The Royal Navy warship HMS Sutherland is trialling her world class kit after renewing it during the ship’s refit at Plymouth. The latest to be tested were her non-operational anti-submarine torpedoes which fire into the water from the side of the ship at sea in UK waters. The torpedoes are one of several lines of defence against underwater threats. As pictured, the Sting Ray … [Read more...] about HMS Sutherland trials torpedoes
Navy News
HMS Portland looks beneath the waves
A Plymouth based warship has been put through her paces exercising with submarines off the coasts of Scotland and Norway. HMS Portland began her workout by providing the opposition for the final stage of Submarine Command Course or ‘Perisher’ as it is more widely known. The course gets its nickname from the number of prospective Commanding Officers who have had their … [Read more...] about HMS Portland looks beneath the waves
Royal Navy Icebreaker HMS Protector home from Antarctica
The Royal Navy’s specialist ice-breaking survey ship HMS Protector has arrived in Plymouth - her new base-port - for the first time, to a warm welcome from families and friends. A crowd of cheering well-wishers waving banners were on the jetty at HM Naval Base Devonport to welcome the bright red ship after a 19-month deployment in the Antarctic. As the Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship … [Read more...] about Royal Navy Icebreaker HMS Protector home from Antarctica
New wave of Royal Navy engineers
A group of Royal Navy engineers have embarked on a Plymouth-based warship as a part of a new training scheme. A group of 30 sailors from the newly-formed Engineering Training Squadron joined HMS Northumberland in Devonport Naval Base. The new recruits have just completed the second part of their Navy training at HMS Collingwood and Sultan. This new opportunity gives them the … [Read more...] about New wave of Royal Navy engineers
Royal Marines live-firing exercise
Royal Marines from Plymouth conducted a live-firing demonstration on Salisbury Plain to maintain their combat skills. Officer commanding Mortar Troop, Captain Luke Wheeler of 42 Commando based at Bickleigh, said: “This exercise was a great opportunity for us to practise the skills and drills which ensure that we are always able to provide effective support to the Unit when … [Read more...] about Royal Marines live-firing exercise
HMS Somerset sails into Leith for Gallipoli centenary
Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset will sail into the port of Leith, Edinburgh, at approximately 7am on Friday, April 24 for a four day visit. The Type 23 Duke Class frigate is visiting Edinburgh in support of the service of commemoration for the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign being held at the Scottish national war memorial. The ship will be open to the public on Sunday, … [Read more...] about HMS Somerset sails into Leith for Gallipoli centenary
Commander of Plymouth Royal Naval Flotilla retires
A new commander of the Royal Naval flotilla at Plymouth has taken over the helm as the out-going officer retires to fulfil a dream to sail round the world. Commodore Richard Farrington handed over as Commander Devonport Flotilla to Commodore Paul Halton after two years overseeing the fleet of submarines, frigates, survey vessels, and amphibious ships HMS Ocean, HMS Albion and … [Read more...] about Commander of Plymouth Royal Naval Flotilla retires
Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset family day
The Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset took special guests to sea for a rare taste of life at sea. More than 200 lucky people, aged from six to 86, came onboard the Plymouth-based warship to join their relatives who serve as the ship’s company and see where they spend their working days and understand their jobs when they go on worldwide deployments. The excited relatives and … [Read more...] about Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset family day
Royal Navy hosts Her Majesty the Queen on board HMS Ocean
The Royal Navy’s largest warship HMS Ocean celebrated her royal links by hosting Her Majesty the Queen on board in Plymouth. On a gloriously sunny day Her Majesty paid her fourth visit to the nation’s ‘very high readiness’ helicopter carrier since commissioning in 1998. She was welcomed into HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth, on her way to the ship by military and civilian … [Read more...] about Royal Navy hosts Her Majesty the Queen on board HMS Ocean
Cdr Mike Smith awarded OBE
The captain of a Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship has been awarded the OBE in this year’s military operational honours. As the commanding officer of HMS Somerset, the only major warship operating in the Middle East during the first half of 2014, Commander Smith consistently demonstrated the highest standards of leadership. The duty of being the solitary UK frigate demanded … [Read more...] about Cdr Mike Smith awarded OBE
