Royal Navy mine-hunting ship completes unique delivery mission

HMS Stirling Castle sailed from her homeport Portsmouth for Gibraltar carrying four specialist mine-hunting vessels, three RHIBS, more than 20 containers packed full of tech, plus additional freight of varying sizes and complexity. 

Stirling Castle is usually seen around the UK operating as the floating home to autonomous technology for hunting mines, but was well-equipped – with her extensive mission deck and 100-tonne crane – to transport and deliver the specialist cargo to RFA Lyme Bay, the mine-hunting mothership for any future Middle East operations.

The demanding programme required sustained effort from Stirling Castle’s sailors and embarked personnel, with operations conducted through long and challenging days in high temperatures both in the United Kingdom and later in Gibraltar. 

Commanding Officer, Commander Philip Harper, said: “Stirling Castle has been delighted to deliver cargo to RFA Lyme Bay in Gibraltar. 

“It isn’t our normal role, but it has highlighted the flexibility of my ship, which is new to the Royal Navy. 

“My team have drawn great benefit from this short notice task, and performed magnificently, completing the onload and offload within challenging timelines, and overcoming every hurdle. I am very proud of their efforts.”

HMS Stirling Castle, which was commissioned into the Royal Navy last year, is now formally affiliated with Gibraltar following her visit to the Rock.

The ship and leaders of the British Overseas Territory put their names to a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony aboard the distinctive blue-white support ship in Gibraltar Naval Base.

The affiliation marks a significant new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the Royal Navy and the people of Gibraltar.

The signing ceremony was attended by more than 50 guests, including Governor General Sir Ben Bathurst, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo MP, and Commodore Tom Guy, Commander British Forces Gibraltar. 

The new affiliation builds on strong ties the ship already enjoys with the Scottish city of Stirling and symbolises a shared commitment to developing closer ties, enhancing cooperation, and promoting common values between HMS Stirling Castle and the Gibraltar community.

Commander Harper said: “It is a great honour for HMS Stirling Castle to formalise our affiliation with Gibraltar – a community with a proud maritime tradition and a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy.

“This partnership strengthens the bond between our ship and the people of Gibraltar, and we look forward to working closely together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another in the years ahead.”

Commodore Guy added: “This affiliation is a proud moment for HMS Stirling Castle and Gibraltar. It reinforces our shared commitment to security, partnership, and community spirit.”