It's been a relief to us because we want him to be safe," said Mrs Yates. "But now we're getting worried because this war could turn into the biggest yet."

Missiles

As a warrant officer, Paul's position on the Navy's biggest warship could be crucial in the West's battle against terrorism.

He is responsible for all the ship's stocks - from the food to the cruise missiles.

"Paul has to make sure there are enough frozen peas for the sailors and enough missiles to hit the targets," said Mr Yates. "It's an important job, especially now."

The father-of-two had made special plans to celebrate his silver wedding with wife Cathy in Dubai this month.

But now the party has been cancelled.

"She's used to him going away but this time it's different," said Mr Yates. "They've only been together for one anniversary in 25 years so they were making an effort for this one.

"But if he's needed to serve his country then the celebrations will have to wait."

Paul is due to retire in five years.

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