MoD and Navy News

ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE RECEIVES ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS

The Trafalgar class attack submarine HMS Turbulent has left Devonport Naval Base among the most advanced communications links in the Royal Navy's fleet of submarines after a Ministry of Defence update.

Several key upgrades, along with routine service and maintenance, were incorporated in the job delivered by Babcock Marine at Devonport, which will extend the submarine's operational life by two years.

An upgrade to the communications system will significantly improve joint working with allied forces on deployed operations. Newly installed IT systems will provide ship-to-shore connectivity when she is in port.

The IT systems inside the submarine have also been upgraded with the installation of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) network onto submarine computers which provides a common communications platform across the MoD. The upgrade included fitting the latest Tomahawk cruise missile, improvements to sonar equipment, improvement to Command System and enhancements to the weapon discharge system.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Ann Taylor said: “This project is an important investment in the submarine fleet, equipping the crew with the latest technology. This not only facilitates operations, but also provides links back to land for those serving in the unusual conditions aboard a submarine which can give a real boost to morale.

“Turbulent's return to operational duties is key to the delivery of the high readiness attack submarine force and is an example of how we work with industry to provide the front line with the equipment and capabilities it needs.”

Alasdair Stirling, Director of Defence Equipment and Support's In-Service Submarines team, said:

“Effective communications are one of the most challenging aspects of submarine operations and effective, up to date technology is vital. The upgrades that we have installed have made HMS Turbulent one of the best connected submarines in the Navy.

“She has also been fitted for the latest Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile which can fly a third further than its predecessor, hitting targets 1000 miles away with pinpoint accuracy. It can also be retargeted in flight, and can relay images to aid battlefield intelligence gathering – it's a significant upgrade to the boat's combat ability.”

Devonport's dedicated maintenance facilities are managing a busy programme of maintenance, currently hosting two Trafalgar class submarines, HM Ships Tireless and Triumph, for major service and repair programmes, as well as several major surface ship support projects

 HMS Turbulent is one of seven 5,200 tonne Trafalgar class nuclear-powered submarines. She entered into service in 1984. The class is based at HMNB Devonport, in Plymouth.

The 84m long Trafalgar class boats are armed with Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. They carry 130 crew and can remain submerged indefinitely. The reactor is refuelled once during the boat's service life.

LONE PIPER LAMENT AS OLDEST SUBMARINE RETIRES

A submarine commander paid tribute to his crew as the Royal Navy bid farewell to its longest serving submarine HMS Superb today in Plymouth.

The submarine's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander John Aitken, spoke at a special ceremony to mark the decommissioning of the nuclear-powered Swiftsure Class hunter killer submarine in HM Naval Base Devonport after more than 30 years' service to the Royal Navy and the nation.

The ship's company lined up on the quayside next to the formerly Scotland-based submarine in the clear blue skies as a Royal Marine Band played and the ceremonial guard was inspected by the vessel's sponsor Lady Williams who launched her 34 years ago and by Commodore Simon Williams (a former commanding officer of HMS Superb). A religious service was also conducted by Royal Naval padre the Rev Tommy Goodwin.

Addressing his colleagues Lieutenant Commander Aitken said: “I am very proud of my ship's company . It has been a privilege to serve with you and I am immensely proud of everyone of you. It has been an honour to have you as shipmates. HMS Superb has been a treasure and a pleasure to serve in.”

He thanked the families for their support without whom he said they could not have served the Royal Navy and the nation doing the job they ‘loved'. He said he and the crew looked back with pride on their achievements, but also looked forward with anticipation to new challenges they face in new postings around the Royal Navy's Fleet and to the future that the new Astute class submarine brings.

The decommissioning event, including a Royal Marine Band, was marked by a poignant ceremony where many a former commanding officer and former crew relived fond memories of their lives onboard.

Families, friends and other guests witnessed the ceremony to see the decommissioning pennant lowered on the submarine and her proud history for the last time. The spectacular pennant is more than 30 metres long and represents the length of the submarine's service with about one yard per year's service.

The submarine's deputy marine engineering officer Duncan McClement, of Glasgow, is now taking a job on board HMS Sceptre, the same role as his father Commander Chris McClement (RN retired) once took.

Chris, who is married to Helen, said: “This is an emotional moment for us, for as we looked after HMS Superb when she was alongside in the docks, so she looked after us when we went to sea in her and when she sailed nearly half a million miles and served the nation for more than 30 years.”

HMS Superb is one of six submarines of this class to have been built and came into service in 1976. Four of the class have been de-commissioned with the final boat of the class HMS Sceptre due to end her career in 2010.

Built during the Cold War, HMS Superb was designed to counter the threat from Soviet submarines in the Atlantic, helping to protect shipping and support NATO operations in continental Europe in the event of a “hot” war breaking out.

Following the shift in strategic priorities in the post-Cold War world of the 1990s, HMS Superb's tasking became more varied.

Most recently the submarine completed training with the Flag Officer Sea Training staff in UK waters, before travelling east of Suez to conduct operations. While transiting through the Red Sea the submarine suffered a grounding incident. No personnel were injured and the integrity of the hull was unaffected. However, the submarine did suffer some damage outside the pressure hull on the bow, but not enough to prevent her returning to Devonport earlier this year.

HMS Superb will now be laid up in Devonport Naval Base and maintained in a safe environment for further disposal at a later date.

Musical Royal Marines have helped boost funds for Plymouth good causes. Royal Marines from Stonehouse, Plymouth today presented four charities with cheques totalling £6,000. The beneficiaries are: Ford Park Cemetery Fund, Friends and Families of Special Children, Help for Heroes and The Plymouth Guild Fund.

This money has been raised by the hard work of Carole Dinham who is the commanding officer's personal assistant. Carole regularly organises Royal Marine band concerts in the Globe Theatre. These concerts are open to the general public and all proceeds from ticket sales go towards charitable ventures. Carole said: “I am pleased that we can show our support for the local community in this small way. I would like to thank those who continue to attend concerts for their excellent support. In addition, may I thank the band for their excellent performances which make these events such a success.”

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Taylor OBE, Commanding Officer Royal Marines Stonehouse said: “I am proud to present these cheques to charities today. I hope that this money can provide real benefits to the local community and I look forward to donating to more charities next year. My thanks also go to Carole who without her voluntary work on these concerts, these donations would not have been possible.”

A spokesperson from The Plymouth Guild Fund said: “We would like to thank RM Stonehouse for our generous donation which will enable us to update equipment available at the centre. The hearing and sight centre (part of Plymouth Guild) at Earnest English House, Buckwell Street is an information, advice and equipment service for people of all ages with concerns about sight or hearing.”

A spokesperson from Friends and Families of Special Children said:” We were very honoured and privileged to be chosen as one of the charities. We get no money from statutory bodies so it's an ongoing battle to secure funding to ensure that our services can continue.

ROYAL NAVY VESSEL DEPARTS FOR SIX-MONTH MISSION

The Devonport-based Type 23 Frigate, HMS Northumberland has left port today for a six-month mission to carry out maritime security duties in the Middle East and patrol the South Atlantic.

The ship will sail through three oceans, Indian, Atlantic , and Pacific, pass through the Suez and Panama canals and rounding Cape Hope and Cape Horn.

She will operate round the horn of Africa and the Gulf of Oman with other coalition vessels carrying out vital security patrols to deter illegal activity such as people and drug trafficking and help alleviate the threat from international terrorism. Her deployment will also include supporting the UK presence in the South Atlantic around the Falkland Island and other UK dependencies.

HMS Northumberland's commanding officer, Commander Martin Simpson said: “HMS Northumberland will leave to carry out essential duties across a wide area of the world. With over 90% of the world's trade being transported by sea the issue of maritime security remains of vital interest to all nations.

“The Royal Navy has operated in these areas for decades and our role in providing a safe passage to all legal vessels, and deterring those that aren't, remains as important and relevant today as it was 100 years ago. With over six months away from home I and my crew will of course miss the loved ones we leave behind. But we also know that we are leaving to fulfil duties important to the UK and all countries who use the seas.”

Security patrols will be maintained in and around the Falkland islands and the Caribbean while the ship and her crew will visit many of the nations in both areas to further cement relations with the UK.

HMS Northumberland is a Type 23 Frigate with about 185 crew and was built at Swan Hunter's on the Tyne and launched in 1992. Although primarily an anti-submarine warship, the ship has a wide range of capabilities. She is propelled by two Spey Gas turbines for sprinting and two electric engines for cruising speeds. Displacing 4000 tonnes, she is 133 metres long with a top speed of approximately 28 knots and is armed with a variety of missile, torpedo and gun systems.

Commander Angie Hancock, from Liskeard, is the new Commanding Officer of HMS Vivid, the Royal Naval Reserve Unit based in Devonport Naval Base.

Commander Hancock, who had joined the Royal Navy exactly 30 years ago on 3rd September 1978 as a Naval Wren Writer, took command at the Change of Command Ceremony held at the unit, watched by her proud husband Andy, himself a Royal Navy Commander, two sons, Thomas (15) and Rory (13), close family and friends, and the ship's company of HMS Vivid, including the local sea cadets division.

Commander Hancock served as a physical training Instructor and a New Entry Training Officer based in HM training establishments Dolphin, Neptune, Warrior and Raleigh. After 17 years she left the service to join the Royal Naval Reserve as a media operations officer and returned to HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy's New Entry Training Establishment at Torpoint, as the press officer for seven years. She has also served at the Defence Media Operations Centre at RAF Uxbridge, London , training senior officers in media interview skills; organised numerous media events including a Royal family facility at the Trafalgar 200 celebrations in Portsmouth , and now works as a media support officer to bereaved families following the deaths of loved ones.

Speaking at the Change of Command Ceremony, Commander Hancock said: “I am absolutely delighted, on my 30 th anniversary of joining the Royal Navy, to be given command of HMS Vivid. My task is to deliver well-motivated, highly trained Royal Naval Reservists to the front line and I look forward immensely to the huge contribution the men and women from this unit will make in supporting the Royal Navy.”

The Royal Naval Reserves (RNR) is an integral part of Britain 's naval forces and is made up of men and women from all walks of life, from a whole range of backgrounds, with many different reasons for getting involved. Reservists play a very important role in the defence and protection of the country.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Royal Naval Reserve should contact either their local Armed Forces Careers Office or HMS Vivid direct on 01752 552676.

TOP ROYAL NAVAL PHOTOGRAPHER RAISES THOUSANDS FOR WAR VETERANS

A prize-winning Royal naval photographer has helped raise thousands of pounds for war veterans.

Petty Officer Sean Clee, The Royal Navy's Photographer Of The Year is exhibiting his award-winning images of the Royal Marines in Afghanistan at the city's Masa Fine Art Gallery in the Royal William Yard. An auction of paintings commissioned for the occasion raised £8,000. The proceeds go towards the ‘Help for Heroes' charity.

On Saturday 2nd August the gallery unveiled a two-week exhibition dedicated to 3 Commando Brigade during their tour of Afghanistan last year.

There are 30 images captured by Sean who lives in Plymouth and is based in HM Naval Base Devonport. The images are extremely powerful and help bring home the reality of war-fighting and the environment the troops have to contend with while on combat and reconstruction operations in Afghanistan.

In conjunction with the images captured by Sean several artists, including, Steve Slimm, Graham Fish, Tony Common, David Gray, David Wheeler and Celia Duncan have each chosen several images from Sean Clee's portfolio, and have painted a total of 45 interpretations which are on display for the duration of the exhibition. Of these paintings, thirteen were donated by the artists to be auctioned.

The opening day involved a display by 29 Commando Royal Artillery and the VIP guest was the Lord Mayor of Plymouth . The military display included a Royal Marine Band, 29 Commando display with the tracked Viking vehicle used in Afghanistan , live music, and a climbing wall. The event was a success with several hundred people attending throughout the day.

Sean said “The opening night was memorable. It was good to see people from the South West coming together to show their support for the Royal Marines. We have raised a lot so far, but hope to raise in excess of ten thousand pounds for the Help For Heroes Charity over the next few weeks.”

The exhibition will run for two weeks but already Masa are looking to extend this to three weeks due to popular demand. Sean also said “This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in this unique collaboration that is helping those that have been unlucky enough to befall life changing injuries whilst serving Queen and Country. Whether buying a painting or printed copy or even just showing your support by attending the exhibition you can all do your piece”.

ROYAL NAVY CREW RUN GRUELLING RACE

HMS Bulwark's crew deserted their ship and ran away, but all in a good cause, their destination the top of the Rock of Gibraltar.

The traditional race which takes runners from the dockyard to the top of the Rock – a gruelling course which although only 2.5 miles long ascends some 1,250 feet – has been contested by visiting ships for over 50 years.

The winner in this instance was Sergeant Craig Moodie from 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines in a time of 21.46 minutes, which whilst very impressive this was still some four minutes behind the best time ever.

48 of the rock runners were Officer Cadets (OC) from HMS Bulwark's Initial Sea Training department. OC Harrison who came fifth said: “It was a memorable experience. We had been told that it is one of those things you have to achieve at least once in your life. I'm not sure I need to do it again though!”

Lieutenant Commander Gareth Parry is finally hanging up his trainers after 30 years of running the Rock. Having first co mpleted the race in 1978 when he was serving as an Able Seaman on HMS Apollo, he has at least one Rock Race Certificate for every rank or rate from Able Seaman through to Lieutenant and now, finally, Lieutenant Commander. Although he did say a heartfelt ‘Never again!' as he crossed the line, HMS Bulwark is expected back in Gibraltar in 2009.

HMS Bulwark has now returned to Devonport and the crew are on summer leave.

HMS Cumberland Rededication Ceremony

Devonport-based HMS Cumberland has re-entered the Fleet and is ready for operational duties after a re-dedication ceremony.

The ceremony marked the completion of HMS Cumberland's 18-month refit, trials and training period and the ship's formal return to frontline operations.

The event, at the naval base, was attended by families, affiliates from Cumbria and former commanding officers of HMS Cumberland.  The ceremonial guard of sailors was inspected by Rear Admiral David Cooke, Commander Operations to Commander-In-Chief Fleet.  

HMS Cumberland completed her £20 million refit with Babcock Marine in Devonport in January this year to upgrade propulsion machinery, auxiliary and weapons systems, sensors and accommodation.

The ship's commanding officer Commander Peter Sparkes said: “HMS Cumberland is now ready in all respects to be tasked by the Commander-in-Chief Fleet for operations, having completed a comprehensive refit, sea trials and a demanding, but successful operational sea training period. We have achieved this significant milestone with the perseverance, hard work and sheer determination of the ship's company, Babcock Marine and Superintendent Fleet Maintenance in Devonport. I also offer my sincere thanks to all our families and friends for their forbearance and support during this challenging time.

“I am delighted to have so many distinguished guests families and friends to mark our re-dedication who have been so integral to our regeneration and previous commanding officers who will no doubt be delighted to see HMS Cumberland in such good order. We are rightly very proud of our ship and what we have achieved.”

Since completing the refit the ship completed a comprehensive trials programme to ensure the upgrades are operating effectively and that she is ready materially for operations.

The next step was to ensure the crew is also up to the challenge of operational duties by successfully completing an intensive eight-week period of operational sea training. This two-month training, run by staff from the Royal Navy's Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) Organisation based in Devonport, ensured that the crew is ready to face the challenges and demands of a deployment into an operational theatre. 

Rededications are traditional religious services which carry traditions dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII.

The ship's former commanding officers: Rear Admiral, A M Gregory, Rear Admiral David Cooke, Commodore GK Bilson, Captain DJ Anthony, Captain Lidbetter, Captain MW Kerr, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, Rear Admiral Richard Leaman, Commodore Allan Richards, Commodore IF Corder, Captain Mike Mansergh, Captain Russell Best and Captain Simon Ancona,

INTERNATIONAL MINESWEEPERS GATHER IN SOUTH WEST

Devonport Naval Base has hosted a group of mine counter measures ships from NATO navies, including two Royal Navy vessels HMS Roebuck and HMS Ledbury.

The Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) re-grouped in Plymouth after its recent summer dispersal to homeports. The group, one of NATO's two specialist mine counter measures (MCM) forces, normally operates within northern European and Baltic waters under the command of NATO's Maritime Component Commander (North), from his headquarters in Northwood north of London .

Following the completion of planned maintenance for the group's Flagship Devonport-based HMS Roebuck, in the naval base, she has now been joined by five other specialist mine hunting vessels the BNS Lobelia ( Belgium ), HNLMS Urk ( Holland ), ENS Admiral Cowan ( Estonia ), FGS Homburg ( Germany ) and Portsmouth-based HMS Ledbury, all of which are available to support NATO maritime operations.

The group is currently on high readiness as the ‘on call' mine counter measures (MCM) force, following its recent accreditation for NATO Response Force operations during the major maritime exercise Loyal Mariner in June.

Today the group is due to leave UK for a four-month deployment to Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. The ships will be joined by Norwegian and Italian mine countermeasures vessels. Scheduled to join operations and exercises with Southern European and African Navies, the group will also undertake historic ordnance disposal operations and support NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue initiative with diplomatic visits and military exercises with North African countries.

This is the oldest of NATO's standing maritime groups and provides NATO with an immediately deployable task group should the need arise. The group also works together regularly to refine and learn techniques and procedures and enhance the way's different navies work together effectively despite different languages and traditions.