PLYMOUTH WARSHIP ARRIVES HOME AFTER MAKEOVER

The Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Argyll has arrived home at Plymouth today (Thursday) after an 11-month extreme 'make-over' to be welcomed by families.

Families and loved ones gathered on the jetty in HM Naval Base Devonport to brave thick fog which delayed the arrival and heavy rain. The Type 23 frigate returned to sea on 10 th September after the refit which included 290,000 man-hours of attention to cover modifications, upgrades and improvements.

Two of the vessel's four diesel generators and one of her gas turbine engines have been replaced, the main 4.5 inch gun has been upgraded and the ship's hull received intensive attention with a new paint-job to improve the ship's efficiency through the water.

Commander Paul Stroude, HMS Argyll's commanding officer, of Winchester, .was greeted by his wife Keri and their daughter Phoebe (aged 18 months). Cdr Stroude said: "It is great to be back home in Plymouth where we will all enjoy getting the well-earned opportunity to spend more time with their families.  Our return to our base port also signals the next step in our regeneration where we will put to the test and prove the variety of new systems in place. This will secure HMS Argyll's status as a flexible and potent fighting force, ready to face many more years of worldwide tasking after she returns to the Fleet at the end of the year.

."I cannot emphasise enough how much of an achievement it has been for the partnership to get HMS Argyll back to sea - the complexity of the work package is extraordinary but we have delivered. The ship is in superb condition, which was recognised when we passed our ready-for-sea-date inspection. We sailed with a whole host of new and exciting capabilities that has made HMS Argyll a potent fighting force, able to support and protect UK interests worldwide for many years to come." Cdr Stroude said the crew earned a long weekend of leave for the next few days because they had been worked hard putting the ship through its paces.

Between 2005 and 2009 HMS Argyll had spent long periods at sea on operations worldwide. The imperative was to get the ship into a dry dock away from operational pressures for a deep overhaul. HMS Argyll is the first Type 23 to complete a second major refit. HMS Argyll has performed a number of different roles including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism roles East of Suez, and drugs seizures in UK waters in recent times.

Along with new paint to the upper decks she has been covered with specially-coated paint below the waterline to prevent the build-up of sea-life which would slow the ship. This also makes her more fuel-efficient.

Internally, a new command system, the most advanced afloat in the Royal Navy today, means the ship has enhanced capability against air, surface and underwater threats. The ventilation system has also been improved to allow living and working on board more comfortably during even the warmest climates.

The Sea Wolf missile system has received upgrades which improve HMS Argyll's ability to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats. Mounts for new small calibre guns means she will is better equipped to deal with threats from small boats and perform anti-piracy operations.

Lieutenant Commander Patrick Hunt, the ship's weapon engineer officer, said: "The upgrading of the ship's fighting systems has been phenomenal with a new point defence-missile system, new medium-range gun, new boat-launching equipment and a new command-and-control system all installed at the same time. Previously many of these upgrades have been completed in isolation given their complexity, but they are sufficiently mature to do them together. This means Argyll leaves Rosyth docks, where she was refitted, more capable across the full range of her capabilities. "

While this refit has taken the best part of a year, thanks to the hard work, determination and team work of the partnership, the project has met every deadline set. The crew were able to move back onboard ten days ahead of schedule allowing them extra time to build up familiarity with the new systems and better prepare them for the rigours of the following ship's trials.

The refit of ships is a major contract for Babcock and sustains a considerable workforce in the Rosyth dockyard. With the departure of Argyll, the skilled men and women, including several apprentices, will prepare for the arrival of the next customer from the Royal Navy. Babcock project manager George White said: "The project although challenging at times has been a good one to be involved in and has shown that through successful partnering between all stakeholders we can drive a diverse and complex project to a successful conclusion, achieving major milestones early and passing on the benefit to the Royal Navy."

The ship will undergo further trials and operational sea training next year for any future deployments.

INJURED ROYAL MARINES IN TOUGH DARTMOOR MARCH

Royal Marines, both serving and past, have been joined by injured colleagues in a 'yomp' across Dartmoor.

The Royal Marines Association Dartmoor Challenge saw 29 ranks from the ranks of combat injured Royal Marines of Hasler Company joining 200 fellow serving and former Royal Marines, and their families, in what has now become an annual event - the challenging 12-mile Dartmoor Yomp.

The weather was kind and with clear skies and broad smiles, the Hasler contingent (based in HM naval Base, Devonport) set off from Brisworthy Plantation. Amongt the Hasler Marines were those who sustained service-limiting injuries during combat operations, including single and double amputees, and other related injuries.

Hasler Company provides injured non-operational Royal Marines with a temporary parent unit while they undergo therapy - giving them a military identity and sense of belonging while their futures are clarified.

Due to the nature of some of their injuries many of Hasler Company did not attempt the whole 'Yomp' on Saturday 11th September. However, that is not to deny the challenges of the route they did follow, which included natural obstacles. Colour Sergeant 'Nige' Lithgow was one of Hasler Company who did complete the whole march and as a qualified mountain leader, he proudly carried the largest rucksack in the group.

As the group arrived at the Scout Hut check-point they were joined by the rest of Hasler Company staff, and the Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major Dom Collins. Dodging mountain bikes, the group made good progress, slowing only to allow Hasler Company staff to catch up with the younger Marines.

A group photograph was taken at South Hessary Tor overlooking the finishing point at the Plume of Feathers pub in Princetown. On arrival at the pub, Marine Moon summed up the feelings of the group saying: "This has made me feel like a 'Bootneck' (Royal Marine) again.''

The group received warm congratulations and the admiration of the serving and former Royal Marines. The Yomp starts from Bickleigh Barracks on the edge of Dartmoor and home of 42 Commando Royal Marines, to the Dartmoor town of Princetown, the route gains height up to Princetown using moorland tracks and minor roads passing granite tors, old mine workings, medieval burial mounds and huge granite crosses marking ancient routes across the moors.

The event has been going for 3 years and raised money by sponsorship and donations for the Royal Marines charitable Trust Fund, Help for Heroes and St Dunstan's. This year also included a raffle and an auction to raise money. The Tavistock branch of the Royal Marines Association are the organisers, backed by 42 Cdo Royal Marines and local cadet detachments. This year the main organiser was ex Royal Marine and Falklands campaign veteran, Colour Sergeant Yorkie Malone.

Hasler Company is on the Royal Navy's Recovery Pathway for Royal Marines, a bespoke location with access to the best possible rehabilitation and recovery facilities, giving each person the best chance to maximise their recovery potential.

A Royal Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan has led a series of beach assault exercises with Brazilians off the coast of Rio de Janeiro - the first time on this scale.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Wraith, 39, oversaw the dynamic drills that involved hundreds of Brazilian Marines and Royal Marines from the Royal Navy's amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Ocean who landed by rope from helicopters and landing craft.

Lt Col Wraith is the amphibious operations officer with the Royal Navy's largest warship and over the last week he has been running all the planning and execution of the beach assaults and training between the two nation's troops.

He said: "It's an interesting responsibility doing what I do. First, there is the operations officer who will deal with HMS Ocean's maritime picture; then I am the link between the ship and the landing craft that insert forces onto land by sea. We're an incredibly flexible part of what the ship does and we are trained to work in many conditions and environments."

In just a few days the Brazilian marines and naval pilots were trained how to carry out amphibious drills with their British counterparts including flying helicopters to a small island near Rio and land troops by landing craft.

Once on the island, both British and Brazilian personnel shared their experiences - the British told of work in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Brazilians of providing security in Haiti.

Lt Col Wraith, from Digby near Lincoln, served in Iraq twice, including with the first 40 Commando unit to Al Faw during the invasion in 2003 and in 2008 and then as company commander for 40 Commando in Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Lt Col Wraith, who has a five-year-old daughter Daisy and married to Jules, an RAF officer, said: "That experience shows just how broad the range of skills are that you need, and why these exercises with Brazil will be of great use.

"It's about being completely adaptable, being able to move somewhere quickly and accurately. The first Royal Marine amphibious forces for the invasion of Afghanistan back in 2001 were launched from HMS Ocean when we had been operating on a completely different task."

HMS Ocean has been in the Atlantic since the summer when she took part in the international joint exercise Auriga off the coast of America. She has also been on standby recently on the Royal Navy's Atlantic patrol in the Caribbean. Next, the ship crosses the Atlantic for more joint work with nations in West Africa.

HMS OCEAN ENTERS RIO FOR MILITARY AND DIPLOMATIC DATES

With the soaring heights of Rio's hills above her, HMS Ocean is dwarfed as she makes her way into Brazil's most famous city on the next stage of her intercontinental tour. The Royal Navy's largest warship arrived under cloudy skies on Thursday, where many crew members got their first view of Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The crew of the helicopter and Royal Marine Commando carrier enjoyed the harbour before heading off today for an amphibious exercise. First on the military schedule are beach landings and other amphibious serials 50 miles down the coast as part of a joint exercise between the ship and Royal Marines and the Brazilian Marines.

The military tasks are followed by diplomatic engagements including the signing of a political agreement between the two countries on their navies continuing to work together. G erald Howarth, the British Minister for International Security Strategy, will sign the agreement on behalf of the British Government.

The ship's photographer Leading Airman (Phot) Guy Pool was able to capture his ship against the famous Rio landmarks. He said: "Nine years ago I came into Rio with HMS Endurance and stood in for the ship's photographer. This time I had the full training and it was an excellent opportunity to take the pictures for HMS Ocean."

The ship's wide ranging major deployment has so far included the largest exercise in many years with the US Navy and most recently a counter narcotics patrol of the Caribbean. The ship will spend the next week in Brazil.

MOD POLICE PUPPIES NAMED AFTER WARSHIPS

A recently-arrived litter of Ministry of Defence puppies have today been named after a class of Royal Navy warships before finally being separated to leave their birthplace at HM Naval Base Devonport.

The puppies have been named after the Leander class of frigates due to the Royal Naval connection. One of the ships - HMS Scylla - was the last warship to be built at Devonport before being sunk off SE Cornwall as a Scuba divers' attraction. The ship's name-sake puppy was the first to be handed over to new a owner today - an MOD police officer who previously served aboard the former frigate.

Superintendent Jim O'Donnell, head of MoD Police at Devonport attended the naming and handing over event. He said: "This is a momentous day for the police dog team at Devonport. The handing over of the puppies to their new homes marks a major step in the successful outcome of the new force breeding programme. The team here in Devonport has down a fantastic job - the future looks good."

Now eight weeks old, the tiny police dogs of the future for the Ministry of Defence Police Service are old enough to be handed over to their trainers prior to operational duties nationwide protecting MOD buildings, personnel and other assets. The pups will attend their initial police dog course in November 2011.

PC Stewart Bull, of MOD Police in Hereford, took delivery of police puppy Scylla who he will train initially before full training elsewhere. He said: "Scylla is lovely, she has taken to me and I have taken to her already. She has a very apt name as I served in HMS Scylla as an aircrewman.

"I also have Scylla's cousin as my full-time operational dog. I know they have a fantastic heritage and this is where the MOD Police's first breeding programme comes into its own."

The 12 Belgium Shepherd puppies, born on 10 July, are the first ever MoD Police Force dog recruits to be born to the police unit in HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth. The boy puppies are named Sirius, Ury (after HMS Euryalus), Jove (Jupiter) Ajax and Apollo. The girls; Cleo (Cleopatra) Scylla, Minnie (Minerva), Rora (Aurora) and Phoebe. Two remaining puppies will be named by the civilian Kent Police Force.

Police dog handler PC Dave Haddon has been a virtual parent to the litter. He said: "I will definitely miss them. They all recognise and respond to me. I have literally, baby-sat them, sleeping in their crèche kennels with them and been kept awake by them. It will be a shame they have to go. But it is a new beginning for them and they are growing up and have been bred as working dogs."

MoD Police Sergeant Matt Robertson heads the dog section at Devonport. He said: "They are all healthy and lively pups who we anticipate will all succeed following developmental training with their handlers over the next 12 months. "

The puppies' protective mother Willow has produced only the second such litter for the MoD Police Service as part of the new programme to breed its own dogs for the future, making the best of public money and ensuring genetic quality. Previously, the police service bought in new dogs.

The litter is a first for the police dog unit in Devonport. There have been two previous such litters bred especially by and for the MoD Police. The first at the breeder's kennels, the second was at police headquarters and this now the third - a coup for Devonport.

They will leave their crèche tomorrow and go for development training - a major step towards playing a crucial role in the UK's security. The force dog unit usually bought in German Shepherds as new recruits, but they have increasingly become susceptible to health problems which shortened their working life. The best way forward both to guarantee good quality healthy dogs and provide value for tax payers' money, was to remain in-house and switch breed to Belgium Shepherds of the Malinois variety.

SUBMARINE HOME FROM SEVEN-MONTH PATROL

A warm welcome is expected for the return of the Royal Navy submarine HMS Talent after seven months away from the UK.

More than 200 families, friends and well-wishers are expected to line the jetty at HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth, to welcome the crew of the nuclear-powered attack submarine at her base-port.

HMS Talent will also be given the honour of attendance by Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, a previous commanding officer of the submarine. The admiral was onboard for the final leg of Talent's journey home to Devonport after a highly successful deployment to the Indian Ocean.

The commanding officer of HMS Talent, Commander Simon Asquith said: "It is great to be reunited with family and friends. We had a very busy deployment and my team should be very proud of what they have achieved. It is particularly good that so many of our families and friends are expected to be here to meet us. Their unwavering support to my team has been key to our success."

HMS Talent sailed from Plymouth on a cold blustery day in early February and after a brief period of pre-deployment work-up, set sail for the Indian Ocean. Although the sun was not shining as Talent left her home port, the following months saw many differences in geography, culture and climate. From cold and grey winter days in the UK, mild waters of the Mediterranean, scorching temperatures of the Middle East and the Indian monsoon; there was a scenery and climate for everyone.

The deployment of HMS Talent to the Indian Ocean was part of the Royal Navy's commitment to help provide peace and stability in the Middle and Near East region.

While deployed, the submarine conducted operations and a number of high-profile anti-submarine warfare exercises operating with Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall, American maritime patrol aircraft, Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland and the Los Angeles Class submarine, USS Alexandria.

HMS Talent also conducted the first exercise in recent years between an Indian and a Royal Naval submarine as part of an ongoing programme to promote closer ties with India.

The submarine conducted regional engagement visits the United Arab Emirates, India, Jordan and Crete. HMS Talent sailed a total of 27,000 miles, crossed two oceans, two seas and two of the largest Gulfs in the world (Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arabian and Mediterranean Seas and the Gulfs of Aden and Oman). The team of chefs who work in a galley (kitchen) on board which is the size of an average domestic kitchen to provide a balanced diet for 130 people, baked 37,000 bread rolls, cooked 22,000 eggs and used 11 tonnes of potatoes.

The crew also found time between operations and exercises to raise money for a good cause. The popular 'horse racing' afternoon and 1,000 numbers draw raised over £1,500 for the submarine's adopted charity Hope House (a hospice for terminally ill children) which is in her affiliated town of Shrewsbury. In addition to the usual fund -raising events, the sailors also staged a 'Row the Suez' challenge on rowing machines on their return passage through the Suez Canal.

The submarine will be alongside in Devonport having been at sea for over 400 of the last 600 days and will undergo work by Babcock Marine for essential maintenance and weapons upgrades. Commander Asquith said: "We are all very much looking forward to working in partnership with Babcock Marine and their highly skilled workforce on this ambitious joint project."

An updated Talent will emerge from Devonport next year and be ready once again to deploy globally at the forefront of Royal Navy operations if called upon.

HMS Talent is a Trafalgar Class submarine, the penultimate of her class of seven, built in Barrow-in-Furness, launched by Princess Anne in 1988 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1990. She has a dived displacement of 5,291 tonnes and of 4,815.8 tonnes surfaced. She is 85.4m long, 9.8m wide and has a draught of 9.5m and her crew numbers 130 (inc 18 officers). She is fitted with the Royal Navy's most advanced sonar suite and her armament includes Spearfish wire-guided torpedo (long range anti-ship and anti submarine) and Tomahawk land attack missile (land targets).

The submarine's affiliated town is Shrewsbury and her adopted charity Hope House Hospice in Shropshire.

WARSHIP CREW RAISES £2,500 FOR CHARITY ON ANTI-SMUGGLING PATROL

Sailors and Royal Marines serving on board the Plymouth-based helicopter carrier HMS Ocean have raised more than £2,500 for charities while on anti-smuggling patrol in the Caribbean.

When duties allowed, the crew and Royal Marines took part in events in aid of families, a special school and serving and former Marines.

Warrant Officer Dave Plant, who only recently took up running, completed a half-marathon on board to raise money for the VACTERL Association Support Group, which is a support group dedicated to helping families affected by the VACTERL Association of birth defects. 

Royal Marine Captains Adam Abouzeid and Jon Beete completed a 30-mile 'yomp' on the ship's treadmills, carrying full kit and weapon, to raise money for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Benevolent Trust. The trust supports serving and retired members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, their spouses and children. 

The ship's petty officers' and sergeants' mess hosted a charity 'horse racing' night to raise money for Castle Green Community School in the ship's affiliated town of Sunderland. The school caters for students aged 11-19 who have behavioural, social and emotional difficulties and associated learning challenges.

Lieutenant Commander David Pickles, HMS Ocean's Deputy Public Relations Officer, said: "We are very proud of the strong links we have with all three of these charities and so it is a great pleasure to have been able to raise so much money for them during these events.  They do some extremely valuable work in the community for families affected by Vacterl Association, Service personnel and their families and youngsters with behavioural difficulties, so we hope that this money will help contribute towards their excellent work."

Before entering the Caribbean HMS Ocean conducted a large amphibious war-fighting exercise off the coast of North Carolina, as part of the UK's Auriga Task Group.  The 20,700 tonne helicopter carrier is also due to visit Brazil and West Africa before returning to the UK in the late autumn.

In an uncertain world, where conflicts and natural disasters erupt without warning, the Royal Navy protects the UK's interests worldwide and provides the UK with flexible political and military choices to promote peace and security but when required will fight and win. 

With highly trained and motivated personnel the Royal Navy, its Royal Marine Commandos who provide the UK's elite amphibious infantry, all supported at sea by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is the only branch of our armed forces continually deployed across sea, land and air.

HMS OCEAN BEGINS MARITIME POLICING IN THE CARIBBEAN

HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy's largest warship, has returned to the Caribbean having been in the region in 2007 when she made a major impact on drug smuggling by seizing illegal cargoes of cocaine worth more than $50 million worth of illegal cocaine.

While in the Caribbean, the ship will provide contingency support to British dependent territories during the hurricane season as well as contributing towards ongoing anti-drug smuggling operations, providing direct assistance to the joint inter-agency task force based in Key West as the focus onboard shifts rapidly from amphibious war-fighting to maritime security.

Captain Keith Blount Royal Navy, HMS Ocean's Commanding Officer, said: " Maritime Security is routine business for the Royal Navy and with our helicopters, boats, hovercraft and Royal Marines, HMS Ocean is particularly well suited to the task while still offering the ability to switch roles rapidly across the full range of maritime operations.

"The fact that only last month we were conducting high-intensity amphibious exercises on the eastern seaboard is a classic demonstration of the Royal Navy's inherent versatility and the UK's ability to deploy maritime expeditionary capability around the world.

"Meanwhile, our presence in the Caribbean is evidence of the UK's continued commitment to her overseas territories. Our ability to engage and work with other navies and maritime agencies worldwide is also an important element of conflict prevention and building trust."

The ship's Lynx helicopters are crucial to policing the huge area of the Caribbean. They are equipped with powerful surface-search radars and can provide airborne support with a top speed in excess of 150mph and a range of over 300 miles, both aircraft can cover vast areas of the sea in a relatively short period of time. They can be used for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance operations as well as the disruption of any illegal activity. Members of 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines are also onboard, with their hovercraft and high-speed offshore raiding craft.

The 20,700 tonne helicopter carrier left Plymouth in June, then completed a large amphibious war-fighting exercise off the coast of North Carolina as part of the UK's Auriga naval task group. This brought together British aircraft carrier and amphibious task groups to exercise alongside the United States Navy Kearsarge amphibious group and 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit - a total of over 8,000 Navy and Marine personnel. 

HMS Ocean was last in the Caribbean in 2007 and with 12 members of the crew originally from St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and Trinidad, her links with the region go deeper. They are all justifiably proud to be working closer to home and contributing to maritime security in the region although unfortunately there will not be time to visit their home nation.

In an uncertain world, where conflicts and natural disasters erupt without warning, the Royal Navy protects the UK's interests worldwide and provides the UK with flexible political and military choices to promote peace and security but when required will fight and win.

With highly trained and motivated personnel the Royal Navy, its Royal Marine Commandos who provide the UK's elite amphibious infantry, all supported at sea by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is the only branch of our armed forces continually deployed across sea, land and air.

HMS ECHO VISITS DUBLIN

Having completed operational sea training the Plymouth-based Royal Navy survey ship HMS Echo visited Dublin last weekend for a brief respite from surveying in Cardigan Bay.

For many of the ship's company this represented their first visit to the Republic of Ireland and certainly did not disappoint. Organised tours to Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and the Guinness Storehouse.

The ship's commanding officer, Commander Mike O'Sullivan, who has many personal ties with Dublin, was proud to visit the historic city so soon after a highly intensive training period.

He said: "Dublin has always been a vibrant and welcoming place and this has been obvious once again to all my ship's company over the weekend. With our regeneration package now nearing completion this visit has been a well deserved break for us all before we continue to prepare materially and mentally for our forthcoming deployment."

HMS Echo has now returned to her survey tasking with the ship's company taking with them many fond memories of a 'run ashore' in Dublin.

MOD POLICE WELCOME NEW FOUR-LEGGED RECRUITS

They are only a few inches long, can only crawl and their eyes remain tightly closed - but these are the future for the Ministry of Defence Police.

The 12 Belgium Shepherd puppies, born on Saturday, are the first ever MoD police dog service recruits to be born to the unit in HM Naval Base Devonport.

Proud mother Willow has produced only the second such litter for the MoD police service as part of the new programme to breed its own dogs for the future. Previously the police service bought in new dogs.

All the puppies are healthy and predicted to survive the precarious early days. Their progress will be monitored anxiously, especially by Sergeant Matt Robertson, of the MoD Police dog service in Devonport. He said: "This is a first for the police dog unit in Devonport. There have only been two such litters bred especially by and for the MoD Police. The first was a success and was at police headquarters, this is the second and a coup for Devonport.

"Willow produced a large litter and luckily they all look healthy so far. Their mother is a little protective as you might expect and so am I, they are a precious new arrival. This represents the future of the dog service and we are very keen for them to be in service and training to work for their living after 14 to 18 weeks."

He said the dog service usually bought in German Shepherds as new recruits, but they have increasingly become susceptible to health problems which shortened their working life. The best way forward both to guarantee good quality healthy dogs and economically, was to remain in-house and switch breed to Belgium Shepherds of the Malinois variety.

Matt said: "The breeding programme guarantee us a high standard of dog, we know the origins of the dogs and their genetic history and their temperament. This breed is already known for its sociable character and they are easy to train with a high level of fitness. The breeding programme means we can trace their lineage and parentage - the father is the same in both litters and the mothers are sisters.

"We are confident we can carry on this programme and Devonport will become a centre of excellence."

FAMILIES ENJOY DAY AT SEA ONBOARD DEVONPORT WARSHIP

Devonport-based Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose sailed today with special guests - 280 families and friends of the crew - to give them the rare chance to experience life at sea for a day.

Despite the inclement weather, this was an ideal opportunity for HMS Montrose's crew to show their loved-ones around their ship which will be their home whenever they deploy round the world.

The sailors were also able to show their guests some of the activities (both routine and non-planned) they engage on at sea through the world. The visit also allowed the crew to say thankyou to families for their continuing support back home to those who sometimes have to spend months away at sea.

The crew's families embarked early today in strong winds and rough sea to witness the ship piloting her way through Plymouth Sound during which HMS Montrose exchanged a ceremonial gun salute with her affiliated Army regiment 29 Commando Royal Artillery based in the Royal Citadel in Plymouth.

Once at sea, they saw the ship put through its paces conducting high-speed manoeuvres as she interacted with other Royal Navy vessels on exercise, including a high speed fly-past of Hawk and Falcon aircraft.

Inside the ship, families had the opportunity to talk to teams from various family services organisations who will be there to support them at home throughout any deployments abroad. There was also a face-painter and entertainer on hand to entertain some of the younger guests.

The ship's commanding officer Commander Jonathan Lett said: "This is a great opportunity for our families to see where we live and work and it also provides me with an opportunity to thank our families for their support to my ship's company."

Commissioned by Lady Edith Rifkind in 1992, HMS Montrose is a Type 23 Duke class frigate with a length of 133 metres and displacing over 4000 tonnes. She has a complement of 174 officers and ratings and is equipped with the latest weapons, sensors and communications systems, including the vertical launch Seawolf missile system for close air defence, a 4.5 inch gun, anti submarine torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Lynx helicopter.

HMS OCEAN'S ROYAL MARINES RESCUE FISHERMAN

A team of Royal Marines from 9 Assault Squadron, based on board Devonport-based Royal Navy helicopter commando carrier HMS Ocean helped save an American fisherman whose boat was on the brink of sinking.

The eagle-eyed marines spotted the boat while conducting a routine patrol in their landing craft during Exercise Kearsarge, which is being conducted off the east coast of the United States.

Marine Chris Reid, 29, took part in the rescue. He said: "We were on a routine patrol when we noticed a man onboard a fishing vessel waving his arms at us. That is the international distress call, so we got to him as quickly as we could. The boat was taking on a lot of water and it had damaged his electrics which effectively meant he was left stranded. We took the decision to tow him back to the marina, which was a mile away, so he wouldn't come to any harm or lose his boat. The boat wasn't far off going under. We were just glad that we could be there to help and it was a bit of a highlight to our day. He was really pleased that we were able to help him as he had been stuck there for almost three hours."

HMS Ocean's Commanding Officer, Captain Keith Blount, said: "I am thrilled that our Marines did such a professional job in rescuing this sailor in distress, however, I am not surprised - this professionalism is typical of the Royal Marines and search and rescue is but one skill they have on tap.  Pleasingly, with the incident over, they calmly returned to their role within Exercise Kearsarge without missing a beat."

HMS Ocean is in the region conducting Exercise Kearsarge, as part of the UK Amphibious Task Group's Auriga Deployment. Kearsarge is a joint US/UK exercise taking place in the vicinity of Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, in support of the deployment training package for the United States Navy's Amphibious Ready Group.  The UK Task Group, led by HMS Ark Royal, will concentrate on developing working practices between the UK's amphibious and carrier strike capabilities.

SOUTH WEST WARSHIP ON COUNTER-PIRACY DRILLS HEADING FOR IRAQ

The South West Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset is heading to protect Iraq's oil lifeline while on maritime policing patrol in the Middle East.

The Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate is providing security to the Arabian Gulf region, having left Devonport earlier this year.

In the first week of her current tasking the ship visited 76 vessels, where her boarding team and embarked Royal Marines helped reassure shipping maritime community.

The work follows her passage through the Gulf of Suez, where she helped provide a secure environment for merchant shipping carrying 50% of the world's annual oil and gas supplies. She was part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152.

After Suez and into the Gulf of Aden the ship switched to combined task force CTF 151, which focuses on counter-piracy operations. It is a role which HMS Somerset has experience of from an exercise last year. The task force has cut piracy attacks by 15% since it was launched.

Commander Andrew Burns, HMS Somerset's Commanding Officer, said: "HMS Somerset is already having significant effect in the Arabian Gulf through her presence and the engagement my boarding team have had with seafarers. The reassurance we have been able to provide to the local community "Indicates the commitment of coalition forces to security and stability. My team are focused on the task in hand and ready for any eventuality in this unpredictable theatre of operations."

HMS Somerset is moving from general security patrols in the Gulf to the specific role of protecting the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) to the north. The terminal is a significant source of revenue for the Iraqi people and essential for the future prosperity of the country

To be ready for the unexpected, HMS Somerset's sailors and Royal Marines boarding team put their fast boat through its paces by carrying out a training boarding of their own ship.

As HMS Somerset began her Gulf patrols a memorial service was held onboard to remember members of 40 Commando and 1 Mercian Regiment who had been killed in action in Afghanistan. The service was organised by Lieutenant Richard Garman, Private Robin Warburton, and Chaplain Matt Godfrey.

We took the opportunity as we commence Operation Telic to remember those who have been injured and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in the service of our country," said Lt Garman.

The Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM) is the maritime contribution to Operation Telic.The task force is made up of American and British personnel, working alongside elements of the Iraqi Navy and the Iraqi Marines. The primary mission in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG) is maintaining security in and around both the Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil (KAAOT) Terminals. 

Conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO), and supporting the development of operational capability of the Iraqi Navy and Marines, are also important elements of the role undertaken by the task force.