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HMS Spey back on the beat as extensive patrols around Southeast Asia and the Far East resume
18 May 2026
Back in action after a winter of maintenance and spring of intense training is HMS Spey which is firmly on the Asia-Pacific beat again.
Since emerging from overhaul in Singapore at the beginning of 2026, followed by a couple of months’ training, the River-class vessel is about to begin her third patrol since being declared fully operational once more.
The ship is one of two deployed long term by the UK to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region alongside her sister HMS Tamar to support regional security and underscore the importance of this key part of the world to Britain’s prosperity.
While Tamar has largely concentrated her efforts around northeastern Australia and the islands of the South Pacific, Spey’s spread her wings around Southeast Asia and Japan.
Before she could resume patrols, a specialist team from the Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training organisation flew from Plymouth half way around the world to assess the 55-strong crew’s performance over 70 serials.
Spread over a fortnight and building up in size and complexity, the assessments ran through complex machinery breakdown drills and major firefighting incidents to medical emergencies, weapons exercises and man overboard drills to many of these problems running simultaneously following a simulated collision.
The crew’s transition from a period alongside into a demanding, high-tempo training and assurance environment has been managed effectively Personnel engaged positively, embracing a clear ‘whole ship’ ethos and across all departments, there was a consistent willingness to learn, adapt, and raise standards
The assessors returned to Devonport more than happy with what they’d seen on Spey.
“The crew’s transition from a period alongside into a demanding, high-tempo training and assurance environment has been managed effectively,” said Commander George Blakeman.
“Personnel engaged positively, embracing a clear ‘whole ship’ ethos and across all departments, there was a consistent willingness to learn, adapt, and raise standards.
“It is evident that the Commanding Officer has fostered a culture of professionalism, positivity, and pride throughout HMS Spey.”
Which is music to the ears of Commander Dan Briscoe, who took charge of Spey in the closing stages of her overhaul in Singapore.
“To take command of HMS Spey during such a pivotal period has been a privilege. The ship’s company has worked tirelessly through regeneration, training and assessment to return this ship to operations,” said Commander Briscoe.
“I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved.”
Another relatively new face, who joined during the final few weeks of maintenance, is Operations Officer Lieutenant Ollie Kenzie. He’s found his assignment on the River-class ship to be something of a revelation.
“Spey is often described as a ‘small ship’ but at just under 100 metres long, she does not feel particularly small,” he said.
“You quickly realise that a much smaller crew is asked to manage a significant area of real estate. All of us often go above and beyond to achieve what is required with fewer hands than perhaps I am used to.
“This so-called ‘small ship’ life presents a uniquely vibrant and close-knit way of working. My early months in Spey have confirmed the strength of this ship’s company: small in size but significant in output.”
That output began with a stint in the South China Sea, followed by a few days in the Philippines.
The ship was invited to join the host nation for some combined training which bookended a visit to the capital Manila in support of Anglo-Filipino relations.
It’s 80 years since relations between the two nations were formally established (after Spanish and US rule, Japanese occupation and finally US liberation)
As well as hosting a reception/demonstration on board HMS Spey, Cdr Briscoe was invited to the Philippine Navy’s headquarters to discuss future joint training and operations focused on the safety and security of the region’s waters.
Meanwhile his sailors got stuck into a community project in the Tondo district of Manila.
Devastated recently by fire, a centre dedicated to giving young people crucial life/work skills looks a lot smarter (and a lot more purple) thanks to Spey’s DIY efforts.
Next stop after a 2,000-mile passage: Kure, the port of Hiroshima, a brief pit stop before heading to South Korea for a crew change.