RFA Mounts Bay October 2011 News

A series of events were planned for the whole week of celebrations. These included a parade through the streets which was attended by the Commanding Officer Kevin Rimell and Executive Officer Martin Jones.

There was also a re-enactment by local school children and English civil war historical groups and various other events across the town.

Some of the Ships Officers represented Mounts Bay at a gala dinner during which there was a link up between Falmouth’s around the world to join the celebrations.

Mounts Bay supported the celebrations by holding a reception for members of the local community on the vehicle deck, and a formal Lunch attended by Mrs Sarah Newton MP, Commodore J Miller RN and the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.

The final event was a Ship Open to Visitors on Saturday 8 October, where members of the general public were able to take a tour of the ship, and see displays by each of the ships departments and meet members of the ships company.

Following the events in Falmouth RFA Mounts Bay returned to her core capability of amphibious Warfare. This time she was supporting the training of the Territorial Army during their annual camp.

100 Members of 165 Squadron, Royal Logistics Corp (RLC) embarked for the week long Maritime phase of their camp in Marchwood with their boats, vehicles and equipment.

During this phase they trained in maritime operations which included the use of various types of craft in the ships dock and craning operations to the container deck area.

They also conducted beach operations, setting up a beach head and moving equipment, cargo and personnel to and from the beach.

Following on from Ex Mulberry Wader, Mounts Bay joined HMS Bulwark, HMS Sutherland and RFA Black Rover to take part in the Maritime Combat Power Visit.

The task group demonstrated a number of maritime capabilities which included amphibious landings, replenishment at sea, and anti piracy operations.

These demonstrations were watched over the 3 days by Members of Parliament, Senior Officers, the press and the current advanced staff and command course from the Defence Academy Shrivenham.

Mounts Bay embarked the landing forces, consisting of A Company 40 Commando Royal Marines, 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and a small detachment from the RLC.

Mounts Bay carried out her role as a landing ship, launching the Royal Marines by LCU, ORC, and helicopter, as well as dispatching support equipment to the beach on the Mexeflotes utilising RLC personnel.

As well as this, the Ships Company exercised their Action Station drills practicing damage control, fire fighting and close range weapons techniques.

On completion of the event Mounts Bay moved to Portland Port for a stand down and maintenance period before the next programmed commitment.