February 2006
Ex Black Dam Sea Scout and Basingstoke Born Navy cartoonist Helen
Multitalented Royal Navy Operator Mechanic Helen Sochon (26) has an important
day job as the ship's painter for Portsmouth based Type 42 destroyer HMS
Liverpool. As one of the bosun's party she takes part in many challenging
seamanship tasks from acting as bowman in the ship's boat to the complicated
transfer of fuels in Replenishments at sea. Helen's job is also her hobby. A particularly
talented cartoonist her" crazy red chickens", a versions of HMS Liverpool's
trademark Liver Bird have been a hallmark during her time in the destroyer.
Helen worked with others, painting her unique murals during a
three day community project. Where she painted a crazy red chicken, "Sponge Bob
Squarepants" and a special alphabet mural restoring the Goderich Community
Primary School in Sierra Leone from 30 Jan to 3 February 2006.
"My art has also reached deep into my work.
In 2005 I did lots of design's for the ship during our drug busting patrol
in the Caribbean - I did the design for the ship's paper the "Crimson
Cockerel", painted flags and I've also designed numerous T-shirt logos
for HMS Liverpool's internal departments including the Boarding Team,
Team Bridge and 3D mess."
Helen hails from Basingstoke where she was educated at Costello Technology
College
and Basingstoke College of Technology. Prior to joining the Navy she worked
as a barman for Hampshire Centercourt Marston Hotels in Chineham where she
designed Billy Bash which she describes as "the Junior Tennis Club's cheeky
little Logo". She is the fourth generation to have served in the Armed
Forces. Her grandfather served in minesweepers in World War 2, her father
David was in the Merchant Navy and both of her uncles served in the Royal
Navy, one in submarines. She also has cousins and uncles in the Army and
RAF! In her short career so far she has visited Africa, the USA and most
of the islands in the Caribbean. Painting is not her only hobby - she is
also a fan of the great outdoors. Helen said "I'm also a keen swimmer and
used to work as a Lifeguard in Virginia, USA, which I really loved doing.
In my downtime I really enjoy taking walks in the countryside with good
company and ending up at a pub. I also enjoy fixing things and am forever
tinkering, which is a bonus, as my house needs it!"
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