Latest Royal Navy Newshttps://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/newsLatest news from the Royal Navy websiteen-GB60{7E94D773-0B5A-4F5C-89E6-05CD634DBC4D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/18/20240318-devonports-heritage-area-reopens-after-winter-revampDevonport’s heritage area reopens after winter revamp<p><span style="background: white;">The Naval Base Heritage Centre, which charts the development of the dockyard and Plymouth’s role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts, has reopened its doors to the public after a revamp ahead of this year’s 200<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebrations of Devonport Dockyard.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The centre – in Vivid Approach, off Granby Way – comprises historic buildings, galleries, and exhibits. </span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">In the Old Fire Station, which dates back to 1851, there is the Age of Sail Gallery which highlights the sailing navy and wooden shipbuilding in Devonport.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The 19th-Century Dockyard Superintendent’s and Pay Office has the core of the collection, including uniforms through the ages, a Royal Yacht China collection and the Courageous gallery celebrating the Silent Service, featuring the a fully operational submarine periscope to look through.</span></p>{D49CE766-3801-4D2F-8A9D-DF47FB6423B4}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/18/20240318-icons-of-hms-blyth-donated-to-namesake-town-for-safekeepingIcons of HMS Blyth donated to namesake town for safekeeping<p><span style="background: white;">The Faslane-based minehunter bowed out of service after two decades in 2021 and now patrols the Black Sea as Sublocotenent Ion Ghiculescu under the Romanian flag, while autonomous systems and remote-controlled craft replace the Sandown-class vessel and her sisters.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Should the name Blyth be resurrected in the future, the bell from the hunter, plus her name plate and battle honours board are held by the Blyth Town Council for safe keeping.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The artefacts were donated will full pomp and ceremony at Blyth Bede Academy, featuring an opening performance by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums and static displays by various units of the Royal Navy, Maritime Reserves, and military charities.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Naval Regional Commander for the North of England and Isle of Man Commodore Tom Knowles addressed nearly 250 guests including local MPs, Northumberland’s Deputy Lieutenant Andy Collier and Blyth’s Mayor Councillor Warren Taylor.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“This was an event to be proud of, but it was also tinged with sadness as our adopted ship has been decommissioned,” Cllr Taylor said.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“We are a proud naval town having had a major submarine base in South Harbour during World War 2 and our relationship with the Royal Navy is very strong.<br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> </span><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">“We will take great care of the bell and will ensure that as many people as possible will be able to see it over the years.”</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);"> </span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Media and PR </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Keith@highlightspr.co.uk" target="_blank" style="color: #0563c1; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: black;">Keith@highlightspr.co.uk</span></a><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"> 07814 397951</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> <br /> </span></p>{202658E5-F8B8-499E-84E3-829EE60AF2C7}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20241503-tamar-in-aucklandTraining with Kiwis bears fruit for HMS Tamar<p>Making use of their hosts – both personnel and ships – the crew of the Portsmouth-based vessel made use of the waters of the Hairaki Gulf, just off Auckland on the North Island, to get acquainted with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s deployable boarding team.</p> <p>That team is integral to Tamar’s next mission, in Fiji, so getting used to each other’s navy’s ways of working – similar given their heritage, but not identical – was crucial.</p> <p>The customs launch Swan V and the multi-purpose HMNZS Canterbury – the ‘Swiss pocket knife’ of the Kiwi Navy – served as ‘vessels of interest’ for search teams to first board, then scour for ‘illegal’ fishing hauls.</p> <p>Tamar is about to work with authorities in Fiji, conducting joint patrols of the waters of and around the island chain, helping the Commonwealth nation build up their capacity for and knowledge of board and search operations to help curb illegal fishing.</p> <p>Fishing counts for around one tenth of Fiji’s exports, while illegal activities not only deprive the island of immediate income, but can also upset the delicate ecological balance of the South Pacific… and future prosperity.</p> <p>The same waters also allowed a specialist training team from the UK to fly out and assess Tamar.</p> <p>With the ship operating thousands of miles from her home country now for more than two years, and with her crew rotating regularly to sustain her Asia-Pacific mission, an assurance team from the UK drops in sporadically to put sailors through their paces – as they do for Royal Navy vessels in home waters with Fleet Operational Standards and Training.</p> <p>“It is a bit different from doing our sea training in the South Coast Exercise areas,” said Lieutenant Justine Lambert, Tamar’s correspondence officer.</p> <p>“North Island and the Gulf of Hauraki are stunning. The welcome and assistance we have had from the Royal New Zealand Navy has been amazing. The traditional Pōwhiri welcome is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.”</p>{105B8797-5329-485C-8A05-D6137D02F195}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20240315-navys-south-atlantic-guardians-link-up-in-south-georgiaNavy’s South Atlantic guardians link up in South Georgia<p>Two, yes, two Royal Navy vessels operating side-by-side in waters off the remote South Atlantic island chain.</p> <p>Standing out sharply against the snowy, rocky backdrop, icebreaker HMS Protector.</p> <p>And blending in rather better with her surroundings thanks to her WW1 throwback ‘dazzle paint’ livery, patrol ship HMS Forth.</p> <p>Although the two ships are frequently found south of the Equator, they seldom meet, and almost never work together.</p> <p>Forth focuses around the Falklands, and Protector mostly around the Antarctic Peninsula.</p> <p>Except on this rare encounter in South Georgia… as Forth conducted one of her longer-range patrols coinciding with Protector on her second and final work period of the austral summer.</p> <p>HMS Protector performed her primary duty: surveying operations to update maritime charts (South Georgia is increasingly visited by cruise ships due to its stunning vistas and rich wildlife on the Antarctic), using her Multibeam Echo Sounder to scoop up data from more than 1,500 nautical miles of the southern ocean.</p>{805D7424-AC26-4D59-9A2B-9964FA893A2F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/15/20240315-final-frigate-revamp-passes-key-milestone-as-hms-sutherland-returns-to-the-waterFinal frigate revamp passes key milestone as HMS Sutherland returns to the water<p>The Type 23 frigate has been high and dry for well over 12 months, taken out of the water for her LIFEX (life extension) refit in the hands of defence firm Babcock.</p> <p>Sutherland is the last ship in her class to go through the overhaul, which – as the name suggests – extends the life of the frigates to allow them to continue in service into the mid-2030s.</p> <p>While in dry dock in Devonport’s frigate refit complex, Sutherland has undergone a full structural survey and a major upgrade including 700 inserts, 11,500 weld repairs demanding more than five kilometres of welding.</p> <p>Entire sections of the ship have been deconstructed and then rebuilt to allow engine, generator and machinery control upgrades: forward and aft switchboards, new diesel generator and motor generator sets in the forward and upper auxiliary machinery rooms, as well as the installation of several miles of new pipework and cables.</p> <p>As a fighting machine, Sutherland has also received an upgraded 2150 Sonar system, requiring the removal of the sonar bow dome – a major lifting operation involving specialist support.</p> <p>And she’s the very last ship in her class to receive the Sea Ceptor missile system – now proven in action after HMS Richmond downed drones at the weekend.</p>{CBFB9C57-1B46-42FB-8011-399D9D31405B}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-ceremony-of-the-dues-launches-royal-marines-360-celebrationsRoyal Marines kick off 360th year with commando style Ceremony of the Dues in London<p>Three raiding craft made the short journey from HMS President, under Tower Bridge to the Tower of London carrying their ‘Dues’ (the barrel of port) for the Constable of the Tower – fittingly, retired senior Royal Marine, General Sir Gordon Messenger.<br /> <br /> The ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 14th Century when naval ships passing into London were ordered to pay a levy.<br /> <br /> Normally Royal Navy sailors carry out this task, but given the significance of their 360th year, Royal Marines were given the honour to mark their illustrious history and also their place at the very forefront of UK Defence.<br /> <br /> It is the second time the Royal Marines have conducted this ceremony – the first time was in 2014 when the Corps was marking its 350th anniversary.<br /> <br /> A Commando Merlin helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron carried out a fly past and Royal Marines past and present gathered at the Tower to mark the occasion, with head of the Corps, Commandant General Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins, overseeing events.<br /> <br /> He said: “To be afforded the opportunity to enact this unique ceremony on our 360th anniversary is a tremendous honour.<br /> <br /> “Like all Royal Marines, I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us.<br /> <br /> “What you have seen today is the combination of tradition that speaks to our core ethos and values, alongside the adaptability and professionalism of the modern commando force who will continue this legacy into the future.”<br /> <br /> Warrant Officer 1 Simon Stroud, the Ceremonial Lead for the occasion, added: “It’s always a great privilege to conduct ceremonial duties in the nation’s capital. The Ceremony of the Dues is steeped in history, and to be part of that is a fantastic honour.<br /> <br /> “Every Marine taking part will remember this day with pride throughout their careers.”</p>{70CC8267-3638-4F53-90F2-39896BD3D201}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-nato-task-groups-sail-togetherNATO task groups come together off Norway coast<p>The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, was joined by a NATO Amphibious Task Group and a range of aircraft off the coast of Norway as part of Exercise Nordic Response.</p> <p>The formation of more than 10 ships from eight nations gave the men and women on board the chance to practise close manoeuvres - overcoming language barriers and different ways of operating at sea.</p> <p>In a show of might for NATO and it partners, the exercise allowed the vessels and their aircraft to demonstrate their ability to defend allied territory while simultaneously defending themselves from potential enemies.</p> <p>Taking part were: Royal Navy ships HMS Prince of Wales, frigate HMS Portland, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring and amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay; Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon; German replenishment ship FGS Bonn; Norwegian frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup, corvette HNoMS Gnist, patrol vessels HNoMS Olav Tyrggvason and HNoMS Magnus Lagabote; Norwegian coast guard ship KV Bjornoya; Dutch support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman; Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi; French frigate FS Normadie; and US destroyer USS Paul Ignatius. </p> <p>There was also a fly past by Swedish JSA-39 Gripens and Finnish F-18 Hornets.</p>{15A80B42-B5FE-4222-BB73-328B8D66E67D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-terminally-ill-veterans-dream-come-to-true-at-england-rugbyTerminally ill veteran's dream comes true at England rugby<p>The 23-year-old, who has a rare form of cancer, met match-winner Marcus Smith and came away with a unique souvenir, the fly half’s England shorts.</p> <p>Toby and his dad, Royal Navy Commander Rob Brann, were gifted tickets for the game by Rugby4Heroes after an appeal on social media by Rob and his wife Helen, which was shared by former SAS soldier and best-selling author Chris Ryan.</p> <p>“The match was superb, England were awesome and the whole stadium was jumping - the atmosphere was terrific,” said Toby, who is now wheelchair bound.</p> <p> “I could not have wished for a better day and then to meet Marcus after the match and his amazing drop goal was just the icing on the cake.”</p> <p>Smith whose drop goal won the match said: “It was great to share that moment pitch side with Toby and his dad and to celebrate the win with them.”</p> <p>Toby served five years in the Navy including a memorable spell aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during exercises in the United States.</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://rugbyforheroes.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Rugby4Heroes</a> is a rugby and music festival run by Old Leamingtonians RFC to support Armed Forces charities. </p> <p>Volunteer and member Mike Vallance donated his own tickets to the pair. He said: “It was the least I could do for a young man who has served his country and is showing such courage in such difficult circumstances.</p> <p>“I am just so grateful for everyone who made this possible especially Rugby4Heroes and the brilliant staff at Twickenham. Thank you for a very special day.”<br /> <br /> The young sailor, who has Stage Four of a rare form of cancer called adrenal cortisol carcinoma, had always wanted to watch England play rugby at Twickenham with his father Rob.</p> <p>At the end of the game fly half Smith, who had come on as a substitute in the 60th minute and won the match with a last-gasp drop goal raced from the West Stand tunnel area right across the pitch to the East Stand to meet up with his family and his girlfriend, where Toby and his father were sitting.</p> <p>Rob said: “At the end of the match, with England players finishing their lap of honour to rapturous applause, Marcus Smith came over to the area we were in to celebrate with his family members.<br />  <br /> “I approached his girlfriend and explained Toby’s situation and his terminal illness and that he would love to have a photo with Marcus. She duly asked Marcus, who came over to chat with Toby.  <br />  <br /> “What a fantastic day. The amazing reaction to Chris Ryan sharing our story, the generous donation of tickets, the accommodating helpfulness of staff at Twickenham and the great atmosphere created by the fans.<br />  <br /> “Everyone helped make way for Toby’s wheelchair and laughed and joked with us - and, of course, two fantastic rugby teams treated us to an amazing game of rugby – an experience which has touched our hearts and created a lasting memory for all of us.” <br /> <br /> Afterwards Chris Ryan said on social media: “We all know RN veteran Toby and let’s be proud of the tiny part we played in putting that smile on his face.</p> <p>“For his dreadful condition, he was in really high spirits and I spoke with Toby as soon as the game finished. He was actually next to Marcus Smith, who came over to say hello to him. He was just overwhelmed and overjoyed.</p> <p>"He's such a strong character for the position that he's been placed in, he's just steadfast in his spirit. He is worrying about his family. He's more concerned about them than himself. He's just a great man. He sent me the picture of him with Marcus and it was actually overwhelming, to tell you the truth.</p> <p>"This will be his last winter and last summer," Chris added. "Now having met the young man, what surprised me was his love for his family, his concern for his family. The reason he asked to go to the rugby match was for memories for his father. He's a selfless young man who is thinking about other people rather than himself. It's moving. I've been around a lot of people in situations where death occurs, and this actually had a profound effect on me.”</p> <p>The Rugby Football Union and the Royal Navy Rugby Union had earlier contacted Toby’s father with an invitation to Twickenham to watch England’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales.</p> <p>The England team had also invited them to squad training at Pennyhill Park but, while being very grateful for the offer, it was decided that making the journey from Plymouth was not manageable at that time. Father and son were, however, able to be guests at the Wales Test before going back to watch England’s dramatic victory over Ireland.</p> <p>Royal Navy Rugby Union Council member, Kirsty Marlor, said: “It was a real privilege to have Toby and Rob at Twickenham as our guests for the Wales match, to recognise their service and help them make memories.  The rugby family has wrapped their arms around them and I’m so glad that they were at the stadium to enjoy the England victory at the weekend.”</p>{482B1944-1867-4A7D-876B-D3488DE5D76D}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/240314-royal-marines-on-nordic-responseRoyal Marines at the tip of the NATO spear on major Arctic exercise<p>As part of the Royal Navy’s amphibious task group (known as Littoral Response Group (North)) designed to react to crises in northern Europe’s waterways and chokepoints, small teams of raiders from the UK’s elite Commando Forces landed ashore to conduct reconnaissance on key routes, towns and beaches to relay information back NATO headquarters to lay plans on where best to deploy the main punch of the alliance’s forces.</p> <p>The Commandos, led by strike teams of Royal Marines of Arbroath-based 45 Commando, tracked down ‘enemy’ technology used to deny access to airspace and airwaves, creating favourable conditions for armour and aircraft to enter the region.</p> <p>These missions were during Exercise Nordic Response as part of Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest military drills in Europe in a generation, which test allies’ ability to reinforce the continent’s frontiers from North America and across the Atlantic in the face of an aggressor.</p> <p>Nordic Response focused on amphibious landings on Norway’s complex northern coastline, bringing troops across the Arctic and into NATO’s newest members Sweden and Finland with HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group, including F-35B Lightning jets, part of a potent naval force. </p> <p>Royal Marines and the Commando Force play a crucial role in this giant jigsaw puzzle of NATO strength (some 20,000 troops from 12 nations took part in Nordic Response alone) firstly as the UK’s experts in Arctic warfare – deploying to Northern Norway every year to sharpen skills in surviving, moving and fighting in this inhospitable environment, but are also a specialist force able to strike along complex coastlines and open up strategically important zones. </p> <p>“This exercise was an excellent opportunity to work alongside NATO partners to deter Russia is the High North,” said Commanding Officer of 45 Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Nixon.</p> <p>“The exercise demonstrated the operational utility of Littoral Response Group (North), one of the Royal Navy’s amphibious task groups, in a warfighting context. </p> <p>“The Littoral Response Group enabled the United Kingdom’s Commando Forces, who are the UK’s leading experts in Arctic and mountainous environments, to find and destroy anti-access/area denial systems that allowed NATO to gain access to northern Norway. </p> <p>“The Royal Navy is learning lessons from Ukraine and is adapting and upgrading its forces to ensure they are as potent as possible.”</p>{B3927D2A-8F74-4605-84BA-EDD12301E257}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/14/20240314-ww1-vc-soldWW1 Naval hero's VC sold for £220k<p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>For only the second time in more than a century the decoration, won by Lieutenant Commander Edgar Cookson in 1915, came on the market at auction.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"> </p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;">And as in 1977, when it was last auctioned, it was snapped up by a private collector who paid the maximum fee London auctioneers Noonans, who expected the medal to fetch between £180,000 and £220,000.</p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>Mark Quayle, Noonans’ medal specialist and associate director was not surprised.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>“The rarity of the award, and the repeated acts of gallantry, are all reflected in the price achieved on the day," he said.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>Of the four dozen Victoria Cross recipients in the Royal Navy in the Great War, neither the name Cookson nor his deeds are as well known as household names such as Jack Cornwell at Jutland or submarine Edward Boyle, or actions such as the Gallipoli landings or Zeebrugge Raid.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>They deserve to be.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>In September 1915 the 31-year-old officer, originally from Tranmere in present-day Merseyside, led a force of gunboats up the River Tigris as part of an effort to support British troops grappling with the Ottoman Empire in Mesopotamia (today Iraq).</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>By the end of the month, British soldiers were bearing down on the town of Kut-al-Amara – just 100 miles southeast of Baghdad.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>The British drive on what is today the capital of Iraq relied on supplies via the Tigris, but Turkish forces had thrown a series of barriers across the river to block any traffic.</span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span> </span></p> <p class="elementtoproof" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span>On September 28, Cookson in HMS Comet was sent to reconnoitre – and, if he could, destroy – one such obstruction near Kut. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>As the gunboat flotilla </span><span>approached the barrier, it came under ferocious rifle and machine-gun fire from both banks.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>When the first attempt to sink a dhow in the middle of the flow was thwarted by defensive fire, Cookson ordered the Comet to be placed alongside the vessel. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>He then jumped on to the dhow with an axe and tried to cut the wire hawsers connecting it with the two other craft forming the obstruction. </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>His action drew intense Turkish fire and Edgar Cookson was cut down – one fellow officer said “there were more bullet holes in him than they cared to count”.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>Cookson’s selfless actions earned him Britain’s highest decoration, presented to his mother in November 1916 by George V.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span></span><span style="text-align: left;">Her son was buried in Amara War Cemetery, but the grave was subsequently destroyed, and his name is now among those listed on the cemetery wall. He is also commemorated in the UK with a plaque in Whitechurch Canonicorum in Dorset.</span></p>{C3EE2372-61E7-4106-9409-CF0C24F7C70F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/240313-harrier-in-the-gulfAutonomous minehunting test team mark one year in the Gulf<p>The Mine and Threat Exploitation Group’s Operational Evaluation Unit has spent the past year in the Middle East testing a series of uncrewed and remote-piloted systems which will one day be the future of minehunting in the Royal Navy. </p> <p>Working with Royal Navy Motor Boat Harrier and based on RFA Cardigan Bay, the team have put various pieces of equipment and technology through their paces to see how they operate and react to the climate of the Gulf and the complex missions current minehunting units carry out. </p> <p>Harrier is capable of operating both autonomously (pre-programmed to conduct a mission) or remotely from a ship or shore-based remote-control centre. She tows a side-scan sonar behind her to look for mines on the seabed, alerting units ashore or at sea of their whereabouts. </p> <p>As part of the trials she has also been working with remotely-operated underwater vehicles and a minesweeping system.</p> <p>In a fruitful first year for the Operational Evaluation Unit, the team has integrated and deployed Harrier from Cardigan Bay, a shore control base at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain and Sandown and Hunt-class minehunters. </p> <p>Lieutenant Alex Gibby, MTXG Group Engineering Officer, said: “We have gained valuable experience in the deployment and operation of Harrier to provide lessons ahead of the main roll-out of Mine Hunting Capability Block 1 systems.</p> <p>“We have also begun to establish the infrastructure and logistical support required to operate autonomous minehunting systems at reach.”  </p> <br />{8964FDBF-E47D-4067-87A2-BEC6CFAC1599}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/20240313-1sl-pays-tribute-to-a-living-symbol-of-the-bond-between-the-royal-and-french-naviesFirst Sea Lord pays tribute to a ‘living symbol’ of the bond between the Royal and French Navies<p><span style="background: white;">The future admiral was studying at the École navale – the French equivalent of Dartmouth – in Brest when the Germans invaded his country in May 1940.</span><span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> </span><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The teenage de Gaulle fled to the UK by ship and joined the Free French Naval Forces, serving extensively at sea and in the air – he was also a trained pilot – after completing his training jointly with his own navy and at Britannia Royal Naval College.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">As a junior officer, he served in the Atlantic, Arctic and Channel, took part in the Dieppe raid in August 1942, flew from Royal Navy carrier HMS Indomitable and conducted anti-submarine patrols with Catalina flying boats operating from Morocco.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Those actions were just the beginning of a remarkable career – and a life, like his father’s, dedicated to the service of his country, freedom and Western values. At the admiral’s 100<sup>th</sup> birthday in December 2021, French President Macron called him “one of the great servants of our country” and said of his life: “There are lives where the history of France can be read even better than in books.”</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">So when Allied forces landed in Normandy in 1944, Philippe de Gaulle led a platoon of French naval infantry, <em>fusiliers marins,</em> in 2nd Armoured Division, fighting with them from the Channel to the Vosges mountains on the French-German border, taking part in the liberation of Paris and Strasbourg. He was wounded in action six times, but always returned to the fray.</span></p>{F1E227E5-24B3-408B-A9D0-9C878F0612BB}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/13/240313-richmond-completes-red-sea-mission-as-diamond-resumes-patrolsRichmond completes Red Sea mission as Diamond resumes patrols<p>The Plymouth-based frigate took over Operation Prosperity Guardian duties from the Portsmouth destroyer at the beginning of February.</p> <p>The international operation provides protection and reassurance to commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea in particular, where attacks by Houthi rebels with missiles and drones have increased five fold since the autumn and the Israeli-Gaza conflict.</p> <p>Like their comrades on Diamond before her, Richmond’s 200-strong crew – sailors, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm personnel responsible for the frigate’s Wildcat helicopter – have been heavily engaged, demanding long hours at Action Stations/increased readiness, which means wearing anti-flash clothing, stress, snatching quick meals when they can, and lack of sleep.</p> <p>Diamond during her patrols over Christmas and January was called upon to take action against aerial threats.</p> <p>Richmond wasn’t… until the weekend when her Sea Ceptor system was required to down two incoming Houthi drones – the first time the missile system (mainstay of the current and future frigate fleet) has been used in anger.</p> <p>Take hostile 6255. Take hostile 7357.</p> <p>Ceptor engaging.</p> <p>Unlike Sea Viper on HMS Diamond, there’s no flash of fire on the bridge to signify missile away.</p> <p>Instead, a loud whoosh – high pressure gas forces Sea Ceptor out of its silo in the ‘mushroom farm’ on the Type 23’s forecastle before the rocket kicks in at a safe distance from the ship so the flames don’t cause any damage.</p> <p>Once the solid-fuelled rocket motor kicked in, the missile rapidly accelerated up to Mach 3 towards its target, a ‘kill’ which took fewer than ten seconds.<br /> Targets destroyed.</p> <p>Having handed over responsibilities to Diamond, Richmond is paying a short visit to Saudi Arabia before returning home to Plymouth.<br /> Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for their incredible work and am confident that HMS Diamond will continue to stand up for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.</p> <p>“The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners.”</p> <p>Diamond has spent the period out of theatre in Gibraltar, restocking ammunition and supplies, undergoing maintenance and allowing down time for her crew, many of whom flew home to the UK having missed Christmas/New Year with their families due to the mission in the Red Sea.</p>{63FC8DBF-2711-40BE-86C1-040821EF7E5E}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/12/240312-csg-completes-joint-warriorCarrier Strike Group success as task group completes UK phase of NATO exercise<p>The Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is now operating around the ice-cold Norwegian fjords after successfully completing Joint Warrior. </p> <p>The aircraft carrier was joined by more than 30 ships, four submarines, multiple aircraft from maritime patrol to F-35 Lightning jets and more than 20,000 personnel from nations including Canada, Denmark, France and Spain. </p> <p>Joint Warrior is one part of NATO’s biggest exercise in a generation – Steadfast Defender. It was the UK-led phase of the exercise which saw surface, air and land scenarios played out to see how NATO nations and allied partners can work closely and react to hostilities. </p> <p>The Royal Navy’s Joint Exercise Training and Planning Staff (JTEPS) plans, delivers and executes such training with the aim of making it as real to life as possible.</p> <p>Commodore Andrew Ingham, Commander Fleet Operational Standards and Training, said: “JTEPS, as the formation level training arm of FOST, deliver high end and realistic multi-domain warfare training to UK, NATO and partner nation Maritime Task groups.</p> <p>“By conducting large scale multinational exercises, such as Nordic Response, JTEPS are able to strive for maximum lethality and readiness.”</p> <p>He added: ‘’Through careful planning, effective orchestrating and detailed evaluation we are able to ensure that the alliance’s most powerful naval assets are consistently challenged against realistic and credible threat scenarios. </p> <p>“Their work supporting the largest NATO exercise in 50 years is absolutely crucial to ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges and threats of modern era.”</p>{B25CC953-2988-467D-8C40-A9C3AC5B8497}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/11/11032024-heavy-metal-legend-on-stage-with-royal-marines-band-for-the-first-timeMaiden performance: Heavy metal legend on stage with Royal Marines Band for the first time<p class="p1" style="margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px;"><strong>The world-famous Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines played their spectacular annual showpiece at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night for the 52nd year.</strong></p> <p class="p1" style="margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px;"><strong> </strong></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">In front of a packed Royal Albert Hall, the Band – whose members are among the world’s finest military musicians – opened the show with the national anthem in honour of His Majesty the King, who is also Captain General of the Royal Marines.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">The stunning night of pageantry celebrated the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines, recognising 360 years of global deployments, battle honours and a valuable presence across the world.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">Musician Issie Chadwick, first time performer at the Mountbatten Festival of Music, said: “This is my first time performing at the Royal Albert Hall, and although I’m not front and centre for my first song, I haven’t really done many solos before. This will be one of my first solos on one of the world’s biggest stages.”</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;">A highlight from the evening was the collaboration between the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) and Nicko McBrain, the drummer from legendary heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. Nicko played his own drum kit, named Legacy of Royals, alongside the Massed Band and Corps of Drums for the piece The Maiden Legacy, a medley of Iron Maiden’s most popular songs. His drumkit will now be sold at auction in order to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity and the Grand Order of Water Rats Charity.</p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px;">When asked about his collaboration with RMBS, Nicko said: “I was so stoked. It was suggested “would you like to do next years [Mountbatten Festival of Music]” and I went “of course I’d love to do it!”, what an honour, a great honour to be asked and to be involved.”</p> <br /> <br />{FB43E952-6DA2-4E99-B1E7-40F9287049FF}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/240308-london-tech-bridge-iwdRoyal Navy tech team present cutting-edge solutions to challenges faced by female sailors<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The London Tech Bridge, a collaboration between the Royal Navy and US Navy to source technology in the UK, hosted the Royal Navy Servicewomen’s Network today for an engagement event as part of International Women’s Day.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Every month the London Tech Bridge invites various companies to discuss how their technologies might solve a particular challenge faced by the navy in what has become known as ‘Tea & Tech’.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">With casual conversation and an informal atmosphere, it brings industry together with experts to generate a dialogue toward solving problems. </span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The Royal Navy and its US counterparts invited serving female personnel to give their opinions on how technology can help them overcome challenges they face while serving, generate the problems they face, serve as the subject-matter experts and lead the Tea & Tech discussion.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Its aim was to encourage greater female engagement in the development of technology and highlight how the Royal Navy is driving forward with investment in novel solutions through engagement with small to medium enterprises all over the UK.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Personnel from all ranks and rates from across the Royal Navy attended the event including sailors from RNAS Culdrose, HMS Raleigh and HMS Excellent.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The relationship between the UK and USA was further reinforced with two American exchange officers present who serve with the Royal Navy in Navy Command.</span></p> <p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The Naval Servicewomen’s Network had identified its greatest areas of concern centred on the challenges around health and fitness for women serving at sea.</span></p>{A0C25A67-9ACC-416B-9AAD-4365C1981971}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-row-of-the-valkyries-all-female-team-plan-to-make-history-rowing-atlanticRow of the Valkyries: all-female team plan to make history rowing Atlantic<p>The team – known collectively as the Valkyries – face 3,000 miles of open seas and competition from around three dozen other teams as they take on the World’s Toughest Row.</p> <p>It’s the fourth time a Royal Navy team has taken part in the row in five years under the banner of the HMS Oardacious initiative which looks to support the mental health of fellow sailors and their families.</p> <p>The sailors – skipper Izzy Rawlinson (a marine engineer in submarines), mine clearance diver Ali Aindow, Aaby Aldridge who maintains survival equipment, pilot Lily-Mae Fisher and warfare officer Nic Hall – plan to set off from San Sebastien de la Gomera in the Canaries on December 12… and row into Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua around five weeks later.</p> <p>The team – who are also coached/managed by a female sailor, helicopter observer (navigator/sensors and weapons specialist) Alex Kelley – will row in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, all day every day.</p> <p>The rowers will suffer salt sores, blisters, sleep deprivation, sea sickness, 40ft waves and scorching tropical sunshine as they push themselves to the limit – driven by the goal not merely of completing the epic challenge, but also of beating an all-female British Army team also taking part in the race.</p> <p>Beyond the physical and mental strains the event will place on the team, above all the rowers hope it will inspire girls and young women.</p> <p>“We hope to portray ordinary women doing something extraordinary and to showcase that as hard as something could be, tomorrow is a different day,” said skipper Izzy.</p> <p>“If I could make someone’s life slightly better by them looking at me and thinking, if she can do it then I can get definitely out of this, I can definitely make it through to the other side, then that’s good enough for me.</p> <p>“It gives us the opportunity to promote women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and advocate for mental health, wellness and resilience.”</p>{1A23468F-2295-4309-83BF-DF5A8F029255}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/240308-protector-completes-antarctic-missionRoyal Navy ice patrol ship completes Antarctic mission<p>The ship covered 7,000 nautical miles during its annual foray in the frozen continent, helping scientific research and environmental efforts in one of the world’s most remote and inhospitable regions.<br /> <br /> The mission – known as Operation Austral – upholds the UK’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty, protecting this precious place from harm. <br /> <br /> Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Tom Weaver said: “We are reminded every day by the stunning wildlife and environment that surrounds us. Operating in Antarctica is a rare privilege.<br /> <br /> “I’m delighted that we were able to use Protector’s many capabilities to support Antarctic research and uphold the UK’s role within the Antarctic Treaty system.”<br /> <br /> During the deployment, Protector was joined by two University of Portsmouth Professors who collected water and rock samples which will contribute to understanding the human impact that increasing levels of shipping and tourism are having on this delicate region.<br /> <br /> Sailors delivered 4.5 tonnes of conservation supplies to Port Lockroy and Detaille Island to help UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) members complete structural works on the historic buildings there. <br /> <br /> The Plymouth-based ship eventually delivered aviation fuel to The British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) logistics centre at Rothera, which is essential for supporting their two aircraft that shuttle scientists to remote field study sites.<br /> <br /> Two penguin scientists from Oceanites joined Protector and researched over five penguin colonies counting over 10,000 penguins evaluating vital research on Antarctic penguin populations in support of climate science.<br /> <br /> While surveying Antarctic waters, HMS Protector observed wildlife, recording data on species, numbers, behaviours and locations.<br /> <br /> During the latest survey, the ship documented 74 fur seals, 26 sei whales, 161 humpback whales, 25 fin whales, 18 killer whales, and even one reported sighting of an albino whale.<br /> <br /> Continuing her conservation work, HMS Protector contributed to preserving the pristine Antarctic environment by collecting three tonnes of waste leftover from previous missions at Brabant Island.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, the ship recovered 1.8 tonnes of stores for UKAHT as part of their heritage conservation work.<br /> <br /> The deployment also focused on updating charts and improving navigational safety of Antarctic waters, with Protector surveying and collecting over 1,500 nautical miles of data using their Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES). </p>{4EC41F4F-4850-4B18-B18B-A6F641CBC2D4}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-subhunting-aircrewman-honoured-by-family-of-tragic-predecessorSub-hunting aircrewman honoured by family of tragic predecessor <p>Leading Aircrewman Ian Marchment was one of five aircrew killed when two Sea King helicopters collided and crashed into the sea on March 6, 1981. They were both flying in poor visibility from aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.</p> <p>All five crew – Lieutenant Commander David Roue, Lieutenant Paul Littleton, Sub-Lieutenant Robert Bateman and Sub-Lieutenant Marcus McDonald plus Ian – were serving with 820 Naval Air Squadron based now, as then, at RNAS Culdrose.</p> <p>Joined by her the couple’s son Peter Marchment, who was just eight months old when his father was killed, Ian’s widow Heather Brown laid a wreath to remember all five men when the family returned to the Cornish air station to present a trophy awarded in the aircrewman’s name.</p> <p>“I’ve had mixed emotions,” said Mrs Brown, reflecting on her return to Helston. “I am proud to have been able to do it and proud for my family to be a part of that. I always wanted to return to the base, but it has been emotional coming back.</p> <p>“I know Ian was happy when he died, doing a job he loved. Yes, the accident might not have happened, but he knew – and lived with – those risks. It is something I think about but you have to live for today.”</p> <p>Immediately following the tragedy, a trophy was created at Culdrose in memory of LACMN Marchment for the Sea King Force, which Mrs Brown presented the following year.</p> <p>With Sea Kings have passed into history, but the Marchment trophy has been revived by their successor, the Merlin Helicopter Force.</p> <p>It was presented by Peter Marchment to the Merlin aircrewman who has shown outstanding performance in anti-submarine warfare operations over the past year: Petty Officer Aircrewman Nathan Allen for his role with 814 Naval Air Squadron’s Mohawk Flight in locating and tracking submarines during live operations.</p> <p>Mr Marchment, who was accompanied by his wife and children, said it was moving to be back in a place where his father worked and lived all those years ago.</p> <div> </div>{678320F7-7A48-4498-9CB5-1F6AC12E45E3}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/20240308-fjord-focus-navys-smallest-craft-join-natos-biggest-exerciseFjord focus – Navy’s smallest craft join NATO’s biggest exercise<p>Patrol boats HMS Biter, Blazer, Exploit and Trumpeter have completed a month-long voyage from their base in Portsmouth to venture further north than any of their class – above the 70th Parallel – have gone in 35 years’ service.</p> <p>After a journey of nearly 2,200 miles from their home in Portsmouth, the quartet are ready to play their part supporting NATO raiding forces deep in the Arctic Circle as the first phase of the alliance’s huge winter exercise Steadfast Defender reaches its climax over the next week in the fjords, valleys and small towns and villages of Norway’s Finnmark and Troms districts.</p> <p>While it takes a few days for most participating ships – Royal Navy involvement is led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales – to sail from Portsmouth to the exercise area, it’s been an epic of logistics, planning and engineering to send the fast patrol craft to the Arctic,<br /> The boats are designed for operating in coastal waters – usually at sea by day, returning to port at night, although they can be out longer, but never more than a few days.</p> <p>As a result the four boats have ‘hopped’ from port to port on their epic journey to the Arctic, first via Ramsgate, Scheveningen and Den Helder (Netherlands), then the island of Helgoland off Germany’s North Sea coast and Esbjerg and Thyboron in Denmark.</p> <p>And then into Norway, gradually making their way up the west coast from Kristiansand in the southwest to north of Tromsø deep inside the Arctic (calling in for fuel and supplies along the way at: Egersund, Stavanger, Bergen, Florø, Måløy, Alesund, Kristiansund, Trondheim, Sandnessjøen, and Harstad).</p> <p>Lieutenant ‘Teddy’ Bradley, the Royal Navy exchange officer to the Royal Norwegian Navy said having completed the journey, the small boats had an important role to play in the exercise.</p> <p>‘Deploying four Archer Class to the Arctic is some challenge. Successfully integrating them and their support team into a well-established and specialist force like the Norwegian Coastal Rangers, and achieving operational success is another level entirely.</p> <p>“It’s a real demonstration to our adversaries of what NATO can do even with the most unlikely combination of resources.”</p> <p>Engineer Lieutenant Jack Meggs is part of the specialist staff supporting the deployment to the Arctic.</p> <div> </div>{46AA7CC7-E385-412D-83DA-49EF27C8BE39}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/07/240307-navy-advances-trials-with-podsRoyal Navy tech office showcases latest deployment units<p>With the help of a diverse range of end-users, the Office for the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) has been researching and trialling the use of more than a dozen different configurations of PODS to enable ships and shore-based units to do experiments and take on a variety of different roles.<br /> <br /> Although navy ships have a core use (Type 45s are air defence specialists while Type 23 frigates are experts in anti-submarine warfare), they have the ability to be deployed where needed and to a variety of operations.<br /> <br /> But getting the ship prepared and ready, such as taking on supplies or additional equipment, can take time. OCTO and others have been working to make this process smoother and more efficient with the use of PODS - a container and payload which is designed and built to suit one or more specific tasks or missions. </p> <p>Similarly, units deployed to austere and expeditionary locations stand to benefit from the availability and use of PODS personalised to support their activities, whether experimental or operational.<br /> <br /> During a demonstration day held at Portsdown Technology Park near Portsmouth, OCTO showcased a number of PODS including a medical unit, an autonomous drone unit, a mine counter measures unit and a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility).<br /> <br /> Each one had been kitted out and constructed to fit its role, for example the MedPODs have the same equipment and systems as a deployed advanced medical bay. With it on board, a ship would be able to administer anaesthesia, do X-rays and undertake complex surgery.<br />  <br /> Meanwhile, other containers on show can host a variety of uncrewed air systems including heavy lift quadcopters such as the Malloy T150 and T400 and a Command and Control (C2) centre to for the operation of drones in all three sub-domains – below the surface, on the surface and in the air.<br /> <br /> Brigadier Jaimie Roylance, the Royal Navy’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “This demonstration day has been a long time coming, and has allowed us to showcase some of what my team and a huge cast of end-users have achieved over the last 2 years to prove the concept of PODS.  <br /> <br /> “Today, we have been able to gather all sorts of stakeholders who could and should be interested in the use of PODS and that maybe would sponsor these sorts of capabilities.<br /> <br /> “We’ve also had a very good cross section of current and potential future users, whether in mine counter measures, seabed warfare or the Commando Force, brief on their interest in the PODS they’re currently using and may get in the future.<br /> <br /> “And we also have people representing the parts of the Royal Navy and DE&S who might deliver a PODS programme in the near future.”</p>{9108BAAE-C55F-48E2-9F8E-E80F52A40119}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/07/20240307-band-goes-bavarian-as-royal-marine-musicians-thank-germans-for-hospitalityBand goes Bavarian as Royal Marine Musicians thank Germans for hospitality<p>Royal Marines musicians brought seafaring tunes, Colonel Bogey and The Pink Panther theme, James Bond and Abba medleys plus Rule Britannia to the mountains of Bavaria as they thanked the local German populace for their ongoing support.</p> <p>The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre RM staged a benefit concert in Bad Hindelang, a small community in the Allgäu region to mark a 20-year friendship.</p> <p>For two decades the district, about 80 miles southwest of Munich, has hosted first Royal Marines adventurous training then, since 2009, the heavily-used Naval Outdoor Centre Germany.</p> <p>The centre occupies a four-star hotel, from where instructors and staff have provided AT opportunities to thousands of Royal Navy personnel and their families: rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and klettersteiging in the summer, skiing in winter, for people of all abilities.</p> <p>An audience some 500-strong packed into the Kurhaus community centre to hear 42 members of the CTCRM band, led by Major Ian Davis and Colour Sergeant Matt Green entertain them for over two hours with an eclectic mix of military, classical and pop music.</p> <p>There’s nothing quite like the sound of the Royal Marines Band in the Alps – Allgäuers are more likely to listen to local brass bands.</p> <p>"This concert was an excellent opportunity for the band members to perform to a new, very appreciative audience, and to support the defence engagement mission of the staff of the Naval Outdoor Centre Germany,” said Major Davis.</p> <p>Although the event was free, guests were invited to make donations – split equally between the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (£2,198) and good causes in the Allgäu.</p> <p>What did Bavarians think of the performance?</p> <p>“A gala concert with a unique atmosphere. Great! Thanks for coming. And please do it again,” one told the military musicians.</p> <div> </div>{7FAB4037-53B6-46AB-B477-1D82DF3C5811}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/05/20240305-masters-of-disaster-yeovilton-trains-for-worst-case-scenario-with-local-emergency-servicesMasters of disaster Yeovilton trains for worst case scenario with local emergency services<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">It sounds like something out of a Hollywood disaster movie… or the stuff of nightmares.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">In fact it was the scenario played out by base and local emergency services to test the ability of all to deal with a major incident at RNAS Yeovilton.</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">The base can call upon its own firefighters, medics and police for any initial response… supported by civilian services: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">They grappled not merely with the two accidents – a lorry jack-knifed on the road, several cars to simulate stopped traffic and training smoke to bring the scenario to life – but also live ‘casualties’ which made a huge difference to the training, accurately capturing the chaos of a real-life incident.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424;">“The presence of role-playing casualties enhanced the authenticity of the scene,” said Yeovilton’s fire station manager Chief Petty Officer Tom Meechan.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff; color: #242424; color: #242424; color: #242424;">“Injuries suffered ranged from burns and fractures to smoke inhalation, necessitating the evacuation of some individuals using specialised equipment.”</span></p>{91B2BE70-3A1B-49B8-A2CF-07D679E450A9}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/04/20240304-knives-out-and-combat-sports-in-as-navy-extends-youth-initiative-to-manchesterKnives out – and combat sports in as Navy extends youth initiative to Manchester<p>Organisers promised if their inaugural event in Stockton earlier this year was a success, they’d look at linking up with gyms elsewhere in northern England.</p> <p>Step forward Wythenshawe Black Belt Academy in the heart of one of Manchester’s largest districts which hosted a combat sports session.</p> <p>Around 30 youngsters attended the inaugural session, with RN Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and the Marines’ unarmed combat team showing how to channel aggression and energy to the benefit of society via sport… and also open young people’s eyes to a career in the Forces, particularly in areas which have not proved rich recruiting grounds hitherto.</p> <p>Warrant Officer 2 Dennis Harrison said the gym was selected on the basis of its existing work with the community to offer local young people an alternative to crime, gang culture, knives, guns and other weapons.  </p> <p>Although a concerted effort by authorities, police, community groups and gyms such as the Black Belt Academy has cut attacks and incidents across Greater Manchester by around one sixth in the past 12 months, there are still around ten knife crimes a day in the urban area.</p> <p>As with the session in Teesside, Dennis hopes the combat sport sessions can become a regular fixture in the Wythenshawe sporting calendar.</p> <p>"We want to build on the work of gyms like this one and maintain relationships with the authorities rather than this being a one-off,” said Dennis, who’s based at the Armed Forces Career Office in Manchester.</p> <p>"If young people can come to gyms like this – and others – they can get their aggression out safely in the gym. That’s far better than the alternative.</p> <p>“The values at the heart of martial arts and combat sports – courage, self-discipline and respect for others – are very much in line with our ethos in the Navy and Royal Marine.”</p>{14A020B5-E762-4169-B423-FC4FCA7F855F}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/04/240304-trent-300m-drug-bustsRoyal Navy seizes nearly £300m of drugs in the Caribbean Sea<p>British sailors, Royal Marines and a US Coast Guard team on HMS Trent intercepted a suspected smuggling speedboat south of the US Virgin Islands.<br /> <br /> The smugglers began jettisoning their illegal cargo as they fled towards land, but Trent, her fast sea boats and an American patrol aircraft gave chase – eventually recovering 94 bales of class-a narcotics, weighing 2,757kg and worth £220.56m.<br /> <br /> This was HMS Trent’s second drugs bust in the space of three weeks, having seized £70.1m of cocaine in a separate operation in January – pouncing as darkness fell as smugglers tried to escape.<br /> <br /> A high-octane chase ensued under moonlight as the smugglers tried to offload their illegal cargo, but Royal Marines coxswains and the USCG boarding team closed in, took control of the vessel and detained four crew members.<br /> <br /> As the sun rose, Trent’s 60-strong crew scoured the ocean for the abandoned cargo, eventually retrieving 29 bales of cocaine weighing in at 876kg after an extensive ten-hour search across 24 square miles.<br /> <br /> A marine, of Plymouth-based 47 Commando, who cannot be named for operational reasons, was driving one of the pursuing sea boats.<br /> <br /> “This was a challenging operation and required us to push the boats to their limit,” he said. <br /> <br /> “Despite their best efforts to evade us, and with our boats and the ship bearing down on them at speed, the 38ft go-fast finally gave up the chase and we were able to get alongside and enable members of the US Coast Guard to seize the vessel.”</p>{E2C24C95-407B-46A7-B025-C49E31247860}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/20240301-hms-victorious-560m-refit-to-ready-her-for-future-operationsHMS Victorious’ £560m refit to ready her for future operations<p><span style="background: white;">Babcock and the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency have agreed a contract worth an estimated £560m to deliver the planned deep maintenance and future-proofing of the Vanguard-class boat.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The nuclear submarine arrived in Plymouth last year to prepare for the programme which will enable her to continue operational patrols well into the 2030s. Work on HMS Victorious is already underway.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The boat is the second Vanguard-class submarine to undergo a life extension package at Babcock’s Devonport facility.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">She and the rest of the Vanguard fleet are key components in the UK military’s longest operation - Operation Relentless. Since 1969, at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine is maintaining the continuous at sea deterrent posture at all times, deterring the most extreme threats to the UK and our way of life.</span></p>{6F7E1E9F-21A3-431A-8888-D99BBDD58D67}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/240301-hms-st-albans-sailsFrigate HMS St Albans returns to sea after massive revamp in Plymouth<p>The Type 23 warship left Devonport Naval Base today on the first stage of her regeneration to return her to front line duties later this year.</p> <p>She’ll spend the next few weeks flashing up her systems and testing her improved/refurbished machinery in the Channel to ensure all the work which has been carried out is effective.</p> <p>The ship’s 178-strong crew moved back aboard in mid-November, since when they’ve been working hand-in-hand with contractors and engineers from defence firm Babcock, which has overseen the entire refit programme, to prepare The Saint to move under her own power for the first time since 2019.</p> <p>“Going back to sea is a huge milestone. Today is the result of a real team effort where Ship’s Company, Babcock, other specialist contractors, shore-based support organisations, Devonport Naval Base and even some people from other Devonport-based ships have come together to help us transition from engineering project back to being a warship,” said HMS St Albans’ Commanding Officer Commander Helen Coxon. </p> <p>“Whether it is the first day at sea – as is the case for many of our less experienced sailors – or returning back to where we feel at home for the more experienced, today is a big day and we’d like to thank all those involved in making it happen.”</p> <p>After nearly 20 years of constant service in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Gulf, St Albans arrived in Plymouth in 2019 to begin preparations for the refit, known as the life extension (LIFEX) upgrade.</p> <p>The upgrade will help carry the class of Duke-class frigate into the middle of the next decade, while their successors – the Type 26 City-class currently under construction on the Clyde – enter service.</p> <p>Revamping the 23s been a massive undertaking stretching back a decade. Work on HMS St Albans alone has demanded more than 1.2 million working hours by sailors, civilian engineers and shipwrights, software specialists and many more.</p> <p>Around 350 structural enhancements to strengthen the ship and allow her to carry new equipment have been carried out, demanding more than four kilometres of welding.</p> <p>All four diesel generators were replaced, meaning the ship can produce more power, the main engines removed, overhauled, and reinserted—a complex engineering feat, and a first for her project team.</p> <p>More than two dozen new pumps with four kilometres of pipework have been fitted, and some 10,000 square metres of paintwork refreshed – that’s the size of a football pitch.</p> <p>She’s now more efficient, more reliable, and brighter, and living quarters overhauled to give them a fresh look and better meet the needs of sailors in the 2020s (more plugs, USB ports etc).</p> <p>As a war machine, St Albans emerges from the revamp as a far more potent warship: all weapons and sensors have been upgraded, not least the installation of the Sea Ceptor air defence system which can provide protection to an area the size of Greater Manchester against incoming threats in the skies.</p> <p>One magazine has been adapted for the new Martlet missile which has recently entered service with the Fleet Air Arm, and aviation facilities enhanced to support the latest variants of Merlin, Wildcat and most NATO maritime helicopters. </p> <p>As a dedicated submarine hunter, the ship has been fitted with Sonar 2150 in place of 2050, which can detect underwater threats at greater range and is easier to operate.</p> <p>After the initial trials in the Channel, St Albans will return to base for any necessary tweaks to the work carried out in refit, before starting her work-up to becoming fully operational again, which culminates with Operational Sea Training off Plymouth.</p> <p>Just one Type 23 frigate is left to complete the LIFEX programme: HMS Sutherland, which is currently in Devonport’s frigate refit complex.</p>{98AAF30F-BD22-4D68-B53E-553079AF92E0}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/01/240301-spey-in-philippinesSpey’s visit to Manila ensures UK-Philippine ties are ‘only going to grow’<p>The Philippines Armed Forces are going through a massive modernisation programme, Re-Horizon 3, which includes improving the ability to work together with allied and partner nations.</p> <p>The patrol ship’s visit to the Philippines capital coincided with 13 of the UK’s leading defence firms such as BAE Systems, Thales and Leonardo showcasing their equipment and systems to hosts.</p> <p>Crew took part in a string of professional and social interactions with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and local community, including a friendly game of football and 5-a-side matches at the Philippine Marine Corps Barracks in Fort Bonifacio. </p> <p>Staging the games was aided by ten football coaches from Football for Humanity, a UK-based ‘sport for development’ charity which uses football-focused interventions to tackle complex social issues.</p> <p>The ship’s company hosted tours for Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard personnel, including officers who had recently graduated from a maritime planning course delivered by the Royal Navy in Manila in early February. </p> <p>“It’s been excellent to visit Manila and improve our ability to work together with colleagues from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard,” said Commander Paul Caddy, Spey’s Commanding Officer.</p> <p>“This is part of an increasing level of engagement. With Spey recently taking part in the multinational Exercise Sama Sama for the second time, it is clear that the relationship is only going to grow.</p> <p>“The UK and Philippines firmly believe in, and promote the rules-based international system; we share an interest in upholding international maritime law and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific."</p> <div> </div>{036DD34E-8F28-44CB-BB2B-8626BF5968F1}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/29/240229-lake-district-rescueRoyal Marines help fallen climber in the Lake District<p>Lieutenant Colonel Mick Trafford and veteran Tris Finn were planning to summit Blencathra via Sharp Edge on the second day of their trip to the national park, but were told by a fellow climber that someone had fallen into a gully and that the Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) from Keswick had been called.</p> <p>Sizing up the situation and drawing on vast commando experience and training, Tris and Mick determined they were able to reach the fallen climber – despite extremely slippery conditions. </p> <p>On getting to the female casualty, nothing immediately indicated anything life-threatening, but she’d temporarily lost consciousness in the fall and had sustained a number of other injuries. </p> <p>Drawing on their training, experience and emergency equipment in their daysacks, Mick provided casualty care, including treatment for shock and prevention of hypothermia, whilst Tris coordinated with the Mountain Rescue Team and the paramedic at the MRT’s base. </p> <p>The pair knew they weren’t equipped to extract a casualty from this precarious position, and that it would be a number of hours until MRT arrived, so settled in, monitored the casualty and helped keep her spirits up.</p> <p>“The casualty had taken a really nasty fall in difficult conditions,” said Mick, who is Commanding Officer of Royal Marines Reserve Bristol.</p> <p>“She was fortunate to have been able to arrest herself where she did. </p> <p>“Once we understood the situation, it was immediately clear that without assistance she’d be in increasing danger as time passed waiting for the MRT. </p> <p>“Tris and I formed a quick plan and from there experience, training and a bit of decision-making was all that was needed. </p> <p>“Delivering casualty care in such precarious conditions is pretty demanding. </p> <p>“Tris and I have been oppos for more than twenty years – I couldn’t have picked a better person to be with on the day. </p> <p>“Subsequently, we’ve been delighted and relieved to learn that the lady who fell will make a full recovery.”</p> <p>Tris, who left service as a Major in 2022 and is now a history teacher at Colyton Grammar School in Devon, added: “Mick and I were just glad we were able to help, and keep her comfortable and reassured until the MRT arrived. From a personal perspective, it was an incredibly valuable learning experience that thankfully ended well.”</p> <p>After about two and a half hours the vanguard of the MRT arrived. The first of the team in the gully brought additional medical equipment, and began making an assessment of the best extraction option. </p> <p>Shortly thereafter Tris was able to climb from the gully on a top rope set up by the mountain rescuers, but as Mick was built into the casualty’s platform, and had been leading her care thus far the MRT in the gully were keen to keep hold of him to assist with the casualty.</p> <p>About 30-40 minutes later, the necessary high anchors were in place to bring in the extraction stretcher. </p> <p>As this came down into the gully, they began to prepare the casualty for extraction, including dressing wounds, pain relief and pelvic splinting. </p> <p>Loading the injured walker on to the stretcher allowed Mick to get out of the gully with some of the MRT, to be reunited with Tris. </p> <p>As the stretcher and casualty were lowered into the re-entrant below, and the remainder of the MRT extracted, Tris and Mick were able to gather up (most) of their kit and make their way back off the hill. </p> <p>“Not quite the day we’d planned,” Mick said. “But definitely right place, right time.”</p>{0B15FD2F-F3C0-4089-A456-DC23C2E49BCD}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/27/20240227-hms-spey-and-gurkhas-benefit-from-brunei-link-upHMS Spey and Gurkhas benefit from Brunei link-up<p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Those were the questions posed by HMS Spey and the elite rifle regiment, who are now formally bound.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The two agreed an affiliation when the patrol ship visited Brunei to improve sea-land integration.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo is home to a permanent British military presence: an army garrison (1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles – typically shortened to 1 RGR), the Jungle Warfare School and a supporting RAF Squadron, 230, and its Puma helicopters.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Gurkhas took Spey’s protection force – who defend the ship against potential unwanted/hostile boarders, as well as supporting board-and-search operations – to their close-quarters training area at Tuker Lines barracks to practise clearing techniques.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">That visit was reciprocated when a group from 1 RGR visited Spey to understand more about her mission, general life at sea and discuss future joint training opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">“It was an excellent opportunity to test and develop our skills in an urban environment. It is a great opportunity to work with the Gurkhas and improve our ability to train together,” said Leading Weapon Engineering Technician Ben Smythe.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Spey – and her sister HMS Tamar which is also deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific theatre – has substantial capacity for carrying a Gurkha (or commando/regular army) detachment up to 50 strong.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">“The Gurkhas in Brunei are the UK’s largest and most persistent military presence in the region and have been for over 25 years,” explained Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commander British Forces Brunei.</span></p>{5CFDB29C-C679-4B51-A095-B77C6866E78B}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/29/240229-cyber-warfare-in-japanRoyal Navy combine with Japanese forces to battle cyber attacks<p>Forty-one teams from 17 nations tested their cyber defence skills during the British Army’s Defence Cyber Marvel 3 exercise in Estonia, but with an international network plugging in from across three continents. </p> <p>The Royal Navy’s cyber operations specialists based in Portsmouth are usually on the front line across the world, protecting ships and bases from threats around the clock, but were deployed to Tokyo for this valuable exercise.</p> <p>They worked closely with Ukrainian teams in 2023 while in Tallinn, but this year – for the first time – formed a joint team with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force’s Communication Security Group. </p> <p>The 22-strong team – 12 RN and 10 JMSDF – were tasked with protecting an island in the Indo-Pacific facing aggressive cyber-attacks from a ‘hostile’ nation state.</p> <p>The cyber battle – which increased in its complexity throughout – helped forge closer bonds and understanding between Japanese and British personnel as they prepare to work with each other next year as the UK deploys its Carrier Strike Group to the region.</p> <p>These skills are highly valuable given the ever-evolving attacks by hackers seen across the globe on a daily basis. </p> <p>The team battled attacks on national infrastructure amid an ongoing insurgency in this mock island state.</p> <p>Lieutenant Commander Paul Adkins, in charge of the RN team, said: “Our participation in the exercise with the Communications Support Group based in Tokyo represents a culmination of activity that only came into being last year; but has already cemented an enduring relationship with our friends in the JMSDF.</p> <p> “Together we have refined and developed joint tactics and procedures that have borne fruit now, but more importantly, will serve us well in the future, particularly as we look to provide cyber assurance to CSG deployment 2025. Here we look forward to continued engagement with the Japanese Defense Forces”. </p> <p>Leading Engineering Technician Joe Barnett said: “Being relatively new to Navy Cyber, it was an amazing experience to work with a cyber team from the Japanese Navy and I have learnt a lot throughout the exercise.</p> <p>“The opportunity to do this, whilst also being able to explore the city of Tokyo in my downtime makes me feel that I have one of the best jobs in the RN.”</p>{C1C4FD27-6959-4F26-A152-F7CC421F37CB}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/28/20240228-carl-named-best-chef-in-the-navy-for-his-global-culinary-skillsCarl named best chef in the Navy for his global culinary skills<p>No matter where the ship has been – chiefly on patrol in the North Atlantic – Carl has endeavoured to bring the world to dinnerplates, drawing upon his skill, imagination and what’s in the frigate’s pantry… although he modestly attributes the success to the team spirit and collective skills of HMS Northumberland’s catering department.</p> <p>"Being recognised with this award is a huge honour, but it really belongs to the whole galley,” said Carl, who’s originally from Haywards Heath in West Sussex but who now lives in Plymouth with his wife Marianne and daughter Eowyn.</p> <p>“We always aim to make every meal feel like a piece of home, with mealtimes a highlight of the day, making the lived experience on board a little better.</p> <p>“It has been a genuine pleasure to share my passion for cooking with everyone who visits the counter."</p> <p>The 31-year-old joined the Royal Navy nine years ago, cooked for the Queen when she paid her final visit to HMS Ocean and represented the service against the Army and RAF in the culinary arts team.</p> <p>His passion and skill in the galley particularly came to the fore last year, when Northumberland was heavily engaged on patrols in the North Atlantic – an unforgiving environment and not the easiest place to take on board fresh supplies.</p> <p>According to his citation: “His global menus bring excitement to meal times, turning them into culinary adventures and breaking the monotony of life at sea.</p> <p>“His efforts have not just showcased his culinary talents but have also connected the diverse ship’s company through their love of great food.”</p> <div> </div>{B6FA0553-46BF-44F1-B1DA-49CB73AE6B2A}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/27/20240227-naval-veterans-start-100-day-countdown-to-d-day-commemorationsNaval veterans start 100-day countdown to D-Day commemorations<p>One hundred days to June 6, D-Day veterans Stan Ford and John Roberts – aged 98 and 99 respectively – were invited to Portsmouth to add their names to a large memorial wall on Southsea’s seafront honouring those who were involved in the ‘Great Crusade’ in the summer of 1944.</p> <p>The two former sailors had never met before, but quickly struck up a rapport in front of a host of cameras recording the occasion for posterity.</p> <p>Both said adding their names to the wall of honour was both humbling – and would remind future generations of the sacrifices made by everyone involved in the effort to liberate Europe in 1944.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t say it’s a pleasure,” said Stan as he was presented with a plaque bearing his name to be added to the wall.</p> <p>“What we did was a necessary evil. I hope that young people learn about the exploits and sacrifices made in 1944 and together we make sure that it doesn’t happen again. That is my wish.”</p> <p>Mr Roberts hopes that his great grandchildren – and their contemporaries – will see his name, and others, on the wall “and learn about those who gave their lives for a free world”.</p> <p>The former sailors’ names were two of 13 from a dozen allied nations symbolically fixed on the wall at the D-Day Story museum to mark the milestone countdown.</p> <p>Come June 5 – as it was in 1944 – Portsmouth will be the hub of activity on this side of the Channel, hosting a national act of commemoration – similar in style and content to the 75th anniversary event in 2019, with a purpose-built stage hosting an event featuring D-Day veterans, music from the era, serving personnel and tributes from special guests. Proceedings will be broadcast live on TV around the globe and will feature a sail past by Royal Navy warships and fly pasts by the Red Arrows and WW2 vintage aircraft.</p> <p>Across in France on June 5, the Royal British Legion is leading a service of thanksgiving at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Cemetery in Bayeux.<br /> And on June 6 itself, for veterans, family members and the public who wish to pay tribute but are unable to make it to Normandy, there will commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.</p> <p>And in Normandy, commemorations will be concentrated at the new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer and at Bayeux Cathedral.</p> <p>These are likely to be the last formal events at which veterans of the Normandy campaign, now all in their late 90s at the youngest, will be present in numbers. As Stan succinctly put it: “There are not that many of us left now.”</p> <div> </div>{80AA3E46-A5C9-4458-AA11-89E72A5A0156}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/240226-nato-ships-join-carrier-strike-groupNATO ships join UK Carrier Strike Group for start of exercise<p>The carrier and her task force practised sailing in close formation and learned how different navies operate as they began Joint Warrior – testing the readiness of the UK Carrier Strike Group and its ability to deter threats.</p> <p>Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland and tankers RFA Tideforce and Tidespring joined Prince of Wales last week and their numbers were bolstered by Royal Canadian ship Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown; Spanish Navy Alvaro de Bazan-class air defence frigate SNS Cristobal Colon and Danish Navy Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HMDS Niels Juel. </p> <p>The close manoeuvring was a chance to test the navigation officers and bridge teams of all the ships involved, as they overcame language barriers and sailing ships of varying sizes in tight formation. </p> <p>HMS Prince of Wales is now under NATO command for the first time since 2022. </p> <p>Her navigator, Lieutenant Commander Tom Parsons, said: “Bringing together warships from different countries is always an enjoyable challenge, especially when we manoeuvre as closely as we have done so today. </p> <p>“Although we may all speak different languages day-to-day, today is proof that there is no barrier to us operating as a single Carrier Strike Group. </p> <p>“My bridge team and I are looking forward to the coming weeks as we get to know our NATO allies better as we tackle increasingly demanding exercises side by side.”</p>{1FCCCD95-8442-4A0B-B827-A932916417B0}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/240226-royal-marines-avalanche-trainingRoyal Marines work with Norwegian emergency services on avalanche rescue training<p>The eyes and ears of the UK’s Commando Force, 30 Commando’s Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron, are at the tip of the UK’s Arctic spear – designed to work ahead of the main thrust of allied forces to forge the way ahead, often deep behind enemy lines in the most inhospitable environments. </p> <p>As their name and role suggests, they also have notable skills in finding and helping casualties in a perilous position – they recently helped Norwegian authorities find two missing hikers lost in the remote Helligskogen region.</p> <p>The avalanche rescue exercise tested the squadron’s reactions to a medical emergency following an avalanche and validated the UK’s Role 1 medical facility – which provides first aid, immediate life-saving treatment and triage – at Helligskogen base, near the border with Finland and Sweden. </p> <p>It also tested and validated the Norwegians’ emergency call centre.</p> <p>The scenario saw two casualties – one with head trauma and another with a broken leg – expertly located by the squadron, working alongside the search and rescue helicopter from Tromso, which winched the casualties from danger. </p> <p>The training brough together specialists from the UK Commando Force and the Norwegian emergency services. </p> <p>Major Ric Cole, from the UK Commando Force, said: “As part of their ongoing Extreme Cold Weather training, members of the UK Commando Force, including Royal Marines, Royal Navy medical staff and Commando Sappers from the Royal Engineers, have been working alongside Norwegian emergency services. </p> <p>“This latest training serial was an avalanche rescue of two casualties, from search to pre-hospital treatment and onwards to a Role 3 medical facility by Air Ambulance. </p> <p>“It again demonstrates the range and utility of the Commandos, as they prepare for Ex Steadfast Defender 24 alongside our allies and partners.”</p> <p>The commandos have returned to the Arctic this year as NATO limbers up for its most important exercise in a generation, known as Steadfast Defender.</p> <p>That will test the alliance’s ability to defend its flanks from an aggressor, bringing troops from North America and other regions to defend Europe.</p> <p>That’s a wider picture of more than 90,000 troops, 50 ships, 80 fighter jets, helicopters, drones and more than 1,000 vehicles, including tanks.</p> <p>HMS Prince of Wales will be leading the UK’s Carrier Strike Group at sea, but inland the Commando Force are tasked alongside allies to defend the Cap of the North – the region of Norway, Sweden and Finland north of the Arctic Circle. </p> <p>Usually Norway hosts a bi-annual workout to operate with allies on defence of NATO’s northern flank, but with Finland’s membership and Sweden’s expected accession, the exercise – previously called Cold Response – now encompasses the wider region and has been renamed Nordic Response.</p> <p>Royal Marines have been working up to this moment through the winter as new generations take on the Cold Weather Warfare Courses.</p> <p>The Arctic warfare experts – the Royal Marines Mountain Leaders – are responsible for educating and instructing new commandos on what is required to survive, move and fight across the ice.</p> <p>Course members learn to navigate by the stars, build shelters out of wood and snow, survive off the land and jump into freezing water – known as the ice-breaking drill – to test responses to cold shock. </p> <p>The commandos are also taught navigation skills before taking to skis and snow shoes to learn how to quickly get across the ice and out-manoeuvre adversaries carrying weapons and equipment across training areas in the mountainous Troms and Finnmark county in northern Norway.</p> <p>Marines take part in a biathlon when deployed in the Arctic – a winter sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. </p> <p>The roots of the biathlon’s history sit heavily in Scandinavia and has developed as part of Norwegian military training. </p> <p>It’s the perfect cold weather challenge for the Commando Force across mountain roads and forests. It is a race of speed and accuracy, making it perfect for honing warfare skills.</p> <p>The course ultimately produces a conveyor belt of Arctic commandos, ready to be melded together to the wider Commando Force and create a formidable extreme cold weather fighting force.</p> <p>Marines of Zulu Company from Arbroath-based 45 Commando completed their course and are now working towards Nordic Response – bringing in specialists to attach to the company.</p> <p>Mortars and signaller teams from within 45 Commando, engineers from 59 Squadron of 24 Commando Royal Engineers, a group of engineers from the French 9th Marine Infantry Brigade and a US Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company have all attached to Zulu for Nordic Response. </p> <p>Z Company and their new arrivals worked with Viking armoured vehicles, including the mortar and ambulance variants, as they build towards Nordic Response.<br /> “There was also time to practice the dismounted skills learned during the course, including ski mobility, break contact drills, avalanche rescue, and medical training,” explained Captain James Temple, second in command of Zulu Coy.</p> <p>“During the second week ranks conducted further ski navigation training and conducted live firing on skis. The integration package culminated with team lanes, enabling the teams to practice a series of tactical actions as previously taught and practiced.”</p>{15557D1C-8E21-455B-87A7-A54C42C338A1}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/26/20240226-essex-joins-the-hms-venturer-family-county-is-affiliated-with-new-frigateEssex joins the HMS Venturer family – County is affiliated with new frigate<p>Civic leaders have agreed to be affiliated with the Type 31 frigate – currently under construction in Scotland – linking the warship with more than 1.8m people in East Anglia from Chigwell to Colchester, Braintree to Basildon.</p> <p>All warships enjoy affiliations with towns, cities or boroughs. Occasionally, that extends to entire counties such as current frigates HMS Kent and Sutherland, each linked with the county of the same name.</p> <p>The link with Essex was born from initial inquiries from community leaders in Southend-on-Sea – a link which has been expanded to the wider county.<br /> It joins the Worship Company of Ironmongers which is already affiliated with the new warship.</p> <p>“It is wonderful that HMS Venturer is affiliated with the County of Essex,” said Commander Chris Cozens, the frigate’s Senior Naval Officer.</p> <p>“The rich naval and maritime history combined with its modern outlook is a fitting choice for a ‘Next Generation Frigate’. We both share a focus on community outreach, linking the sea to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and industry to benefit our national prosperity.”</p>{71BDCCA7-993A-429B-95B1-082CAFB0A9A8}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/23/20240223-fleet-air-arms-jack-makes-history-as-new-helicopter-pilot-instructorFleet Air Arm’s Jack makes history as new helicopter pilot instructor<p>Ok, so it’s not quite as easy as that, but Lieutenant Jack Cook has made a little piece of UK aviation history.</p> <p>He’s the first Qualified Helicopter Instructor (known through the air world simply as QHI) to complete the Central Flying School course – having only finished his own training as a pilot just months earlier.</p> <p>Normally years – and a few tours of duty with Fleet Air Arm squadrons – pass between a pilot completing training and returning to school to become instructors.</p> <p>Jack’s become the first military pilot to skip that part with instructors impressed by his flying skill, but also his ability to impart his knowledge and pass it on to colleagues… just the traits needed by a qualified instructor.</p> <p>Jack has actually been flying with the Navy since 2012 – just not as a pilot. He actually joined the service as a direct-entry aircrewman, earning his wings on the Merlin Mk3 with 28 Squadron RAF in 2014.</p> <p>He spent the next four years with Commando Helicopter Force as an aircrewman, serving with both Merlin squadrons and the Wildcats of 847 NAS, deploying around the world: Norway, the Mediterranean and Caribbean, the latter providing humanitarian aid in the wake of Hurricane Irma which wrecked British and Commonwealth territories in the region in September 2017.</p> <p>Selected for the Officer Corps and training as a pilot the following year, Jack could have been flying F-35 stealth fighters (or possibly US F-18 Super Hornets and RAF Typhoons on exchange) from his grading assessment and element flying training with 727 and 703 Naval Air Squadrons respectively.</p> <p>Instead, he stuck with his passion: helicopters.</p>{2EBE9093-5B9B-4CAF-913C-CC33412EAD8C}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/23/240223-royal-navy-shows-solidarity-with-ukraine-at-antarctic-research-baseRoyal Navy shows solidarity with Ukraine at Antarctic research base<p>Ice breaker HMS Protector called in at Vernadsky Base to discuss how Ukraine and the UK are supporting peaceful scientific cooperation in Antarctica.<br /> <br /> Two years on since Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, it was also an opportunity for the team based there to share the stories of their families in their war-torn home and how some of the scientists plan to serve when they return to their motherland. <br /> <br /> Protector’s Commanding Officer, Captain Tom Weaver, said: “It was a privilege to be able to visit our Ukrainian friends at Vernadsky. <br /> <br /> “From the moment we approached the base to see the flag of Ukraine and the Union Flag hoisted together, we received the warmest of welcomes and a fascinating insight into the work they do.<br /> <br /> “I was humbled by the scientists’ stories of families back in Ukraine in places such as Kharkiv, and by the willingness to serve their country on returning from Antarctica.”<br /> <br /> Captain Weaver and his team were given a tour of the base – located on Galindez Island off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.<br /> <br /> Vernadsky Research Base, formerly the British Faraday Station, has been operating since 1954, conducting vital research in fields such as meteorology, glaciology, and atmospheric chemistry. <br /> <br /> The base is renowned for its contributions to understanding climate change and its impact on the Antarctic region.<br /> <br /> It was originally established as the British Antarctic Survey’s Faraday Station but was transferred to Ukraine under a Memorandum of Understanding between the British Antarctic Survey and the State Institution National Antarctic Scientific Centre of Ukraine in early 1996.</p>{B007B4F1-95FC-4E7B-A992-DFE47AF7F665}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/21/20240221-commando-fliers-thank-norwegian-hosts-with-unusual-supply-missionCommando fliers thank Norwegian hosts with unusual supply mission<p>As a ‘thank you’ to their hosts for permitting annual winter training (Operation Clockwork) deep inside the Arctic Circle, the commando aviators performed an unusual delivery mission – saving locals weeks of effort in brutal conditions.</p> <p>The Commando Helicopter Force – based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset – makes extensive use of the fields around Bardufoss as crews practice ‘whiteout’ landings and take-offs, setting up makeshift refuelling points or camps to train personnel how to live, eat, survive in this harshest of environments.</p> <p>The same terrain is also popular with winter hikers – the Royal Marines helped with the (thankfully successful) search for missing walkers last month – for whom refuge cabins are provided should the weather close in.</p> <p>Several such huts pepper the remote Øvre Dividal National Park on the Norwegian-Swedish border – about 40 miles southeast of Bardufoss air base, the hub of the Commando Helicopter Force’s winter training.</p> <p>Troms Turlag (The Norwegian Trekking Association) provides firewood for the cabins, which are all located more than 2,000ft above sea level – and there are no roads.</p> <p>Instead, park authorities have relied on local volunteers riding snowmobiles through the wilderness for weeks to make the deliveries, potentially disturbing the local reindeer population and other wildlife.</p> <p>Enter the Merlin Mk4s of 845 Naval Air Squadron, not only capable of carrying 24 Royal Marines into battle, but also supplies and equipment (including 105mm howitzers and BV tracked vehicles) slung beneath the aircraft.</p>{D78AA607-8E06-4A98-8BDD-7A5B93C9B18B}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/20/20240220-jets-join-hms-prince-of-walesJets land on HMS Prince of Wales as Carrier Strike Groups starts to assemble<p>For the first time, the 65,000-tonne ship will host UK Carrier Strike Group battlestaff as she takes a central role in Exercise Steadfast Defender.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> The F-35 fighter jets of joint RAF and Royal Navy 617 Squadron, ‘the Dambusters’ landed on the aircraft carrier while she was sailing in the North Sea after leaving their home base of RAF Marham, in Norfolk.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> The jets comprise just one element of the powerful UK Carrier Strike Group which also includes 11 helicopters deployed across the group, Royal Navy escort ships and support vessels from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary including frigate HMS Portland and tanker RFA Tidesurge.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> It will lead an international task force taking part in Steadfast Defender – an exercise across multiple regions and domains from land and sea to air and space.<br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> Spanning several months and thousands of kilometres, it will see tens of thousands of personnel work together to showcase NATO’s ability to deter enemies and defend allied territory.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> Captain Colin McGannity, Carrier Air Wing and Strike Warfare Commander (better known as “CAG”), watched the F-35s landing.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> He said: “It is always an exciting moment when F-35B Lightning join the Carrier Strike Group at sea. These fifth-generation aircraft are the main strike element of the group.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> “Once again, we will be integrating them and the rest of the Carrier Air Wing with our NATO Allies and partners. There’s plenty of work ahead of us but I have every confidence that our talented and dedicated team will succeed.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> “It’s winter in the North Atlantic and we will face harsh weather and freezing conditions, but we are well prepared and looking forward to demonstrating our readiness to fight, whenever and wherever we get the call.”</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> HMS Prince of Wales, which was deployed at short notice to replace HMS Queen Elizabeth, spent much of autumn last year working with F-35 jets off the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> However, Exercise Steadfast Defender will see the ship embark more jets than they ever have before.</p> <p><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> Commander Martin Russell, Commander Air (also known as “Wings”) of HMS Prince of Wales has been preparing for the arrival of the aircraft.</p>{ADCAC103-84B2-4664-984A-B414414CDACD}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/january/10/20240110-sparkys-rhib-rescue-helps-him-to-reservist-of-year-titleSparky's RHIB rescue helps him to Reservist of Year title<p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">The petty officer, who is works as the senior boats’ rate at HMS Scotia, was delivering a Royal Yachting Association powerboat course on the Forth when he picked up a Mayday call from another craft on the river.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">When he approached the vessel in distress, he found two people clinging to a buoy, as well as two passengers and two children on board without life jackets.</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">Sparky transferred all six individuals on board, secured the vessel under tow and then landed the passengers ashore. He secured the vessel alongside and then handed over to HM Coastguard.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">On receiving his award PO Warnock said:</span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">“I’m completely shocked, but also incredibly proud,” said Mark. “We were just conducting our regular training serials when we responded to the vessel in distress.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"> The whole team acted in a manner that you’d expect from professional seafarers, noting that it’s our duty to render assistance on the water if we are able to do so.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;"></span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;" /> <span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); background-color: #ffffff;">“I was not acting alone here, the crew of the RHIB stepped up to the challenge we were faced with. I was proud of the way they acted; they performed their duty in an exemplary manner.”</span></p>{567CDD56-7839-4197-A752-70660E9DDDFD}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/16/20240216-the-rns-in-his-blood--veteran-engineer-thanked-for-45-years-serviceThe RN’s in his Blood – veteran engineer thanked for 45 years’ service<p><span style="background: white;">Commodore Paul Pitcher – Commodore Surface Flotilla – thanked the Warrant Officer 1 for his commitment and dedication in front of his colleagues in Portsmouth Naval Base.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Robert walked through the gates of HMS Raleigh at the end of January 1979.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Britain was in the grip of strikes in the so-called ‘Winter of Discontent’. Blondie’s signature tune <em>Heart of Glass</em> was No.1. Quiz show Blankety Blank was brand new on the telly, as was David Attenborough’s <em>Life on Earth</em> and Christopher Reeve as <em>Superman</em> was pulling in the punters at cinemas nationwide. You could pick up a family home for £15k while the Ford Cortina was the nation’s most popular motor. And the Navy’s first Harrier carrier HMS Invincible was still being completed.<br /> <br /> </span></p>{EC8C6C27-72EA-469D-8A92-B8BE4B7DACF7}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/16/240216-quantum-navs-latestNavy supports scientists in taking quantum technology to sea<p>The Office for the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) supported experts from the University of Birmingham and Dstl to run quantum experiments that could pave the way for advanced positioning and navigation tools at sea. </p> <p>In the latest round of testing, the technology was taken to sea on MOD cargo ship Hurst Point to see how the system would work in a real-life setting and to improve the effectiveness of the atomic performance. </p> <p>Already proven to work on a vessel alongside, quantum navigation has the potential in the future to provide GPS-free navigation, making it less susceptible to jamming, imitation or other sabotage. A new type of accelerometer, it measures how an object’s speed changes over time.</p> <p>By combining this information with rotation measurements and the initial position of the object, the current location can be calculated. It uses ultracold atoms to make highly accurate measurements which, when cooled to extremely low temperatures the atoms start displaying wave-like properties. </p> <p>As the atoms move through the sensor, an ‘optical ruler’ is formed by using a series of laser pulses. This allows the acceleration of the atoms to be precisely measured.</p> <p>By taking this technology to sea, OCTO, the University of Birmingham and Dstl were able to evaluate the effects of ship vibration, motion and acceleration which will lay further foundations for quantum mechanics as navigation systems. </p>{2DA82DD9-7707-46D5-B03E-3281927F74AD}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/15/20240215-patrol-ship-spey-underlines-importance-of-commonwealth-security-role-in-asiaPatrol ship Spey underlines importance of Commonwealth security role in Asia<p><span style="background: white;">Having completed a month’s patrol of the Indian Ocean and her first visit to India and Sri Lanka, the Portsmouth-based warship headed for Penang – about 170 miles north of the Malay capital to work with the Royal Malaysia Navy and support the long-standing Five Powers Defence Arrangements.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Established more than half a century ago against the backdrop of the ‘withdrawal from east of Suez’, the arrangements comprise a series of agreements between five Commonwealth nations - Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK – involving the defence and security of Southeast Asia.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The RN regularly takes part in exercises – typically the annual Bersama Lima workout – under the five-powers banner to ensure the military of the participating states can work together seamlessly and learn from one another.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">In addition, the UK maintains a permanent presence in Penang through its support to the Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS) which, among other duties, oversees those exercises.</span></p>{26C54BC3-3003-48AC-BF54-702215EDAAB1}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/15/20240215-stirling-exchange-rfas-minehunting-mothership-begins-training-with-experts-in-scotlandStirling exchange – RFA’s minehunting mothership begins training with experts in Scotland<p>RFA Stirling Castle is the new ‘mothership’ for leading-edge mine warfare technology – technology which will both keep the UK’s waters safe and reduce the risk to sailors.</p> <p>She arrived on the Clyde in late January to take her place at the forefront of supporting the next generation of the Royal Navy’s mine countermeasures capability.<br /> Her arrival coincided with the departure of HMS Penzance, the last traditional minehunter on the Clyde.</p> <p>The 6,000-tonne Stirling Castle began life as MV Island Crown, before undergoing conversion in Devonport which will allow her to operate as home to the Royal Navy’s new autonomous mine countermeasures systems. </p> <p>The ship’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary crew are working side-by-side with Zulu Squadron of the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG), the Royal Navy’s mine countermeasures specialists based at Faslane.</p> <p>As the mothership, Stirling Castle has the capability to lift and transport the Royal Navy’s latest autonomous and remotely operated vessels to wherever they are required to keep the UK’s shipping lanes safe.</p> <p>“I am very proud to be in command of this wonderful ship with the capability that it is bringing in support of the UK’s minehunting programme, which is at the cutting edge of autonomous systems technology,” Captain Richard Reville RFA, Stirling Castle’s Commanding Officer.</p> <p>“We look forward to continuing our integration with MTXG to bring this exciting new capability into service.”</p>{23D79740-233E-4BFD-B9AA-7D8CA9FED430}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/15/240215-navy-pilot-uscg-exchangeRoyal Navy pilot shares experience on US Coast Guard exchange programme<p>Lieutenant Commander Bob Fleming is the first Royal Navy pilot to serve with the Helicopter Interdiction Squadron (HITRON) – at the forefront of the US’s war on drugs.</p> <p>Known affectively by his US hosts as ‘British Bob’, he has spent the past 21 months in the States flying MH-65E Dolphin helicopters.</p> <p>He was invited as a guest on podcast Flight Suit Friday (hosted by a group of US Coast Guard aviators) and outlined the main difference between the Wildcats he flies for 815 Naval Air Squadron compared with the Dolphin - and how he has found adapting to American flight safety, standards and protocols. </p> <p>“I had this very good instructor when I was learning and he said the day you stop learning about aviation, is the day you give up completely.</p> <p>“I am always learning new things, new ways of doing stuff and I learned to fight for the fun opportunities. </p> <p>“I see people who are scared to put their neck out but they will regret not volunteering for it – for something different or something exciting. Fight for the opportunities, embrace them because you never know where they’re going to lead. </p> <p>“Take advantage of them because you don’t get them in a normal career. I did and they have led me here. I am flying for the USCG and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. </p> <p>“On a morning, I walk out to a USCG helicopter and I cannot stop smiling, it’s brilliant.”</p> <p>Lt Cdr Fleming joined the Royal Navy in 2002 after flying in the Royal Air Force Reserves for five years. He became a navy pilot in 2003, starting off in a Lynx, progressing to the current Wildcat when it retired.</p> <p>Although he has been involved in some search and rescue operations, the Royal Navy stopped providing the service in 2015. So his time with the US Coast Guard has been a step change in his normal operations in a Wildcat, which range from anti-surface warfare to counter-narcotics. </p>{3D058E92-62B1-4C49-8559-BD8ACA3C8498}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/13/20240213-bell-from-famous-us-destroyer-sunk-off-scillies-returned-to-its-ownersBell from famous US destroyer sunk off Scillies returned to its owners<p><span style="background: white;">A team from the MOD’s Salvage and Marine Operations recovered the bell of USS Jacob Jones from the depths of the Atlantic, 107 years after the ship had the ill fortune to be the first destroyer in the history of the US Navy to be lost to enemy action.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">In the final 18 months of WW1 the US Navy maintained a substantial presence in UK waters and the Western Approaches to help cope with the U-boat menace and keep the maritime lifeline between the New World and the Old open.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Jacob Jones was one of half a dozen destroyers escorting a troop and supply convoy from southern Ireland to Brittany in December 1917. As such “the ship played an important role safeguarding convoys carrying the troops and supplies from the US to the United Kingdom and France that were critical to Allied victory,” said retired Rear Admiral Sam J Cox , Director of the US Navy’s Naval History and Heritage Command.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">When Jacob Jones was undertaking this tasking, she was torpedoed by U-boat ace Hans Rose in U-53. The warship went down in just eight minutes, enough time for around one third of the crew to take to life rafts or jump into the Atlantic to try to save themselves.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Although U-boat crews were vilified by Allied propaganda during WW1, Hans Rose not only rescued a couple of American sailors when his boat surfaced after the attack, but he also radioed the US base at Queenstown (today Cobh) to inform them there were men in the water in need of rescuing.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The wreck was discovered by the Darkstar technical dive team some three-dozen miles south of the Scilly Isles in August 2021. She rests on the seabed more than 375ft deep.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Despite the remoteness and depth of the destroyer, US authorities remained fearful that unscrupulous trophy hunters might try to recover <em>Jacob Jones’</em> bell – one of the icons of any warship.</span></p>{9EF9AA8D-AC4B-48D0-9D92-51BDFDDBAAEA}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/13/20240213-look-back-in-angus-at-hms-montroses-career-through-new-museum-displayLook back in Angus at HMS Montrose’s career through new museum display<p><span style="background: white;">The arrival of the bell from HMS Montrose, the veteran Type 23 frigate, completes the memorial display to the ship in her namesake community.</span><span><br style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);" /> </span><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Throughout her 30-year operational career, the Devonport ship maintained regular contact with her namesake town and the wider Angus community, calling in on the small east coast port whenever her programme allowed.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Some 5,000 local residents filed aboard the ship on the frigate’s farewell visit in March last year.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Since then the ship has been decommissioned, stripped of what might be re-used elsewhere in the Fleet, especially the Type 23 flotilla, while objects of no military but of tremendous sentimental value were offered to the ship’s company and those connected with HMS Montrose down the years.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">No object is more iconic on any ship than her bell – it’s the items divers seek to recover from wrecks to prevent them falling into the hands of unscrupulous souvenir hunters.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Thankfully no such threat was posed in this case: it just took a request from RN veteran David Moxey via Angus MP David Doogan … and the RN agreed to loan the bell as centrepiece of an exhibition which also features frigate’s nameplate, White Ensign and a scale model of F236.</span></p> <p><span style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">The display was unveiled by Mr Doogan and the RN’s Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, his Chief of Staff at Navy headquarters Commander Morgan McDonald, local VIPs, Provost Brian Boyd, Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans and Gary Wilson who served aboard HMS Montrose while she was deployed to Bahrain.<br /> <br /> </span></p>{D43484F4-66CC-4085-85D6-948179B8AEEA}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/12/20240212-hms-prince-of-wales-sails-for-key-nato-exercise-in-norwayHMS Prince of Wales sails for key NATO exercise in Norway<p>In just seven days, the Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier ship’s company made rapid preparations to be ready to lead the Royal Navy’s involvement in the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War – Steadfast Defender.</p> <p>The ability to rapidly deploy another carrier to an urgent task underlines the importance of having two aircraft carriers, providing flexibility and the ability to project power around the world.</p> <p>The crews of both ships and dockyard staff have worked around the clock to prepare HMS Prince of Wales to sail with everything she needs.</p> <p>Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I would like to congratulate the crew of HMS Prince of Wales for their hard work and dedication in rapidly preparing the ship for departure. The ability to deploy hundreds of crew to make ready one of the world’s most complex aircraft carriers within a week is testament to the skill and ability of the Royal Navy.</p> <p>“In an increasingly dangerous world, where it is more important than ever that we stand united with our allies, HMS Prince of Wales will send a powerful message of collective security and deterrence at the head of this multinational strike group.”</p> <p>“I am immensely proud of how my ship’s company and their families have responded to this short-notice tasking,” said Captain Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales’ Commanding Officer.</p> <p>“We have managed to bring the ship from 30 days’ notice to immediate readiness in just one week. This has been a monumental effort by the whole enterprise, including HMS Queen Elizabeth, Portsmouth Naval Base, and our numerous defence and industry partners.</p> <p>“HMS Prince of Wales is now ready to go; we are all looking forward to delivering the mission.”</p> <p>The carrier’s Logistics Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chris Barnett, added: “In less than a week we have brought onboard approximately 70,000 sailors days rations – £400,000 of food – with 450 pallets of stores and 30,000 toilet rolls; not to mention spare parts for F-35 Lightnings, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, cold weather kit, and medical stores. It has been an amazing effort from all involved.”</p> <p>HMS Prince of Wales is taking the place of her sister, HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is unable to participate due to an issue with her propeller shaft coupling.</p> <p>The aircraft carrier will be at the heart of combined exercises involving the alliance forces, Steadfast Defender – a huge demonstration of NATO’s resolve, unity and capability involving more than 20,000 UK military personnel alone deployed across Scandinavia and northern Europe.</p> <div> </div>{5CCBA6C7-7A9A-4825-AF65-4E16864904CC}https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/february/09/240209-reenter-the-dragonHMS Dragon breathes fire once more as major refit reaches milestone<p>The Type 45 destroyer has been undergoing major upgrades in Portsmouth since March 2022 and, nearly two years on, one of Dragon’s new engines has been started for the first time as part of critical trials. </p> <p>The ship is the latest of her class – after HMS Dauntless and HMS Daring – to go through the Power Improvement Project (PIP), which addresses the resilience of the engines and power generation driving the many hi-tech sensors, systems and weapons on board.</p> <p>To make the necessary upgrades, the two original diesel engines were removed and replaced with three more reliable, more powerful, cleaner generators.<br /> Ultimately, the ship will be more powerful – 4,000hp to be precise – reliable, greener and ready to embark future weapons. </p> <p>Before returning to sea, Dragon is undergoing trials afloat in a non-tidal basin in Portsmouth which test each of three engine installations is correct, integrated effectively into the workings of the ship, can be controlled remotely and, eventually, that they can all work together to power and propel the ship.</p> <p>Dragon’s Senior Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander Fiona Stephenson, said: “The inaugural roar of Dragon’s new engines marked the beginning of the next chapter in our return to the fleet.</p> <p>“I am proud of the hard work of our marine engineering team and industry partners and look forward to delivering as one team as we breathe fire into Dragon.”</p> <p>Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander James Baddeley added: “It is really exciting to see the PIP installation coming to life to increase the capability of the platform, the successful first start is testament to all the hard work which has gone into the design and installation onboard.”</p> <p>HMS Dragon is the first of the Type 45s to undergo PIP in Portsmouth, with HMS Dauntless and HMS Daring’s work taking place at Cammell Laird.</p> <p>HMS Dauntless returned to the Fleet at the beginning of last year, deploying to the Caribbean to support British Overseas Territories during hurricane season and counter drugs trafficking in the region. Her successful actions on that deployment underscored the success of the major engine upgrades.</p> <p>PIP is being delivered under a major design and manufacture contract between the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, and delivered in collaboration with BMT Defence services and Cammell Laird.</p>