Joe in vanguard against terrorism

A FORMER Tideway School student is at the vanguard of the global war against terrorism, serving on the warship HMS Illustrious.

Eighteen-year-old operator mechanic Joe Suttill joined the Royal Navy two years ago and works in the communications department of the 20,000 ton aircraft carrier.

HMS Illustrious sailed from Portsmouth only a week before the tragic events of September 11.

None of the crew could have imagined that they would soon be leading the British maritime contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom and tracking down those to blame for the horrific American terrorist attacks.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'While disappointed at not being home for Christmas the ship is fulfilling a pivotal role with our coalition partners and has been intimately involved in operations in the Arabian Sea and the just pursuit of those responsible for the atrocities in New York.

'The ship's company has been resolute and committed to all that has been asked of them during a prolonged period of heightened international tension.'

After leaving Tideway in 1999 Joe worked as a baker before joining the Navy. He lives in Newhaven with his parents Lisa and Peter and brother Will.

Joe, whose hobbies include mountain biking and sailing, is due to be reunited with his family after seven months at sea when his ship returns home to Portsmouth on March 25.

His future plans include competing at a national level for the Royal Navy sailing team. He is set to sail on HMS Collingwood later this year.