Royal Navy chefs, helicopter engineers, logistics experts and ground and air crew have learned how to survive and fight in the Arctic – just like the Royal Marines they serve alongside. Regardless of their rank or role, around 200 personnel from the Commando Helicopter Force have endured sub-zero temperatures, sleeping in tents and living off the land to ensure they can … [Read more...] about Naval helicopter crews learn to handle sub-zero conditions to support Arctic commandos
Merlin Helicopter
Royal Navy completes largest Arctic defence exercise since the Cold War
More than 3,000 sailors and Royal Marines were deployed deep inside the Arctic Circle – ashore, at sea and in the skies of Norway – to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to safeguarding Europe’s ‘northern flank’ against any aggressor. They joined more than 27,000 personnel, warships, armour, and air power from more than two dozen NATO allies and partners for Cold Response 2022, … [Read more...] about Royal Navy completes largest Arctic defence exercise since the Cold War
Navy’s new ‘eyes in the sky’ enter service ready for carrier mission
The first of the Royal Navy’s new ‘eyes in the sky’ has entered service – getting ready to protect the nation’s flagship. The first Merlin ‘Crowsnest’ helicopter – which scours the heavens with its radar looking for potential foes – will now begin operational training, ahead of the maiden deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth this spring. The distinctive-looking helicopter – … [Read more...] about Navy’s new ‘eyes in the sky’ enter service ready for carrier mission
HMS Kent helps carrier Queen Elizabeth deal with any foe
The seas around Britain’s biggest warship churned red as the Navy developed tactics to protect HMS Queen Elizabeth from all manner of attacks. For five days, the Portsmouth-based carrier worked side-by-side with frigate HMS Kent and her Merlin helicopter as every perceivable threat – air attack, submarine, surface fleet and terrorist strike – to ready the future flagship for … [Read more...] about HMS Kent helps carrier Queen Elizabeth deal with any foe
Royal Navy completes hurricane season preparations in the Caribbean
A Royal Navy task group in the Caribbean is ready to help island communities after a series of intensive workouts demonstrating their ability to react to humanitarian disasters. The Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) capability brings together a coordinated team of commandos, engineers, aviators and sailors capable of bringing assistance to British Overseas Territories … [Read more...] about Royal Navy completes hurricane season preparations in the Caribbean
First aircraft touch down on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales
Not 24 hours after the second of the UK’s new aircraft carriers sailed into open waters for the first time, a Merlin helicopter was guided safely into land on the expansive deck. For the first time in 50 years the announcement: “Hands to Flying Stations” echoed throughout the 280-metre-long warship and specialist aircraft handlers, who’ve spent the past year practising for … [Read more...] about First aircraft touch down on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Ocean leads Greek naval exercise
The Royal Navy’s helicopter carrier HMS Ocean has led a force of 20 ships and over 300 British, Greek and US Marines to ‘storm’ Crete for the Greek Navy’s main autumn war exercises. The Greeks host Exercise Niriis to test an international naval force and its ability to respond to a major crisis in the region – similar to the Turkish exercise HMS Ocean and the … [Read more...] about HMS Ocean leads Greek naval exercise
HMS Albion training for global duties
The crew of Britain’s future flagship HMS Albion are half-way through all-action autumn training to prepare them for duties around the globe. Three weeks into her operational sea training off the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, HMS Albion has already sent Royal Marines ashore to ‘storm’ West Country beaches, patched up a mock community affected by natural disaster, and … [Read more...] about HMS Albion training for global duties
Joint helicopter operations on Cougar 13
Army Apache helicopters have joined Navy Sea King, Merlin and Lynx helicopters onboard HMS Illustrious for two weeks in the Gulf as part of the ongoing Cougar 13 deployment. The Apache helicopters from 656 Squadron 4 Regiment Army Air Corps joined Illustrious in the waters off the United Arab Emirates as she took part in Exercise Sea Khanjar before then returning to the UK. … [Read more...] about Joint helicopter operations on Cougar 13
HMS Bulwark and HMS Ocean exercise Olympic security
Plymouth-based Royal Navy warships HMS Bulwark and HMS Ocean have played a pivotal role in rehearsing the Olympic security operation in the South West. HMS Bulwark, the RN flagship and amphibious command and control vessel took part in Exercise Olympic Guardian earlier in the week, operating as the civil authority maritime command and control HQ at sea near the Jurassic … [Read more...] about HMS Bulwark and HMS Ocean exercise Olympic security
