ROYAL MATTERS BROADSHEET 2011 MATTERS BROADSHEET 2011 FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS

Editors © 2011. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. Pauline Aquilina All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, Simon Michell stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without Editor-in-chief the prior permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed Colette Doyle by independent authors and contributors in this publication are provided in the writers’ personal capacities and are their sole responsibility. Their Chief sub-editor publication does not imply that they represent the views or opinions Barry Davies of the Royal Navy or Newsdesk Communications Ltd and must neither be regarded as constituting advice on any matter whatsoever, nor be Sub-editors interpreted as such. The reproduction of advertisements in this publication Clare Cronin does not in any way imply endorsement by the Royal Navy or Newsdesk Michael Davis Communications Ltd of products or services referred to therein.

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ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

3 CONTENTS

4 Foreword 26 The Sir KCB OBE ADC, First Lord 30 The 45 and Chief of Naval Staff 33 The 6 Editor’s note Pauline Aquilina 37 Joint Warrior

7 Key facts 38 Auriga Deployment Strategy People

8 Navy strategy post SDSR 40 A balanced view  Charles Operations Montgomery CBE ADC, Second Sea Lord 9 Diary of events 42 Manning levels post SDSR 12 Operational overview 2011 44 Recruitment continues 14 An eventful year 61 Astute hunter-killer ; Admiral Sir 45 Maritime Reserves Future deterrent submarines KCB OBE, - in-Chief Fleet 47 Improving conditions 62 Type 45 Daring-class

16 The impact of the Strategic 49 Putting families first 63 Type 26 global combat Defence and Security Review (SDSR) 50 Chaplaincy: the 64 carriers: spiritual dimension of Queen Elizabeth-class 18 The Surface Fleet operational capability 66 F-35C Lightning II fast jet 24 The Service 52 The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity: 67 AW159 Lynx Wildcat; providing a single focus Merlin 2 upgrade programme 29 53 Help for Heroes Heritage and tradition 54 Adventurous training: fit to fight, fit for life 68 The Battle of : a day of judgement 56 The Royal Naval Association 71 Operation Dynamo: 57 Sporting achievements the “miracle of deliverance”

Equipment 73 Celebrating 110 years of the “Greenie” 59 The Royal Navy fleet post SDSR 74 Cadet 150 60 The Royal Fleet Auxiliary; Maritime Change Programme 75 Partners FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

4 FOReWorD Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff

his edition of Royal maritime security operations in the Navy Matters records, Gulf; from counternarcotics patrols among many notable in the Atlantic to the protection of T accomplishments, the the UK’s 14 overseas territories. immense range of operational Closer to home, the Royal activities in which the Royal Navy Navy has been protecting UK has been engaged the past waters, by conducting maritime year and a half. Because operations, counterterrorist and security patrols, at sea and from the sea, are what fishery protection, and providing the Royal Navy primarily exists to Search and Rescue (SAR) cover do. It always has done and it always around our coasts and in the will. Which is why, right now, more Scottish mountains. Meanwhile, than 8,000 sailors and marines are the far-flung survey have deployed on operations around the continued to chart the seabed, world, deterring and containing improve navigational safety and threats in the UK’s national increase our understanding of interest. Which is why, right now, the and the global climate. there are well over 30 ships and All are a timely reminder submarines at sea, either engaged, of the inherent utility of our or ready to engage, in operations modern, flexible Navy – able as the UK Government directs. to oscillate efficiently across Our operational tempo remains the spectrum of operations. extremely high because the Royal Much of this activity is, of Navy is contributing to every one of course, not new. The Royal Navy the military tasks, standing overseas was countering piracy to protect commitments and contingency British trading interests in the Indian operations demanded of Defence. Ocean back in the 18th century, The 200-plus operations carried and contributing to disaster relief out by the Royal Navy in 2010 are, operations around the world at The Royal Navy – as this publication attests, diverse. the dawn of the 20th century. At one end of the spectrum is, And such activities are likely to right here, right for example, 40 Commando’s continue. So even in the wake of operations in Helmand, alongside the Strategic Defence and Security there, right now the valuable work of the Naval Review, in which some difficult Aviation Squadrons, Medical and decisions have necessarily been Logistic Support capabilities, and taken, the Royal Navy will remain HQ staff across . At the a largely balanced . A Navy other end of the spectrum is the that has had to absorb the blow of delivery and protection of the a temporary loss of its fixed-wing submarine-based strategic nuclear strike capability, but is now focused deterrent – now in its 43rd year on preparing for the return of this of Continuous at-Sea Deterrence. vital element in its armoury by the And the Royal Navy has been end of the decade. A Navy that will carrying out plenty of other duties continue to provide an enduring in between: from countering piracy presence within priority regions of in the to conducting the world, contributing to conflict

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

ForeWord 5

prevention and maintaining vital HMS CUMBERLAND’S security along our critical maritime rigid- infl atable boats trade and energy routes. A Navy approach a suspicious dhow that is able to conduct, command and sustain operations from the sea to infl uence events on land, offering political choice in times of peace, tension and confl ict. Above all, a Navy with a credible warfi ghting capability – you cannot deter effectively unless it is understood, by those whose behaviours you seek to infl uence, that you can intervene militarily with confi dence. You cannot keep the peace unless you are physically there, and prepared and able to stay there. Why is this so important? Because, as an island nation, in an interdependent and globalised A member of HMS MONMOUTH’S economy, the UK’s prosperity and weapons crew practises fi ring security crucially depends on our one of the ship’s General Purpose Machine Guns ability to ensure access to the sea. Around 95 per cent of UK trade by volume, and 90 per cent by value, is carried by sea. We import much of the food and energy we consume; these are dependencies that are unlikely to change. In the complex, volatile and unpredictable world in which we live, we need a Navy that can protect our people, our global interests, our trade and our energy fl ows. How? By guaranteeing access to those areas of the world that are vital to our prosperity and security, and by maintaining the same ‘good order at sea’ as we would expect on land. The Royal Navy, as the nation’s professional experts and leaders on defence and security in the maritime environment, therefore plays a pivotal role supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s global responsibilities and global ambitions – right here, right there, right now. All this, and much more, is explored in depth in the pages that follow. As ever, I am most grateful to the contributors and editors, who together provide us with a rich and engaging record of what the Royal Navy is achieving on operations and accomplishing in support, for both today and tomorrow. We can all, quite rightly, be immensely proud. Read on and see why. • FINAL PROOF

6 EDITOR’S NOTE

DEAR READER, Welcome to the 2011 edition of Royal Navy Matters. The publication gives, I hope, an interesting and useful insight into the work that the Royal Navy has undertaken throughout 2010 and during the early part of 2011. Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines have been active around the world – from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, on land, at sea and in the air. I trust that the following pages give a compelling account of what they have achieved since the last edition.

As I write we have over 8,500 personnel at sea or deployed on operations (at 23 per cent), have a third of the personnel on Herrick, are contributing to Ellamy, Saxon Warrior, Spontex and Cougar, and have a in the , in addition to meeting all our standing commitments, with over 75 per cent of our units actually at sea.

Once again, we are offering the publication in both hardcopy and electronic formats. An interactive DVD version includes some stunning video footage and a PDF of this book.

We are continuously developing Royal Navy Matters and are most grateful for your suggestions on how to improve our coverage of the Royal Navy’s activities. I hope you enjoy reading and watching Royal Navy Matters and I look forward to your comments.

Pauline J Aquilina

The Editor, Royal Navy Matters Defence Public Relations (Navy) 1A MOD Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB

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key facts 7

Protecting our Nation’s interests

As an island nation, our prosperity and security is totally dependent on our ability to access the sea. The UK is reliant on a stable global market for the raw materials, energy and manufactured goods that underpin our way of life and, in a globalised world, we must have the ability to respond to any event that threatens our economy or national interests. That is why the Royal Navy is globally deployed and has a range of versatile ships, submarines and aircraft operated by highly professional Sailors, Airmen and Royal . The Royal Navy continues to police the use of the sea in partnership with allies and retains the unique ability to influence events at sea, on land and in the air, and provides real flexibility of choice to both military and political leaders.

The Royal Navy is:

Preventing Conflict Providing Humanitarian The Royal Navy prevents Assistance conflict by being globally The Royal Navy provides deployed in order to deter humanitarian aid and relief threats by reassuring regional from the sea, without the powers and stabilising potential need to draw on a country’s hotspots. The coercive nature infrastructure or resources. of a credible military force at sea has significant worth in reinforcing political will.

Providing Security Protecting our at Sea Economy The Royal Navy is at sea The Royal Navy contributes every day, working with to the stability and economic international partners to prosperity of the UK by being provide global maritime deployed around the globe in security where it is needed. order to protect trade routes and guard the flow of energy resources into our ports.

Promoting Partnerships Ready to Fight The Royal Navy promotes The Royal Navy is ready to stable and cooperative fight and win in combat at relationships with friendly sea, on land or in the air. and neutral nations around the world through working together, training together and determining common understanding.

These are enabled by: Our Sailors and Marines are a highly skilled and efficient force. They are the lifeblood of our service, able to adapt to whatever the mission demands, and are key to delivering success anywhere in the world. FINAL PROOF

8 STRATEGY

Sailors on parade as HMS DAUNTLESS, a Type 45 , is commissioned at BAE Systems’ at ,

NAVY STRATEGY POST SDSR

ollowing on from the The NS is a fully integrated part of the NS means it will also be of Government’s Strategic of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) interest to anyone with a stake in Defence and Security broader ‘Strategy for Defence’, and the maritime environment. With F Review (SDSR), the as such the Royal Navy’s strategic this in mind an unclassifi ed version First Sea Lord intends to issue the objectives will closely align with of Part 1 will be produced for wider Navy Strategy (NS) in summer Defence’s strategic objectives distribution. This document will 2011. The purpose of the NS is to and will only require refreshing focus on the First Sea Lord’s strategic describe in more detail how SDSR following a full SDSR. However, overview, which provides a head decisions will shape the Royal Navy1 the ways and means to achieve mark for the future of the Royal today, tomorrow and towards these objectives will have to adapt Navy. The head mark’s distinctive 2025. The NS will be divided into to real-world events, and will be features include a defi nition of the three parts and will include: First reviewed more frequently and Royal Navy’s roles and a description Sea Lord’s overview and strategic republished at least every year. of the type of navy the Royal Navy objectives (Part 1); an outline of The NS will provide essential will need to be in order to deliver how these strategic objectives direction to those responsible for SDSR commitments. Every member will be achieved (Part 2); and a generating and future Royal of the Royal Navy will have a part detailed breakdown of the Navy capabilities, such as nuclear to play in the delivery of the NS. • personnel and equipment that will deterrence, maritime task groups be available to resource these and individually deployed ships 1 For brevity, the title ‘Royal Navy’ includes the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other courses of action (Part 3). and assets. However, the nature organisations that make up the Naval Service

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

DIARY OF EVENTS 9

• After fi ve years in Afghanistan, the Naval Strike Wing returns to carrier operations onboard HMS ARK ROYAL. • Two of the RN’s newest vessels, the HMS DAUNTLESS and hunter-killer submarine HMS ASTUTE, undertake sea trials together. • Warrant Offi cer Matthew Tomlinson (RM) is awarded the Military Cross for rescuing comrades under enemy fi re in Afghanistan. • Lt Lucy O’Connor (RN) is selected to join the British boxing team for the 2012 Olympics.

APRIL

• RN reservist, Commander Neil Parsonage, receives a medal from the Ukrainian Government for his part in freeing the MV Ariana from Somali pirates. HMS CHATHAM in the Gulf of Aden • Royal Navy fl eet fl agship HMS ARK ROYAL heads for the US to participate in the Auriga deployment 2010. JANUARY 2010 • Two patrol ship crews (Shomokh and Majed) complete fi ve-week intensive course under the stewardship • HMS CHATHAM sails for counter-piracy duties in the Gulf of the joint US/UK Training and Advisory Mission-Navy. and off the Horn of Africa as the lead ship in NATO’s • HMS CHATHAM, operating as part of NATO’s Operation . Ocean Shield, heavily armed Somali pirates to free the • The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary receive awards crew of the Indian dhow Vishvakalyan and abandon ship. from the International Maritime Organization for their • 40 Commando take over command of the Sangin area of counter-piracy work. operations in Afghanistan from 3 Battalion The Rifl es. • HMS LANCASTER hosts maritime conference for representatives of the Australian, French, Saudi Arabian MAY and Yemeni . • The Royal Navy beats the Army rugby team (24-22) in FEBRUARY front of a 56,000 crowd at Twickenham, ending the Army’s eight-year reign as Inter-Service Champions. • HMS ST ALBANS conducts maritime security patrol in the • Royal Navy ships participate in the annual Khunjar Hadd Arabian Gulf. exercise with ships from the Royal Navy of . • Search and Rescue (SAR) fi gures for 2009 are announced • Troops from 40 Commando storm an IED factory in and HMS GANNET SAR surpasses all previous records, Afghanistan, capturing a large quantity of home-made answering the most call-outs (447) and assisting the most and other components used for making people (378) since records began. deadly booby traps. • Royal Navy HMS ILLUSTRIOUS arrives in • Twenty-three merchant seamen from the stricken MV Dubai Rosyth for a £40 million maintenance and upgrade Moon are rescued by HMS CHATHAM during a cyclone in programme. waters off the Horn of Africa. • HMS ALBION leads an amphibious Task Group heading for • The last Swiftsure submarine, HMS SCEPTRE, enters Exercise Cold Response in . her home port for the fi nal time as she prepares for • The last group of RN Artifi cers completes training. In future decommissioning. they will be called Engineering Technicians. • HMS MONMOUTH escorts the fl otilla of ‘small ships’ on • Britannia Royal Naval College hosts a two-week visit from their way to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its affi liated German naval training establishment, the Operation Dynamo, in which more than 300,000 allied Marineschule Muerwik. troops were rescued from the beaches at Dunkirk in 1940.

MARCH

• 40 Commando Royal Marines go to Afghanistan as a key element of Operation Herrick 12. • RFA LARGS BAY delivers a month’s supply of food for 200,000 victims of the Haitian earthquake, working directly with the UN’s World Food Programme. • Royal Navy experts from the Fleet Diving Squadron deployed to Afghanistan to assist in the effort to counter Improvised Devices. RN counter-IED team in Helmand province FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

10 DIARY OF EVENTS

JUNE

• Harriers from 1(F) Squadron arrive on HMS ARK ROYAL off the east coast of the USA for the Auriga multinational deployment. • HMS ALBION sails to join the Auriga deployment as the Flagship of the Amphibious Task Group. • Troops from 40 Commando hand out more than 2,000 wind-up radios to locals in Afghanistan’s Sangin District to enable local leaders to communicate more effectively with their citizens. • First Sea Lord accompanies the Armed Forces Minister, Nick Harvey, on a visit to troops serving with 4 Mechanized Brigade in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. • Military Reservists turn up to work in their uniforms as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations. • HMS ’S Lynx helps Royal Sea Viper fi ring Montserrat Police Force to intercept £1.5 million worth of cannabis and capture fi ve drug smugglers. AUGUST JULY • HMS GLOUCESTER sets sail for the South Atlantic for a • In two weeks, HMS TYNE detains two vessels suspected of seven-month tour to take over the role of the Atlantic Patrol contravening UK fi sheries legislation. Task (South) ship. • Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Commander-in-Chief Fleet, visits • Sea Viper (formerly PAAMS), the air-defence missile for the UK Maritime Component Command in . Type 45 destroyers, successfully hits sea-skimming test • Two Royal Navy Task Groups simulate a mock invasion drone in Mediterranean trials. of the US Eastern Seaboard as the high point of the • HMS GLOUCESTER intercepts a yacht in the mid-Atlantic Auriga deployment. carrying drugs with a street value of £4 million hidden • HMS DARING enters dry dock for the fi rst time to undergo in her rudder. maintenance following successful completion of operational • The Duchess of offi ciates at the commissioning sea training in the spring. ceremony to welcome HMS ASTUTE into the Royal Navy.

SEPTEMBER

• Merlin from 820 NAS deployed to Horn of Africa on anti-piracy duties onboard RFA FORT VICTORIA. • HMS OCEAN takes part in joint amphibious exercises with the Brazilian Navy and Marines. • Apache attack helicopters deployed on HMS ARK ROYAL for the Autumn Joint Warrior exercise. • HMS PORTLAND holds commemoration service in the Pacifi c Ocean for those lost during the in 1914.

OCTOBER

• National Maritime Museum joins forces with the to open a new £13 million exhibition site (No.1 Smithery) at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. • First live-fi ring of the Sea Viper air-defence missile from a Type 45 destroyer takes place from HMS DAUNTLESS. • The third Type 45 destroyer, HMS DIAMOND, is formally accepted into the Royal Navy. • The sixth and fi nal Type 45 destroyer, HMS DUNCAN, is launched at Govan shipyard. • The Strategic Defence and Security Review cuts the RN by 5,000 sailors and six ships. • The Merlin Mk 2 makes its maiden fl ight to test its onboard Royal Marines exit HMS ALBION computer systems and cockpit displays.

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

DIARY OF EVENTS 11

FEBRUARY

• RN helicopters participate for the fi rst time in the Proud Manta ASW exercise, off the coast of . • Government statistics confi rm HMS GANNET as the UK’s busiest SAR station for the fourth year in a row. • HMS CORNWALL frees fi ve Yemeni hostages from Somali pirates after 92 days of captivity aboard their dhow in the Indian Ocean. • HMS CUMBERLAND rescues several hundred An RAF Harrier fl ies off HMS ARK ROYAL for the last time civilians from the port of Benghazi, .

NOVEMBER MARCH

• RFA WAVE RULER deployed to St Lucia to deliver disaster • HMS ARK ROYAL is decommissioned on 11 March during support to the island after it’s hit by . an hour-long ceremony at . • A fl own by Commander James • A Trafalgar-class submarine (HMS TRIUMPH) launches Blackmore becomes the last of its type to fl y off HMS TLAM cruise missile at targets in Libya, in support of the ARK ROYAL prior to her early decommissioning. UN Security Resolution 1973. • Celebrations take place to mark the 70th anniversary of the • RN Jetstream from 750 NAS celebrate the , during which the Royal Navy launched a end of their service life with a fl y-past over RNAS Culdrose. devastating airborne attack on the Italian fl eet. • HMS sails to the Mediterranean to participate in • Catherine Ker becomes the Royal Navy’s fi rst the Libyan mission to protect civilians. female mine- on completing the arduous course at the . APRIL

DECEMBER • The Hunt-class mine countermeasures ship, HMS BROCKLESBY, conducts Mine Counter Measure (MCM) • HMS ARK ROYAL enters Portsmouth for the last time, prior operations off the coast of Libya. to being decommissioned in 2011. • The lead element of Response Force Task Group sets sail • HMS SCEPTRE, the last Swiftsure submarine, is for the Cougar 11 deployment to the Mediterranean and decommissioned after 32 years of service in the Royal Navy. the . • Harrier jump jets complete a spectacular fi nal fl y-past to • 3 Commando Royal Marines take command of mark their retirement after 41 years in service. Helmand in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick 14. • The latest Astute hunter-killer submarine, HMS AMBUSH, is offi cially launched at Barrow-in-Furness.

JANUARY 2011

• HMS RICHMOND deployed to Horn of Africa for anti-piracy duties off the coast of . • 847 Naval Air Squadron returns to Afghanistan to operate the Lynx Mk 9A battlefi eld helicopter. • Survey ship HMS ECHO sets off for a two-year deployment to the Far East, following maintenance and training periods during 2010. • First Sea Lord is present at the decommissioning of Naval Strike Wing (800 NAS) as Joint Force Harrier disbands.

Astute-class submarine HMS AMBUSH prepares to launch Royal Marines practising capsize drill FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

12 GLOBAL MAP

Fishery Protection Squadron Atlantic Patrol Task patrolling the UK’s (North) supports British Extended Fisheries Zone dependent territories in the during the hurricane season and undertakes counternarcotics operations alongside spring and autumn joint the US Coastguard and training exercises around Royal Navy the coast of Great Britain

The Auriga deployment off the eastern Standing NATO Mine seaboard of the US Countermeasures Group 2 operates predominantly in the Mediterranean

Atlantic Patrol Task (South) supports British dependent territories in the South Atlantic OPERATIONAL and West Africa OVERVIEW

HMS CLYDE, the 2011 Patrol Ship maintains British sovereignty of dependent territories

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

GLOBAL MAP 13

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 operates from Scandinavia to

Search and Rescue (SAR) – 771 Naval Air Squadron and Gannet SAR Flight operate from RNAS Culdrose and Prestwick airfi eld

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 activities in the Mediterranean include Operation Active Endeavour and Operation Ocean Shield off the Horn of Africa

Royal Navy contributions to the NATO International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan and Squadron provides the Iraq training programme forces protection and internal security for UK sovereign bases

Anti-piracy and counterterrorism operations in the Gulf and around the Horn of Africa FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

14 operations aDMiraL sir treVor soar KCB OBE, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FLEET AN EVENTFUL YEAR

aintaining the nation’s Vision for the RN, which will set out security in a time the shape and capabilities of the of austerity and Future Force 2020 outlined in the M uncertainty is exercising SDSR, we will adopt the concept of the minds of all those with a stake the Response Force Task Group as in Defence. Reshaping the Royal a recognised naval output. This is Navy in response to the Strategic not an entirely new idea. The Auriga Defence and Security Review (SDSR) deployment in 2010 was a textbook of October 2010 is an absolute example of getting the maximum priority within this overall task. range of effects from a Task Group. It is vital that the Royal Navy Looking back over the past continues to meet the various year-and-a-half, there have been a commitments demanded of it by number of highlights and milestones the government. However, the bearing witness to the confi dence early retirement of four , the and pride with which the Service aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL, and, can look to the future. The fi ring at a later date, another carrier, either of the fi rst anti-aircraft Sea Viper HMS ILLUSTRIOUS or HMS OCEAN, missile from the Type 45 destroyer all mean that we must adapt the HMS DAUNTLESS demonstrated way we generate and deploy our how we are strengthening the ships and submarines and how we Royal Navy with new, more capable train our people. We cannot do ships and more powerful weapon more with less, and so we must systems. In October 2010, we look to better focus our available launched HMS DUNCAN, the sixth vessels into an agile and fl exible and fi nal Type 45 Daring-class ship. force that can operate together as In December, the second Astute- well as they do independently. As class hunter-killer submarine, HMS we formulate and refi ne a Future AMBUSH, was also launched, a few months after the government’s commitment to funding the full HMS DUNCAN, complement of seven Astute boats. the sixth and Meanwhile, the assessment and last of the Type design work on the Type 26 Global 45 Daring-class Combat Ship is also well under way. destroyers, is launched on Operations in Afghanistan saw the Clyde the constituent elements of the Naval Service much in demand, with the Commando Helicopter Force Sea King helicopters from 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons (NASs) rotating through Camp Bastion and Kandahar Airfi eld. Upgraded Royal Navy Mk 9A Lynxes from 847 NAS returned to Helmand in 2011 to undertake supply, escort and reconnaissance missions, and

ROyAL NAVy MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

operations 15

the Mk 7 surveillance Sea Kings that arrived in Helmand in 2009 Naval Service personnel have have made an extraordinary impact, been at the heart of the response particularly with the effort to locate improvised explosive devices. to the unfolding Libya crisis Throughout a long summer, 40 Cdo were back in Helmand, the last UK- formed unit to leave Sangin – ably deterrent, and assisting with up in the fighting, evacuating many supported by the hundreds of Royal border control, counterterrorism, hundreds of civilians from more Navy personnel also in theatre, fisheries protection and anti-drug than 30 different nations, and who undertake a variety of tasks activities closer to home. Other using force where that has been away from the spotlight, often tasks that the RN performs in necessary to protect the population without the credit or recognition support of government policy and enforce the UN mandate. they deserve. This year, 2011, sees relate to keeping the sea lanes I am not alone in recognising that RN numbers in Afghanistan expand open, international stability, it is the quality and determination of again as deterring illegal activity at sea our sailors and marines that enable returns for another tour of duty. and fostering good relations with us to fulfil such a wide scope of Iraq and the wider Gulf region friends, allies and potential allies. missions around the globe, respond remain a priority, as recent events Over the past decade, this decisively to emerging tasks and attest. The UK finally ended has seen the RN become heavily deliver the government’s Defence in May 2011 after involved in counterterrorist vision. I am in no doubt that the concluding Royal Navy training operations in the Mediterranean dedication and professionalism of of the Iraqi Navy to take over the and counternarcotics work in the our people is unparalleled, just as I protection of the Iraqi oil platforms Caribbean and off the west coast recognise that such a high tempo in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Africa, as well as combating of operations naturally takes its toll. close to the disputed border with the growing menace from pirates Running so hot for so long creates Iran. In addition, the RN and Royal Above left: operating off the Horn of Africa that need to be released. Royal Navy In order to reduce the tempo and Fleet Auxiliary presence in the Lynx helicopters and the Somali Basin. Added to wider Gulf remains significant, with returned to this, the RN must be able to react bring our platforms and ships into Mine Countermeasures vessels Afghanistan to any contingency which requires a balance that is sustainable in the keeping this strategic waterway in 2011 a show of force, or the ability to longer term, we have to rebalance open for trade and energy supplies. rescue our citizens wherever they the long-term operational schedule; we have to release some of that We are doing much more Above right: may be stranded, as well as the besides. The continuous tasks we Bags of rice are provision of emergency relief. . Not only will this benefit must carry out include the support delivered ashore Recent events in Libya make our fleet, ensuring it remains to the overseas territories in the on RFA Largs my point for me. Naval Service available for both the many standing Caribbean, the protection and Bay’s mexefloat personnel have been at the heart tasks that fall to us and to meet powered rafts the unexpected; it will also help support of British territories in for the victims of the UK military response to the the South Atlantic, providing and of the Haitian unfolding crisis there, providing our men and women to better safeguarding the nation’s nuclear earthquake emergency relief to those caught balance their own busy lives. • FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

16 OPERATIONS THE IMPACT OF THE STRATEGIC DEFENCE AND SECURITY REVIEW (SDSR)

ithout doubt, the most support tanker, and FORT GEORGE, is committed to building two new high-profi le impact a fl eet replenishment tanker; as well Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft of the SDSR was the as a Bay-class amphibious landing carriers and to purchasing the W government’s decision ship, LARGS BAY. That said, FORT longer-range and more heavily to immediately decommission the AUSTIN, which was placed in reserve armed version of the Joint Strike aircraft carrier, HMS ARK ROYAL, in 2009, will rejoin the active fl eet. Fighter – the conventional carrier and to withdraw from service Unwelcome as these decisions variant F-35C. Seven Astute hunter- the Harrier jump jets operated by are, they refl ect the Royal Navy’s killer submarines will also be built. both the Fleet Air Arm and the contribution to the national effort Moreover, when the current Royal Air Force. Other decisions to reduce the national defi cit. Type 23 frigates start to be included the reduction of Naval At the same time, the SDSR also decommissioned around the Service personnel to 29,000 sailors established a blueprint for the end of the decade, a new Type 26 by 2015. Furthermore, four batch longer-term transformation of the Global Combat Ship will replace 3 Type 22 frigates, HM Ships UK’s Armed Forces. The aim is, over them, maintaining CAMPBELTOWN, CHATHAM, time, to ensure that they are more CORNWALL and CUMBERLAND agile and better equipped to face have been decommissioned in 2011; the threats likely to challenge the and either HMS Illustrious or Ocean security and interests of the United will be withdrawn by the end of Kingdom, her overseas 2014. As a consequence of the territories and allies in reduction of the surface fl eet, it was the coming decades. also decided that the Royal Fleet Accordingly, the Auxiliary will lose RFAs BAYLEAF, a government

The SDSR saw the withdrawal of the Harrier from the Fleet Air Arm

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

OPERATIONS 17

a mixed frigate/destroyer fl eet of Two huge Queen Elizabeth-class 19 escorts. The nuclear deterrent aircraft carriers will be built to will continue to be met by a fl eet carry conventional fast jets of submarines, albeit armed with fewer warheads than in the past. The reduction in the size of the available Fleet means that the Royal Navy must realign its priorities. Committed tasks (those enduring tasks set by national policy), such as the patrols in the North and South Atlantic, will remain. There will be no break in the nuclear deterrent patrols, and the protection of home waters will continue. There will, however, be some reduction in the extent of our participation in NATO maritime activity, and our counter-piracy effort will have to be carefully balanced against other commitments. In order to meet contingent demands (in other words, the tasking of maritime forces in support Each year, the plan is to deploy a group of unforeseen events), the Navy has further developed the Response of ships, led by an aircraft carrier or an Force Task Group (RFTG) concept, which was trialled successfully , that will train, during the 2010 Auriga Task Group deployment to the Atlantic Each form up and deploy ships to an area of year, the plan will be to deploy a group of ships, led by an aircraft signifi cance to the national interest carrier or an amphibious assault ship. This group will train, form up and deploy ships to an area of Thousands of people turned up signifi cance to the national interest. to have one last look around En route to its destination, the the ‘Mighty Ark’ as HMS ARK ROYAL was opened to the public RFTG will undertake a series of at Portsmouth Naval Base exercises with allies and friends, and perform other tasks that contribute to the promotion of British interests. This, for example, covers a range of activities, including helping other nations with their maritime training, supporting export sales drives or engaging with infl uential representatives of states that hold a strategic defence or economic interest to the UK. Moreover, should world events conspire to threaten UK interests abroad, then the RFTG is on hand to respond; indeed, at the time of going to press, the validity and fl exibility of this concept has come to the fore in support of operations in Libya. • FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

18 operations

The Surface Fleet

Above: A Merlin he surface fleet is that will be most applicable – either the scale of Operation Highbrow helicopter on entering a period of steam-powered or electromagnetic. (the rescue) in 2006. the lift transition that will The Royal Navy’s future carriers The challenge in the interim is to being readied to join the Harrier T be one of the most will deliver a variety of capabilities maintain and then develop all jets on the upper challenging it has faced in modern and undertake numerous different of the skills required for operating deck of HMS times. The Future Force 2020 roles. As well as providing a fixed- conventional fast jets off a carrier, ILLUSTRIOUS concept, outlined in the Strategic wing offensive capability (their while also maintaining the Defence and Security Review, primary role), these ships and helicopter-borne beach assault envisages a UK capability to deploy their air groups offer considerable skills. We will also need to plan fast jets as far as 700 nautical miles flexibility and, therefore, strategic carefully how we intend to de-risk into foreign territory from an aircraft choice for the UK. They will be the transition from the short carrier. But the withdrawal of the able to place a Royal Marines take-off ramp and vertical landing Harriers and the decision not to buy Commando or Special Forces Group operations used on the Invincible- the jump-jet version of the F-35 in ashore, assist with humanitarian class carriers to the catapulted favour of the conventional version disaster-relief operations, as well as take-offs and arrested landings calls for some very careful planning, participate in a major evacuation on that the new carrier will employ. and the assistance of our American and French allies. With the first Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier already partially built, a decision will The withdrawal of the Harriers be taken whether to fit the ship and the decision not to buy the with the catapults and arrester gear with which the F-35C will operate. jump-jet version of the F-35 calls This will be carried out after we have selected the catapult system for some very careful planning

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

operations 19 Atlantic patrols North and South

uring 2010, Royal Navy The deployment achieved much Minister for International Security activity in the Atlantic more than this, though, as Strategy, Gerald Howarth MP, and continued apace, both HMS OCEAN the Commander of the Brazilian A in the North and South. remained in the Atlantic after the Navy, Admiral Moura Neto. Counternarcotics, Hurricane Watch rest of the ships returned home, to Next stop was the Nigerian and support to UK territories, fulfil a number of other Defence port of Lagos, in time to join including the British Antarctic tasks. She went on to undertake in the celebrations for the station, remained the key priorities. a maritime security patrol in the 50th anniversary of Nigerian The Atlantic highlight of 2010 was Caribbean, before sailing down independence from Great Britain. perhaps the Auriga deployment, to in , where HMS OCEAN hosted HRH The which was designed to meet she participated in an amphibious Duke of Gloucester and 400 guests the pre-SDSR requirement for training exercise with the Brazilian at a reception. Meanwhile, Royal fast-jet operations off carriers and Navy and Marines. Remaining in Marines from 539 Assault Squadron the maintenance of amphibious Rio, the ship then hosted a UK Trade participated in the handover of the warfare skills. With so many RN and Industry exhibition, followed Joint Maritime Security Training helicopters now involved with by a reception for local dignitaries, Centre in Lagos from British the effort in Afghanistan, the US and a bilateral security seminar mentorship to the Nigerian Armed Forces. In addition, as part of the HMS OCEAN supplied many of the enablers for that culminated in the signing of a remained in these training exercises – welcome Defence Cooperation Treaty by the Africa Partnership Station (APS) the Atlantic support from a valued ally. after the end Auriga was an excellent Counternarcotics, Hurricane Watch of the Auriga opportunity for 42 Commando deployment Royal Marines to prepare for its to fulfil a and support to UK territories number of other 2011 deployment to Afghanistan Defence tasks as part of 3 Commando Brigade. remained the key priorities 20 operations

programme, HMS OCEAN also of Atlantic Patrol (South), HMS the tour, RFA BLACK ROVER, in welcomed 20 Nigerian Naval GLOUCESTER was tasked by the September 2010 at the Falkland cadets onboard with their Maritime Analysis and Operations Islands’ East Cove Military Port. US Liaison Officer for part of the Centre (Narcotics) in Lisbon to assist Having already undertaken trip to Lagos, so that they could the Cape Verde authorities in West three Atlantic Patrols in the last four see at first hand how a British Africa in intercepting a suspicious years, GLOUCESTER is an old hand operates. Once in yacht, the Tortuga, which was at this work. While there, she also Lagos, a further 40 Nigerian later found to be smuggling engaged in joint exercises with the sailors were invited to join in £4 million-worth of cocaine in her Brazilian and Chilean navies and boarding, firefighting, first-aid rudder. GLOUCESTER used her supported the Expo Naval maritime and damage-control drills. HMS Lynx helicopter to track down the defence exhibition in Chile’s port OCEAN then set off for a maritime Florida-registered leisure craft. of Valparaiso. After spending security patrol in the Gulf of Having done her duty, GLOUCESTER Christmas in the South Atlantic, Guinea, taking a group of naval then made for the South Atlantic she was subsequently extended personnel from Benin, Ghana, to relieve HMS PORTLAND in on task to allow HMS YORK and Togo with her. providing security and protection to divert for a time to support In August 2010, on her way for the British territories in that humanitarian operations in Libya, to the South Atlantic for a seven- part of the world. She berthed before finally returning to the UK, month tour to take over the role alongside her companion for via New York, in late March 2011. Caribbean counternarcotics and Hurricane Watch

traffickers’ arrest by the Royal more effectively, areas damaged Montserrat Police Force, but also by Hurricanes Earl and Igor. When to spot where the cannabis (with a Hurricane Tomas slammed into street value of £1.5 million), which St Lucia, ripping up roofs, tearing had been hastily thrown overboard, down power lines and causing had washed up on the beach. devastating mudslides that knocked The major counternarcotics down buildings and other vital success of the tour was against a infrastructure, MANCHESTER came converted Colombian fishing vessel. into her own. The ship’s company HMS MANCHESTER intercepted was called at short notice to go to the boat with the intention of the aid of the town of Soufrière and handing her over to the Colombian spent two days tracking through Channel 5 television series Royal HMS authorities. The Colombian ship’s mudslides and helping to clear the Navy: Caribbean Patrol kept MANCHESTER crew, however, as is the case in devastation. Their first tasks were tabs on HMS prevented 800 many of these types of operations, to re-establish a working hospital, kg of cocaine MANCHESTER during her seven- worth over £16 threw the drugs overboard. ensure the availability of clean water month tour of the Caribbean, million on a Luckily, two of the seven bales and bring in emergency supplies. which ended in December 2010. single operation of cocaine were retrieved before As part of the counternarcotics The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet during her patrol they sank, and were handed over effort in the Caribbean, HMS Auxiliary ships that patrol this of the Caribbean to the Colombians. This action MANCHESTER was invited to visit region work closely with the Joint prevented 800kg of cocaine – and became the first British Interagency Task Force (South), worth about £17 million – from warship since the 1959 Castro-led based in Florida’s Key West, to reaching the streets of the UK. revolution to enter . Rear coordinate counternarcotics activity As part of her other duties in Admiral Carlos Alfonso Duque and share intelligence. Almost as the Caribbean, HMS MANCHESTER Ramos and British Ambassador soon as she arrived on scene, her also played a key role in following to Cuba, Dianne Melrose, were embarked Lynx helicopter spotted hurricanes. The ship’s Lynx was welcomed aboard the ship, a go-fast boat acting suspiciously. used to carry out aerial surveys that and a working lunch was held Quick thinking enabled the ship’s assisted authorities in our Overseas to discuss how to improve crew not only to coordinate the Territories to identify, and address counternarcotics cooperation.

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS operations 21 Safeguarding the Gulf

With such a high percentage of UK CHIDDINGFOLD, GRIMSBY, energy imports coming through the MIDDLETON and PEMBROKE. Gulf, it is absolutely essential that The ships are kept on station in the sea lanes in this volatile region exceeding 50°C by remain open and unimpeded. The rotating crews through each of the threats are real. Terrorist attacks on four vessels, rather than bringing shipping and the Iraqi oil platforms the ships back to their home ports. have, in the past, been a worrying Type 23 frigates HMS ST ALBANS feature. Tensions in the region have and SOMERSET were also in the increased as the uprisings continue Gulf during the year, together with resonate through the Gulf States, the RFA’s Gulf Ready Tanker, RFA during what has become known BAYLEAF, RFA CARDIGAN BAY, Father Christmas pays a surprise as the ‘Arab Spring’. To help our RFA LYME BAY, and the forward visit to Royal Iraq partners to preserve stability in repair ship, RFA DILIGENCE. Navy personnel the region, the Royal Navy (RN) There is more to keeping the helping to train and Royal Fleet Auxiliary maintain sea lanes open than meets the eye. Iraqi sailors building a dozen ships in these waters and Ensuring that seabed obstacles and marines protect their have a sustained presence totalling are logged and that changes to oil installations over 1,500 sailors and marines. undersea channels are recorded maritime There is a particular risk is the job of the two RN survey of the Gulf being closed down vessels, ECHO and ENTERPRISE. The by the seeding of mines. It is, latter spent over a year updating capability therefore, significant that the US hydrographic charts off the coast of Navy considers the RN’s Mine Oman to assist with ongoing work The US-UK effort to train the Iraqi Countermeasures flotilla as the on a new $1.7 billion development Navy and Marines so that they can jewel in the crown of the maritime at Port Duqm. While there, she was maintain the integrity of their ter- forces in the area. Throughout visited by the Secretary of State for ritorial waters and protect the two the year, the RN assigned four Defence, Dr . In January oil platforms – ABOT and KAAOT – Sandown- and Hunt-class mine- 2011, her sister ship, ECHO, began has resulted in marked progress. The detection and clearance vessels a two-year deployment to the UK training effort, which began in to the coalition force – HM Ships Red Sea, Gulf and Indian Ocean. 2004, had been expected to end in November 2010. However, in the same month, the Iraqi Council of Ministers requested that around 100 Royal Navy trainers remain for an additional six-month period. This postponement was agreed and the UK contribution to the training effort finally completed in May 2011. During 2010, the newly formed Iraqi Navy received the final two of four Fatah-class patrol ships, MAJED and SHOMOKH, officially welcomed into the service on Valentine’s Day. Later in the year, these were joined HMS PEMBROKE by the first of 15 coastal-patrol and HMS vessels built by Swiftships in the GRIMSBY sail US. On 7 January 2011 – Iraqi from HMNB National Army Day – the Iraqi Navy Clyde for their two-year successfully completed its first deployment patrol around the ABOT platform to the Gulf in one of their new ships. 22 operations Counter-piracy at the heart of the international effort

The alarming resurgence of the Naval activity pirate threat off the Horn of Africa had a marked (HoA) and within the Somali Basin impact on the number of pirate continues to hamper those who attacks in 2010 pass through these waters. However, increased naval activity had a marked impact on the number of pirate attacks in 2010. In the first quarter of 2010, there were 34 per cent fewer pirate attacks worldwide than in the corresponding period in 2009. The International Maritime Bureau The RN continued to play a EU NAVFOR in June 2010 from Rear attributed this decrease directly to pivotal role in this effort, taking Admiral Peter Hudson RN to Major the counter-piracy effort. While the part in all three of the major General Buster Howes of the Royal number of pirate attacks is increasing operations: NATO’s Operation Marines at the force’s headquarters every year, the number of successful Ocean Shield, the coalition-based in Northwood, London. CINC attacks is being driven down. The , and Fleet commands Operation Ocean effort to contain them goes on. That the European Union’s NAVFOR Shield, also from the Northwood said, the first three months of 2011 Operation Atalanta. The RN’s headquarters, as part of his NATO saw an unprecedented rise in pirate leadership role in the campaign responsibilities, and Commodore attacks to 142, with 97 of these against piracy was highlighted by Tim Fraser RN is deputy to Admiral taking place in the Somali Basin. the handover of command of the Fox USN, who leads CTF 151.

home waters

Provision of fishery protection in patrol days at sea, 30 fewer than Easter and summer deployments. English, Northern Irish and Welsh in the previous period. These were The Easter deployment saw the waters was carried out under Students are undertaken by three River-class patrol boats sail along the south the agreement with the Marine given a taste offshore patrol vessels – HM Ships coast of the UK, visiting numerous Management Organisation Fisheries of navy life MERSEY, SEVERN and TYNE. During ports from Portsmouth to Dartmouth Agency through the Department of onboard the the 12-month period, RN British Sea via Cowes, Torquay and Weymouth. University Royal Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Naval Unit Fisheries Officers conducted 1,200 The summer deployment saw During 2009-10, the RN Fisheries Archer P2000 inspections at sea – 98 more than in the URNU venture much further Protection Squadron provided 670 patrol boats the previous year. In total, six vessels afield – as far as Copenhagen were detained, with HMS TYNE via and . detaining two vessels in a two- Last year was the 70th week period in July alone. Some anniversary of Operation Dynamo, 49 statements were forwarded for the RN-led mission to rescue more further investigation, 31 official than 300,000 Allied troops stuck written warnings were handed out, on the beaches at Dunkirk. The and a further 242 verbal warnings frigate HMS MONMOUTH escorted delivered, as against the 33 written a flotilla of ‘Little Ships’ to warnings and 144 verbal warnings to commemorate the occasion, handed out in the 2008-09 period. and one of the URNU P2000 Also operating in home waters boats, Bristol University’s HMS are the 14 P2000 patrol boats of the RAIDER, was also on hand to help University Royal Naval Units (URNU). guide the flotilla across the busy Major highlights for 2010 were the waters of the .

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS operations 23

HMS CUMBERLAND indian delivers rescued evacuees to from the ocean Port of Benghazi

The , together with its fellow members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) – , Malaysia, and – is com- memorating the 40th anniversary of the agreement in 2011. To mark the occasion, the Royal Navy has sent HMS RICHMOND to participate in the annual Bersama Shield exercise that the FPDA navies run in the waters of the South China Sea. Mediterranean In February 2011, the Type 22 frigate, HMS CORNWALL, Apart from the ongoing counter- frigate, HMS CUMBERLAND, to came to the rescue of a captured terrorist activities undertaken Libya’s port of Benghazi to pick dhow in the Indian Ocean after it in the Mediterranean as part of up a further group of 207 people had received a distress call from Operation Active Endeavour, the from 34 nations. She was later a South Korean merchant vessel Mediterranean also saw the final joined by HMS YORK and then that was under attack. Having test firings for the RN’s newest HMS WESTMINSTER, who initially used its Lynx helicopter to scare anti-aircraft missile system the Sea supported the non-combatant off the pirates, boarding teams of Viper (formerly PAAMS). In August evacuation but went on to patrol off sailors and marines then retook the 2010, a drone travelling at high Benghazi to protect against possible pirated dhow and freed the Yemeni speed (several hundred miles per attack from the Libyan Navy. crew – five of whom had been held hour) was destroyed by the Sea Following the imposition of hostage for 92 days. The pirates had Viper system, having been fired the UN Resolution 1973, the been using the captured vessel as off the Longbow test barge. Royal Navy has been assisting in a mother ship and had loaded on Royal Marines There was further activity Operation Unified Protector from the Fleet three small skiffs, powerful outboard Protection in the Mediterranean at the and to defend the motors, ladders, AK-47 assault rifles Group board a beginning of 2011 when Merlins civilian population from aggression and RPGs to carry out their raids. suspicious dhow from 814 NAS flew 1,400 miles and to impose a no-fly zone. Two from Culdrose in Cornwall to Trafalgar-class submarines, HMS Sicily to take part in the NATO TRIUMPH and TURBULENT have anti- training been deployed to the area launching under Exercise Proud Manta. While TLAM cruise against targets in Sicily, aircraft, crew and ground- in Libya, RN Ships then began support personnel were hosted by to assist with the embargo by the US Navy at their Sigonella NAS. intercepting – and, when necessary, At the start of 2011, many boarding – ships that appeared to UK nationals found themselves be in contravention of the embargo. stranded in Libya as the country The RN has also used the entered the grip of a violent advanced air-surveillance equipment revolution. The British Government, on the destroyer HMS LIVERPOOL therefore, arranged for chartered to direct alliance aircraft engaged aircraft to take as many people as in imposing the no-fly zone. As we possible from Tripoli International go to press, HMS BROCKLESBY, Airport. Others who were able to operating in support of these leave the country by land routes operations, has been making an were advised to. The Royal Navy important contribution clearing subsequently played a major part mines and keeping the port of in the multi-stranded evacuation Misurata open, and RFTG elements plan by sending the Type 22 are being retasked in support. 24 operations

the submarine service ATTACK SUBMARINES: Trafalgar- and Astute-claSS boats

or the The second On a brighter note, for the first December 2010 at a ceremony fraternity, 2010 was a of the Astute time, the government has pledged in Barrow-in-Furness by Lady watershed year. It saw submarines, to purchase seven Astute-class boats, Soar, wife of CINC Fleet. The HMS AMBUSH F the end of the Swiftsure (“The Mighty which will give the Royal Navy one submarines of the Royal Navy era, with the decommissioning of Bush”), was of the most formidable hunter-killer were extremely active during the world’s oldest active nuclear rolled-out in flotillas in the world and offer the year, with some patrols submarine, HMS SCEPTRE, on December 2010 a step change in capability. The lasting as long as 10 months. 10 December, after 32 years of Astutes will carry missiles The television series How to service. With that sad news, and alongside the existing Trafalgar-class Command a Nuclear Submarine, the decommissioning of the first submarines, maintaining the RN’s shown on Military History channel, Trafalgar-class boat in December ability to strike deep inland should gave an excellent insight as to how 2009, the Submarine Service is the need arise. Its nuclear reactor demanding it is to obtain command making steady progress with the will not need refuelling for 25 years. of a Royal Navy submarine. The transition to the Astute class. Many The second of class, HMS series is scheduled to be repeated of SCEPTRE’s crew will transfer to AMBUSH, was launched in on Channel 5 in June and July 2011. the A boats as they join the fleet. The decommissioning of SCEPTRE saw several of her 15 former Commanding Officers The submarines of the Royal Navy converge on the tributary were extremely active during the at Devonport for a ceremony that was accompanied by music year, with some patrols lasting from the Band of the Scots Guards – her affiliated unit. as long as 10 months

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS OPERATIONS 25 The Continuous At-Sea Deterrent Vanguard Class

or 42 years, the begun for the successor to who had completed a ‘deterrent’ Royal Navy has been the Vanguard submarines that patrol of at least 30 days in responsible for deploying currently supply this capability. a Resolution (Polaris missile) F the United Kingdom’s In order to recognise and or Vanguard ( missile) nuclear deterrent, and since the commemorate the extraordinary submarine. The gold pins were very first patrol there has still not nature of this work, HRH Prince presented to those who had One of four been a break in this service – William, Commodore-in-Chief completed 20 or more patrols. Vanguard-class known as the Continuous at-Sea Submarines, awarded special Chief Petty OfficerS tephen boats, HMS Deterrent. The Strategic Defence silver and gold pins to members Irvine received a gold pin for VICTORIOUS, and Security Review confirmed of the Submarine Service who had his 28 patrols – a feat that has arrives at HM Naval Base that this will remain the chosen served onboard the Continuous contributed to him serving no Devonport for option for the nation’s strategic at-Sea Deterrent submarines. Silver less than eight years under the submarine service a major refit deterrence, and planning has pins went to those submariners water since joining the RN. ATTACK SUBMARINES: Trafalgar- and Astute-claSS boats 26 operations

The fleet air arm The Impact of the Strategic Defence and Security Review

here is no hiding from The Lynx Wildcat conventional fast jets off ships – the which an aircraft slowly places itself the fact that the Strategic has successfully other two countries being France onto the deck using its jump-jet Defence and Security completed its and the . These two characteristics, aircraft that may first test T Review (SDSR) has had a nations will be vital for the RN to weigh as much as 20 tonnes fully major impact on the Fleet Air Arm. meet its target of reintroducing armed will be flying in at about On one hand, it has removed our carrier operations by the end of the 180 miles per hour. That requires ability to deliver ‘carrier strike’ (a decade. Talks between the RN, and a thorough de-risking process fast-jet bombing capability from the French and US Navies have taken that will need additional time aircraft carriers) for a period of place to garner their support. These to complete. It will, therefore, about 10 years. On the other, it has discussions have been extremely take longer than it would have confirmed the BritishG overnment’s positive and will assist the Royal if we had stuck with the STOVL commitment to rebuilding the Navy in training, qualifying and capability of the F-35B variant. capability with the introduction of a providing experience to the men and The Future Force 2020 conventional carrier, rather than the women who will eventually man maritime air component will contain short-take-off and vertical-landing the new Queen Elizabeth carriers. a mixed fleet based on theM erlin (STOVL) capability that we have Within 10 years, the FAA has and Lynx Wildcat. In line with the been operating for the past three to relearn the expertise necessary to recommendations laid out in the decades. Consequently, instead of launch heavily armed fast-jets using House of Commons Defence buying the F-35B STOVL Joint Strike a catapult, and retrieve them using Committee’s Helicopter Capability Fighter variant – the F-35B – the arrester gear – a process that sees a report (HC 434), additional Merlins Government has decided to hook at the back of the plane catch from the RAF will be configured purchase the F-35C conventional hold of a cable stretched across to be able to operate from ships, version because of its longer the landing runway. This is very allowing the withdrawal of the range and greater firepower. different from STOVL operations. ageing Sea Kings by 2016. This will When the strike force is The introduction of the catapult and enable the reduction in the number recommissioned, the United arrester gear not only results in of different types of helicopters in Kingdom will be one of only three greater complexity, it also increases the UK Armed Forces, thus bringing nations able to consistently operate the risk. Instead of a landing in down maintenance costs. •

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS operations 27 operations in afghanistan

t often goes unnoticed Another Sea King variant, this The Mk 7 ASaC that the Royal Navy’s time the Mk 7 Area Surveillance commitment to and Control (ASaC) helicopter, helicopter has I Afghanistan, at times, has had a marked impact on the equates to about a third of the campaign against improvised had a marked entire number of UK personnel in explosive devices (IEDs), which that theatre when 3 Commando have been responsible for 80 per impact on Brigade is deployed. Even when the cent of troop casualties. The NAS the campaign Royal Marines are not there, the 854/857 Mk 7’s Searchwater Fleet Air Arm has a significant is capable of operating over land against IEDs presence. The recently upgraded as well as sea, and is now one Mk 4+ Sea Kings from 846 and of the most effective sensors for 845 Naval Air Squadron (NASs) locating moving objects on the in January 2011, following their have been deployed since 2007 ground, including the very people previous deployment in 2008-09. and 2008 respectively, and spent who may be laying down the IEDs. Since then, the helicopter has been 2010 on call 24/7, supporting A particularly useful upgraded to the Mk 9A version, troop movements and operations. characteristic of the three Mk 7s with more powerful engines that Based at Camp Bastion and in Afghanistan is the fact that one are more suited to the hot and high Kandahar airfield, they rotate at a of the crew is an Observer who environment, enabling operations rate of one tour on and three off is trained in data analysis, and is in the heat of the summer. Like the (one in four), which means they are able to re-task the surveillance Mk 4+ helicopter, it has been in theatre more frequently than the and mission-control computer armed with a M3M .50 calibre door Below: The Lynx Army and RAF crews that rotate at system at a moment’s notice gun to give it more power when helicopters, a rate of one in five. To improve while still in the air. This delivers undertaking escort, reconnaissance flown by the the Sea King’s firepower, the fantastic flexibility. December and forward observation duties. Fleet Air Arm, door-gunner’s 7.62mm general- 2010 saw the completion of their The introduction of the 847 NAS have been purpose machine gun was replaced first full year in the region. Lynxes brought the total of FAA upgraded to the Royal Marine with a more powerful FN Herstal The Fleet Air Arm’s Lynx manpower in Afghanistan to Mk 9A version M3M .50-calibre gun in 2010. helicopters returned to Afghanistan about 170 men and women. • 28 operaTions naVal sTriKe WinG (nsW)

The naval Strike wing was disbanded on 28 January 2011, two weeks after the fi nal fl ight of the harriers from 800 naS on 14 December 2010. The loss of this iconic aircraft will lead to the During this phase, the rn will maritime aviation expertise with the eventual removal of faa presence identify the necessary people who french and uS navies. The next step at raf cottesmore – consisting The loss of the will be able to form the risk- will be to form a test and evaluation of around 630 personnel – to iconic Harrier management organisation that will squadron in the uS, to undertake be relocated to culdrose and jump jets will be needed to restart safe fi xed-wing the initial trials of the f-35c to satisfy yeovilton. That said, a number eventually see operations by the end of the decade. uK contractual requirements. Then, the closure of of personnel will stay at the base their home This will comprise staff positions, as when the fi rst aircraft are delivered, until 2012 to complete the harrier base of RAF well as the necessary manpower, to a joint raf/rn f-35 Lightning II decommissioning process. Cottesmore enable us to maintain and develop squadron will be raised in the uK.

emBarKeD heLIcopTerS

The faa-embarked Lynx mk 8 and the 300 inhabitants of which had merlin mk 1 helicopters were busy been completely cut off for days. throughout 2010, contributing to In the gulf, faa merlin the effort to contain and disrupt helicopters were engaged in both terrorism, piracy and narcotics- counter-piracy and counterterrorist smuggling in the atlantic, gulf, operations. In the northern caribbean, horn of africa, Indian gulf area they continued to ocean and mediterranean. Some of provide a valuable Intelligence, the Lynx counter-piracy work was Surveillance, Target acquisition recorded for the channel 5 series and reconnaissance (ISTar) Royal Navy: caribbean patrol, which contribution, helping coalition highlighted the added capability forces traffi c in the vicinity that a helicopter can bring to these of the Iraqi oil platforms. In the dynamic and unpredictable incidents. southern gulf area and Somali hmS mancheSTer’s Lynx was Basin, faa helicopters were much also on hand in the caribbean in demand in the campaign against during the hurricane season to the growing numbers of pirates assist with damage assessment operating against commercial and other logistical tasks. This shipping and un world food aid proved invaluable after hurricane shipments. with changes to the Tomas made the roads around way the counterterrorism effort the town of Soufrière on St Lucia in the mediterranean operation impassable. The Lynx was able to active endeavour is prosecuted, hmS mancheSTer’s Lynx loads up rush emergency relief supplies to the there was more emphasis on with supplies for St Lucia after the island was hit by hurricane Tomas village of morne fond St Jacques, the counter-piracy effort.

ROYAL NAVY maTTerS operations 29 search and rescue

Right: A Sea s well as its military tasks, King Mk 5 from the Fleet Air Arm also 771 NAS gets provides Search and ready to lower a stretcher A Rescue (SAR) coverage of the UK from bases in (HMS GANNET – Prestwick Airport) and from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall through 771 NAS. The Cornwall-based squadron started 2010 providing emergency assistance during severe winter weather and finished it by helping out with the flooding that affected Cornwall in November. On arrival at the centre of the flooding in St Austell, the RN Sea King Mk 5 was requested by police to scan for people in distress, before being tasked with supporting efforts to rescue elderly people from their damaged and flooded homes. In October 2010, the crew of one of 771 Squadron’s six helicopters, Rescue 193, was awarded the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award from the Shipwrecked also awarded the prestigious medical emergencies. Notably, one Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Rolls-Royce Engineering Trophy of them was while all other flights Benevolent Society, which is for 2009-10 for their significant had been grounded due to the presented to crews for outstanding achievement in keeping the aged Icelandic volcanic ash cloud that rescues. The award recognised the fleets of Sea Kings ready for action had swept down the . crew’s extraordinary bravery while in the UK and in Afghanistan. Despite the cessation of commercial rescuing four fishermen from a HMS GANNET, in Scotland, flights caused by the volcano, ARS burning trawler. In gales gusting was the busiest UK military SAR helicopters maintained operations as strong as 40 knots (74 km/h), station for the fourth year in a row without a break and were able Rescue 193 twice had to send a in 2010. Overall, the unit responded to evacuate a critically ill woman man down on a line to the boat to 379 call-outs. Some 145 of these from Glasgow to London for to bring up the trawlermen, as the emergency trips were made for urgent medical treatment. • first time he was swept underwater and had to be winched back up to the helicopter. The man lowered Overall, the unit responded to to the stricken vessel, Petty Officer 379 call-outs. Some 145 of these Dian ‘Cags’ Lacy, was later awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. emergency trips were made for In February 2011, the entire Sea King Force at Culdrose was medical emergencies FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

30 operations

The royal marines

A Royal Marine n April 2010, 685 men is being laid to make it easier for explosives and other equipment for waits beside from 40 Commando the local businessmen to bring making IEDs (improvised explosive a Chinook (40 Cdo) Royal Marines their goods in and out, and electric devices). This not only served to helicopter on operations I (RM) deployed to Sangin lighting has been installed to enable make the locality safer, it also in Kajaki, District in southern Afghanistan’s longer business hours and better reinforced the message that no Afghanistan Helmand province under the security. As the Afghan Army and part of the territory in the region command of 4 Mechanized Brigade. Police are now almost exclusively was to be considered a no-go area Sangin is an exceptionally difficult responsible for the security in the for ISAF troops. This message was region in which to operate, owing centre of the district where the emphasised later in the tour with the to its isolated location, climate, bazaar is located, the only RM successful back-to-back operations difficult terrain and heavy Taliban presence was two police mentoring ‘Sangin Sunrise’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’. activity. However, since the dark groups. This allowed the rest of 40 Again, a mixed UK/Afghan force days of 2006, when Sangin was Cdo to concentrate on providing a went into contested territory outside a besieged town, the progress on ring of steel around the perimeter of Sangin to eject the Taliban and the ground has been remarkable. of the Sangin District to enable to show the local population that The barometer for this change, normal life to go on inside. the insurgency would be confronted the Sangin Bazaar, had between Within just a few short weeks on every inch of ground. 30 and 40 businesses opening on the deployment, 40 Cdo staged This security assurance each month during 40 Cdo’s tour, its first major operation, in consort mission was backed up with a with many shop-owners returning with the Afghan Army, by storming complementary effort to help from as far away as Kandahar. a compound to dislodge Taliban strengthen good governance in the The Sangin Bazaar now has fighters. Once inside, the Marines region. In order to help the new more than 1,000 shops. Tarmac and Afghan soldiers uncovered Governor, Mohammad Sherrif,

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

operations 31

communicate with local leaders more frequently and more easily, 40 Cdo 40 Cdo completed their handover handed out around 2,000 wind-up/ to 3/7 USMC and became the rechargeable radios. These would be used to help the Governor explain to last British military unit to hold local communities what was going on, not just in terms of the security responsibility for Sangin effort, but also with regard to local political and administrative progress. Just prior to this, CINC Fleet, Osterman of COM 1 MARDIV (1st organisation in Helmand, the town Sea Lord Vice Admiral Trevor Soar, Marine Division – US Marine Corps). of Sangin, owing to its location, Second Sea Lord Although the USMC had been represented the last piece of the Charles Montgomery and Major operating out of Sangin for several jigsaw and marked the refocusing of General Buster Howes, Commandant weeks, the transfer of authority UK forces to central Helmand. The of the Royal Marines, visited the marked the establishment of the handover was followed very quickly troops in Sangin to thank them and USMC forward Headquarters and by 40 Cdo conducting a significant to see at first hand some of the an increased presence of USMC mobile operation, Ghartse new equipment. In particular, the personnel at Sangin. Concurrently, Surlanday, designed to go deep into visitors wanted to know whether D Company started a ‘relief in the desert east of Sangin to block the new sharpshooter and sniper place’ with the USMC at Kajaki. many of the Taliban routes into the rifles were making a difference. Towards the end of the tour in area and get a better understanding This high-level visit was quickly September, 40 Cdo’s work was of this part of the territory, which followed up by a visit from the First almost done as they completed previously had seen little ISAF Sea Lord, Admiral Mark Stanhope. The Police their handover to 3/7 USMC and patrolling. In October 2010, 40 Cdo On 1 June 2010, command of Mentoring became the last British military unit handed over command of Sangin to Troop conduct US forces before heading back to the Sangin area of operations went a routine to hold responsibility for Sangin. from Task Force Helmand under patrol around As part of the ISAF restructuring the UK via Camp Bastion. The end Brigadier Felton to Brigadier General Sangin bazaar and rationalisation of the command of the tour was met with mixed 32 operations

emotions, reflected in the words Above left: Joint Warrior exercise and the In February 2010, 45 of Major Duncan Forbes, 40 Cdo’s 40 Cdo transiting Auriga Deployment to get ready for Commando travelled to Norway Operations Officer, on arrival back the Afghan their upcoming tour of Afghanistan. for arduous arctic training on desert in Jackal in Somerset: “It’s a bittersweet day Armoured Joint exercises with the US Marine Exercise Lupus, as preparation for being back here – 21 people from Vehicles Corps, as part of phase two of the a two-week multinational Arctic the battle group were killed, and Auriga Deployment, were followed training package – Exercise Cold 14 of them were Royal Marines.” Above right: by exercises with the Brazilian Response. HMS ALBION, the In April 2011, 3 Commando The sun sets on Marines after HMS OCEAN had amphibious flagship, provided 40 Cdo’s tour Brigade returned to Helmand of Sangin sailed to Rio de Janeiro after the end accommodation for the Marines, province after their tour in 2009 of Auriga. The two forces of Marines many of whom had not yet lived as the lead element on Herrick 14, practised helicopter and landing- onboard a ship. Crucially, Cold which will run until October 2011. craft assaults on a small island off Response, which involved 20,000 The 3 Commando Brigade units Rio and demonstrated techniques soldiers from 14 nations, enabled include 42 and 45 Commandos, and procedures to each other. The 45 Commando to train not only as well as 30 Commando IX Brazilians demonstrated what they as part of a larger international (Information Exploitation), formerly had been doing on security duties force, but also with 29 Cdo known as UK Landing Force in Haiti. The RM shared some and 24 Cdo Royal Command Support Group. Also of their experiences and lessons Engineers, before deploying with involved are the Commando learned in Iraq and Afghanistan. them to Afghanistan on Herrick 14. Logistic Regiment, 29 (Commando) The trip back to the UK was The Royal Marines Fleet Regiment Royal Artillery and 24 made via Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Protection Group (FPGRM) started (Commando) Engineer Regiment among other stops. In Nigeria, the year by accepting an award for Royal Engineers. Once again, the 1 Assault Group participated in their contribution to the campaign Brigade is joined by 1 Rifles and the official handover of the Joint against piracy. FPGRM were several other British Army units, Maritime Security Training Centre recognised for developing highly including elements of the 7th in Lagos that was set up by the successful vessel-boarding tactics. Armoured Brigade (Desert Rats). UK to help the Nigerians provide The highlight for the FPGRM was their own training to assist with Exercise Sea Khanjar in the United Other RM units the security along the volatile Niger Arab Emirates (UAE). 100 Royal Throughout 2010, the various Delta. Later, once OCEAN had sailed Marines took part in amphibious Royal Marine units not involved in on to Sierra Leone, 1 Assault Group warfare training and weapons drills Afghanistan undertook a demanding participated in a series of beach with UAE forces. The culmination set of exercises, deployments and assaults with Sierra Leonean troops, of the exercise was a simulated bespoke training. 42 Commando before following them deep into the assault on Al Khatab Island to used their participation in the spring jungle for some valuable training. liberate it from ‘enemy forces’. •

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

operations 33 ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY VERSATILE INTEGRATED SUPPORT

HMS CORNWALL here is much more to more of our ships were fitted with which include a 20/30 mm cannon, comes alongside the job of a Royal Fleet the latest Defence Information miniguns, general-purpose machine RFA DILIGENCE Auxiliary (RFA) sailor Infrastructure (DII) communications guns and Phalanx – was maintained in the Gulf T than operating the equipment, which is being deployed to a high standard so that RFA ships replenishment systems with which across the entire UK Defence can continue to protect themselves the RFA vessels are fitted. Every RFA Community at home and overseas. when called to do so. Flight-deck ship, regardless of its primary role, The RFA is, in every sense, an operations are also practised, as must be capable of operating as an integrated and versatile element RFA vessels regularly operate with integrated part of the Royal Navy’s within any Task Group. More than Fleet Air Arm helicopters on board. Fleet, wherever it is and no matter that, it is also able to operate what it is doing. Four decades of independently to undertake instruction with the Flag Officer government tasking anywhere in The RFA is, in Sea Training (FOST) organisation the world at a moment’s notice. As have enabled us to adopt the same well as fulfilling a broad spectrum every sense, battle-damage recovery standards of global operations during 2010, as the RN, and have honed our the RFA continued its intensive an integrated abilities to operate the same or training throughout the year to and versatile similar situational awareness and ensure that its officers and ratings communications equipment as are capable of undertaking a wide element within the RN and many of its partners. range of skills. Weapons proficiency During 2010, as part of this process, for onboard self-defence systems – any Task Group 34 operations THE RFA Impact of the Strategic Defence and Security Review

RFA LARGS The Strategic Defence and BAY has been Security Review (SDSR) resulted selected for in the RFA being reduced by a withdrawal from the RFA fleet-replenishment tanker, a dry stores/ammunition vessel and an amphibious landing ship – RFAs BAYLEAF, FORT GEORGE and LARGS BAY respectively. That said, FORT AUSTIN will come out of extended readiness in 2011 and rejoin the fleet in 2012. In addition, a combined total of 400 men and women are to leave the service under a variety of options. However, this is not a direct In addition to the reduction in the SDSR. We will, therefore, no result of the loss of the crews from manpower and the size of the Fleet, longer man all of our ships to the the three ships – the reduction we have also been tasked with levels of readiness that we did will be made to reflect the needs enhancing our overall efficiency by prior to SDSR. Manning levels will of the service over the coming a further 10 per cent. To achieve depend upon operational tasking; years. The RFA will manage the this, we are looking at the options for instance, those in the Gulf impact of the SDSR to ensure for adopting a manning profile, in will be manned and supported its ships continue to operate line with the three levels of notice to enable the levels of response professionally and efficiently. required for deployed forces in that are deemed appropriate.

Global operations

Throughout 2010, RFA ships sometimes basic or damaged by continued, as in previous years, the earthquake and the waters to operate occasionally without often very shallow. LARGS BAY being in direct support of Royal transported a broad selection Navy vessels. The deployment of disaster-relief equipment, of LARGS BAY to Haiti in March which included 4x4 vehicles 2010 – as part of the Department for the aid agencies, sheets for International Development’s of corrugated iron, as well as relief effort following the worst water-purification equipment earthquake in the region for and other emergency stores. 200 years – was an excellent The crew of LARGS BAY example of our ability to operate worked closely with the people of as a single unit. Moreover, LARGS Anse-à-Veau, an isolated town of (Meals Ready to Eat), 630 bags of Much-needed BAY’s internal dock and two 5,500 inhabitants that had been rice (31.5 tonnes) and 126 bags supplies are motorised rafts were perfect cut off by the quake. In just under of beans (6.3 tonnes) to ensure landed for the victims of the for this sort of operation. Some four days, the townspeople helped that they had sufficient provisions earthquake of the landings were made at the crew to bring ashore 25,000 to feed themselves until it was that hit Haiti in locations where port facilities were cartons (125 tonnes) of MREs possible to gain access by road. January 2010

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS OpERATIOns 35 THE RFA IMPACT OF THE STRATEGIC THE GULF

DEFENCE AND SECURITY REVIEW Refl ecting the importance of the Arabian Gulf to the UK’s energy supplies, the RFA, at times, had up to a third of its fl eet in that region’s waters. In the northern part of the Gulf, we continued to support the training effort in Iraq under Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM) direction. CARDIGAN BAY was used as the home base for teams teaching the Iraqi Navy how to operate their ships and protect their oil platforms. Some US forces in the CTF IM set up base on the ship, which also became a logistics hub in the northern Gulf region. BAYLEAF continued as the Arabian Gulf Ready Tanker, RFA WAVE RULER and HMS DILIGENCE remained in the Gulf as PORTLAND undertake the tricky replenishment-at-sea manoeuvre the on-scene repair ship, and LYME BAY continued to support the mine countermeasures ships in keeping Below: RFA the sea lanes open. Moreover, the CARDIGAN BAY RFA has also been signifi cantly was used as ATLANTIC involved in the counter-piracy effort a home base for UK and US that has built up in and around teams training the Horn of Africa and the Somali the Iraqi Navy The Auriga deployment in the spring assistance of St Lucia after the Basin over the past three years. and Marines and summer again demonstrated island had been struck by Hurricane the RFA’s capability to integrate Tomas. The ship was able to with the Royal Navy by stepping up transfer fresh water and purifi cation Some US forces in the to the mark with FORT GEORGE tablets for distribution to schools standing in as the Task Group’s and hospitals on the island. WAVE CTF IM set up base on Flagship. This was to cover ARK RULER, famous for the record- the ship, which became ROYAL while she was on standby for breaking fi ve-tonne cocaine drugs possible evacuation duties in Europe bust back in 2007, once again a logistic hub in the due to the volcanic ash cloud. FORT joined the counternarcotics activity GEORGE was the sole logistics/fuel in the Caribbean waters, having northern Gulf region ship on the deployment, although welcomed onboard a US Coast LARGS BAY did join the fl otilla Guard law-enforcement team. later with the amphibious Task When not engaged in Group for the second phase counternarcotics or disaster relief, of the Auriga deployment. the RFA undertakes UK defence RFAs were in evidence in the diplomacy activity by engaging North and South Atlantic during the with many of the countries along year as part of the Atlantic Patrols its various routes. In November – North and South. The Northern 2010, offi cers from WAVE RULER Atlantic patrol, in particular, saw attended the Independence Day the RFA once again engaged in celebrations on the Caribbean disaster-relief operations during island of Antigua. Towards the end the hurricane season. The fast of the month, WAVE RULER made fl eet replenishment tanker, RFA a visit – on behalf of Her Majesty’s WAVE RULER, having completed Government – to Grand Cayman, her Auriga duties, helped HMS where VIPs were welcomed on MANCHESTER come to the board for an offi cial reception. 36 operations RFA ARGUS Exercise Medical Endeavour

ollowing a £37 million fire and flood drills. The second (triage), administering care and – in refit to convert her to a phase ensured that the unit was those unfortunate cases where the Primary Casualty Receiving operating according to UK national casualty was dead – ensuring that F Facility (PCRF), RFA ARGUS healthcare standards, before the the administration was appropriate. has now changed her primary simulated scenario could be played During the exercise, the role. Prior to the refit, the ship’s out in the third phase. For this, medical personnel were assessed main function was as an aviation a team of volunteers was made by the same organisation and training platform: now it is as the up to resemble real casualties, validation process used on PCRF. To put the newly installed so that the medical teams could personnel deploying to Camp state-of-the-art medical equipment practise the routines of accepting Bastion in Afghanistan. Having through its paces, ARGUS was the casualties on board, dividing them successfully completed the training, scene of the largest medical training into different groups according to ARGUS headed back to Falmouth scenario in three years – Exercise their wounds and requirements to prepare for her next voyage. Medical Endeavour. Around 180 medical specialists – many of them reservists from the NHS – embarked The medical personnel were on ARGUS in July 2010 for the A simulated assessed by the same validation three-part training package off casualty is brought onto the south coast of the UK. RFA ARGUS process used on personnel The first phase of the exercise for assessment covered sea-based skills, such as and treatment deploying to Camp Bastion

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS OPERATIONS 37 JOINT WARRIOR

In a poignant ach year, the Royal Navy warfare, artillery practice, and even 2010 exercises in spring involved scene, a Harrier holds two extensive defence against fast infl atable boats. units from Belgium, Brazil, France, jet emerges two-week exercises that This year’s exercises in spring Germany, , the Netherlands, New from HMS ARK ROYAL’s E combine air, land and and autumn, like others in recent Zealand and the United States. Some hangar during maritime forces from both NATO times, have been particularly 50 combat aircraft participated preparations for and non-NATO countries off the useful for pre-deployment training in the training, undertaking as the spring 2010 Scottish coast. These are some in preparation for operations in many as 75 sorties per day from Joint Warrior of the largest and most complex Afghanistan. To this end, many of sites across the United Kingdom. international military exercises held the activities have been specifi cally The autumn exercise involved in Europe, and are designed to designed to replicate insurgency- 8,000 men and women from increase interoperability between type actions and peacekeeping 14 countries, including 30 ships, nations likely to operate together tasks, rather than traditional three submarines, seven helicopter as part of coalitions around the state-on-state confl icts. units and 11 land units. In all, world. Dubbed Joint Warrior, they The spring exercise was also combat forces from Belgium encompass all aspects of combat used to prepare the carrier Task Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, training – from anti-submarine Group that headed off for the , the Netherlands, Norway, warfare and mine countermeasures Auriga deployment and to get the Poland, , Sweden, Turkey to airborne bombing raids, beach US destroyer, USS BARRY, used to and the United States took part. assaults, submarine v submarine working as part of a UK fl otilla. The This mix saw fast jets practising the integration of their bombing runs with naval bombardments, Many of the activities have been attack helicopter strikes and artillery barrages – an art form known specifi cally designed to replicate as Joint Fires. The complexity of this task was made even more insurgency-type actions and challenging as the attackers were peacekeeping tasks called onto their targets by units from a different nation. • 38 OPERATIONS

The Auriga 2010 he Auriga deployment Group was the US Navy Arleigh the fl otilla from attack by the French deployment of 2010 was a chance Burke-class destroyer, USS BARRY, nuclear-powered boat. Once in combined to send two Task Groups which joined the other ships while American waters, however, the main carrier strike (TGs) – one carrier strike they were training as part of the purpose of the deployment began. and amphibious T assault training and one amphibious assault – to Joint Warrior 101 spring exercise. Some 12 AV8B Harrier the eastern seaboard of the United In the early stages, the RFA IIs from the US Marine Corps States for a series of back-to-back acted as fl agship, while ARK ROYAL landed on board the ARK ROYAL exercises with the US and Canadian was put on standby to assist with to undertake a period of joint Navies. The carrier strike TG a possible evacuation due to the carrier strike training. Later in consisted of aircraft carrier HMS volcanic ash cloud from . June, six GR9A Harriers from Joint ARK ROYAL, Type 23 frigate HMS During their Atlantic crossing, Force Harrier took their turn to SUTHERLAND, Type 42 destroyer the RN/RFA ships were joined by practise shipborne operations. HMS LIVERPOOL, and the Royal French submarine FS PERLE. HMS The next stage of the Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) replenishment SUTHERLAND’s new 2087 deployment was to see the carrier ship, FORT GEORGE. Also in the was put to work, trying to defend TG link up with a UK Amphibious

AURIGA DEPLOYMENT

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS OPERATIONS 39

Task Group (ATG) comprising HM US deployed their massive CH-53E Camp Lejeune in North Carolina Ships ALBION and OCEAN, and Super Stallion helicopters and their proved an enormous benefi t. RFA LARGS BAY, with an American tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey aircraft from In between the two stages TG formed up around the US OCEAN to give the RN sailors some of the deployment, HMS ARK Navy’s KEARSARGE amphibious experience of these unique aircraft. ROYAL sailed up to Nova Scotia to assault ship. The coming together The Royal Marines from 42 participate in the 100th anniversary of three of the Royal Navy’s fi ve Commando, together with celebrations of the Canadian Navy capital ships enabled participants 3 Commando Brigade’s landing in the presence of Her Majesty the to stage an assault from the sea force, 29 Commando Royal Artillery, Queen. August saw the end of using helicopters and 24 Commando Royal Engineers Auriga and the RN ships split up, supported by fast-jets. As well as and the 30 Commando IX Group, with most returning to home ports in training for UK-specifi c tasks, the then had to endure a demanding the UK and others off on additional exercise was also used to improve series of tests onshore with the tasking. HMS OCEAN sailed south levels of interoperability between US Marine Corps Expeditionary to Rio de Janeiro to train with the the UK and US armed forces. The Force. For this, the facilities at Brazilian Navy and Marines. •

As well as training for UK-specifi c tasks, the excercise was also used to improve levels of interoperability between the UK and US armed forces 40 PEOPLE Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery CBE ADC, Second Sea Lord A balanced view

o one can deny that continue to build and put into the next two to three service two aircraft carriers. years will be a period Moreover, there is a continued N of uncertainty and, in commitment to the seven many cases, anxiety for all of us Astute-class submarines and the serving in the Royal Navy. But, six Daring-class destroyers. The we must not lose sight of the government has also agreed fact that last October’s Strategic the need to replace our Type 23 Defence and Security Review frigates with the new Type 26 made absolutely clear that the Global Combat Ship. government continues to regard the My focus and number one Royal Navy as key to the nation’s priority, therefore, is on retaining security, stability and prosperity. the people we need for the future. As a service, we have retained We must carefully consider the our position at the heart of the manning levels, expertise and United Kingdom’s defence vision experience which will be required and will continue to deliver the to achieve the appropriate structure. extensive maritime capability that Regretfully, we will also have to the government recognises is determine who will not be called on required for our island nation. It to serve in the future. We must treat is true that the review has tasked all of these people with the respect the Naval Service with a significant and understanding they deserve, reduction in the terms of personnel and do all we can to ensure their and ships. Nevertheless, we will transition to the civilian workplace.

The government continues to regard the Royal Navy as key to the nation’s security, stability and prosperity

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS PEOPLE 41

Priorities for the future RN providing 40 per cent of all UK a contingent capability for events in I assumed the position of Second armed forces in the theatre. The key the Middle East and . Sea Lord on the back of serving elements here are the Commando Leadership within the as the previous incumbent’s Chief Brigade Headquarters; 30, 42 and Service will be crucial to our future of Staff and Naval Secretary. 45 Cdo; the Commando Logistics success. I aim to enable additional Having worked to take forward Regiment and our leadership of the opportunities for both ratings/ Admiral Massey’s priorities, I was Joint Force Support Headquarters, other ranks and officers to reflect fortunate to take on my new role including the Joint Medical Group. on their leadership qualities and in the knowledge that the Naval We will also continue to provide actively work to improve them still Service was in good and improving elements of the Commando further. Combined with this, I will shape. The manning challenges Helicopter Force and a significant continue to adapt and expand the he faced have been addressed, number of Individual Augmentees. coaching ethos which has already and in many cases overcome. But Afghanistan is not the seen pass rates increase significantly There is a renewed sense of grit only operation to which the RN will across a raft of training activities. and fighting spirit throughout the be contributing. From the South As we reshape the RN service and leadership levels are Atlantic to the Mediterranean, together over the coming rising. I fully intend to build on off the Horn of Africa and in the years, we should do so with the Admiral Massey’s achievements. Gulf, we will continue to deliver confidence that the Naval Service Afghanistan, as Defence’s main operational effect in support of our remains as relevant for the nation effort, remains top of my priorities national security strategy. And, of as it ever was. The government as far as providing sufficient capable Royal Marines course, we will continue to deliver has underlined its commitment to and US Marine people is concerned. And, of Corps on a the nation’s strategic deterrent. us and we must do everything in course, the period between April joint patrol in Beyond this, we have just deployed our power to meet the challenges and September 2011 will see the Afghanistan our Response Force Task Group as that the future will bring. •

42 PEOPLE Manning levels post SDSR

n 19 October 2010, the government published The challenge for the future will its Strategic Defence and be how to build back the RN’s O Security Review (SDSR). This wide-ranging strategy calls fast-jet capability in time for the for significant reductions to be made in all three Armed Services. entry into service of the F-35C The coalition government has stressed that the force reductions Joint Strike Fighter will not impact on operations in Afghanistan, but the need to reduce the national deficit quickly result of the ship-decommissioning programme can be completed. has required far-reaching cutbacks programme. A further 1,500 The future roles of specific on other front-line services. personnel will be lost as part of a organisations, not just within the As a result, the Royal Navy will reduction in non-front-line staff Navy but also within the wider decommission six ships ahead of numbers. In order to manage Ministry of Defence community, their projected service lives, and this process as compassionately need to be defined before the full manning levels will be reduced and professionally as possible, picture can be attained. That said, by a total of 5,000 by 2015. This a Compulsory the work is under way and the figure is to be made up from cadres, Programme has been launched. first of potentially four tranches of representing approximately 3,500 A number of questions need to redundancy announcements was front-line personnel, largely as a be answered before the redundancy made in April, with notices being

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS PEOPLE 43

issued in September. This first Above left: time for the entry into service of and France will also enable us to tranche will be largely informed Developing the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter. place pilots and other trades into by cuts to the front line. The the full set of A seed corn of maritime fast-jet the French carrier strike capability. skills required subsequent tranches will focus more to man and capability will have to be retained With regards to the two new on the impact of non-front-line operate the new in the 10-year period before the aircraft carriers, HMS QUEEN cuts. When the process is over – by carriers will be carrier variant of the F-35 enters ELlZABETH is due to enter service 2015 – the Royal Navy will have a a complex task service towards the end of the in the mid part of this decade as a trained strength of approximately second decade. To do this, we will helicopter carrier. It will, therefore, Above right: 30,000 sailors and marines. Despite the have to rely on our allies in the US be relatively straightforward to One of the consequences of reduction in and French armed forces. Pilots, transfer the crew from the existing the SDSR is the removal from service the number of engineers, personnel, helicopter carrier. The second of the Harrier jump jet and the escort vessels, air traffic controllers, along with all carrier, HMS PRINCE OF WALES, resultant disbandment of the Joint the Royal Navy the other trades involved in flying will enter service at the same time cannot afford Force Harrier and, with it, the Naval to relax its the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter from as the F-35C comes on line. At that Strike Wing (NSW). As we work recruitment both the Royal Navy and Royal Air point a decision will be made as to through this painful transition, some effort Force (RAF), will have to be grown the state of operational readiness trainee fast-jet pilots will be offered from this seed corn. Fortunately, in which each carrier will be held. the opportunity to transfer to the the US Air Force, Marine Corps and The crew for the second carrier helicopter community, which itself is Navy are used to having RN and will, however, be generated from being reduced in size. The challenge RAF pilots embedded in their fast-jet the first. This is a well-established for the future will be how to build squadrons. The agreement signed process. We have done it every time back the RN’s fast-jet capability in in November 2010 between Britain a new class of ship joins the fleet. • FINAL PROOF

44 PEOPLE

Recruitment continues

he reduction in technology-savvy people we need. manpower is within the Submarine manpower called for by An excellent example of this is Service. However, this has been the Strategic Defence and the iPhone app developed in late turned around, with 100 per cent T Security Review (SDSR) 2009. Known as the Royal Navy of the target met for the first time has not stopped the recruitment Engineer OfficerC hallenge, the in 2010. Although the disbandment process. As a service, we will need app addressed the area with the of the Naval Strike Wing means to continue recruiting high-calibre biggest shortfall – engineering. that there is no current requirement regular and reserve men and Those who undertake the for fast-jet pilots, there will be women into the Royal Navy and challenge are asked to make a one in the future in the years Royal Marines each year. The series of decisions to repair the running up to the introduction of variety of jobs remains incredibly disabled HMS DETER. The app then the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft extensive. As well as combat and takes the user through a number carriers at the end of this decade. naval specialists, the Navy also offers of steps – one of which puts them Buoyed by the success of careers for a raft of complementary in contact with the Office ofN aval the iPhone app, we have a skills from accountants, chaplains, Recruitment. This app has been developed an app for the iPad chefs, dentists, doctors and hugely successful, so much so that that will help schoolchildren to lawyers to aircraft/ship engineers, it was updated in February 2011. learn to play musical instruments nuclear physicists and pilots. A further version, released in April with the support of the Royal Without doubt, the Royal Navy 2011, is available on a wider range Marine Band Service. This is still offers a very rewarding and of smartphones. This was a focused not a recruitment tool as such, satisfying career unlike anything and inexpensive project. For about but it does spread awareness to be found elsewhere. 10 per cent of the cost a traditional about the Royal Navy from an The SDSR has, however, put marketing campaign, the app early age at minimal cost. • pressure on recruitment budgets, as almost met the entire recruitment ways of increasing efficiencies are target for engineers – something sought. This has called for the use of that we had not managed for a innovative, creative and cost-effective decade. Moreover, not only were techniques to attract new recruits. we the first of the three services to Even before the SDSR was published, bring out a recruiting app, we also we were already introducing won a Media Week Gold Award. new recruiting techniques using Another area in which there strategies most likely to attract the has been a traditional shortage of

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

people 45 Maritime Reserves

bout one third of all in the region, and is a key part staff engaged in the anti-piracy Maritime Reserve of the anti-piracy effort. effort. At the end of 2010, 10 RM (MR) activity is directly In the aftermath of the Reservists joined the Corps Exercise A undertaken in support devastating earthquake that struck Steadfast Juno in Norway. of operations, highlighting just Haiti in January 2010, a small On the home front, Reservists how important Reserves are number of Reservists provided continued to assist in media to the RN. In Afghanistan, MR media support to the relief effort operations, particularly where personnel are involved across a following the assistance that RFA military families have needed wide range of activities – from LARGS BAY delivered to the victims support to manage press attention human intelligence (HUMINT) to of that disaster. Furthermore, in East where the news can be either good ground support for helicopters, Africa, Maritime Reservists, based in or bad. For example, the RMR as well as in the vital delivery of Djibouti, contribute significantly to conducted 48 per cent of all casualty medical assistance. During 2010, the Forward Logistics Support base notification visits during Herrick 12 Royal Marine Reservists also served there. There is also a Reservist lawyer (operations in Afghanistan during as augmentees to 40 Commando providing legal advice to EUNAVFOR the spring/summer of 2010). • and and with the Military Support to Stabilisation Group. Overall, 10 per cent of the RNR trained strength, and 19 per cent of the RMR deployed on operations during 2010. Tragically, during these operations the RMR suffered its first KIA (Killed in Action) in recent years and numerous individuals were wounded in action. These events highlight that our Maritime Reserve is contributing to operations at the very sharp end of our business. At the beginning of 2011, there were 205 Reservists deployed. Later in the year, some 55 RM Reservists will deploy to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 14, filling a range of general commando and leadership roles. Beyond Afghanistan, a contingent of 36 Seamen Reservists is currently deployed A Royal Marines on six-month roulement duties, Reservist hauls himself across providing force protection to the a river as part Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships in the of a demanding Gulf. Reservists also contribute to two-week, the Gulf mine countermeasures high-altitude operations, and a range of other mountain training exercise maritime security duties, highlighted at the US by the MTO (Maritime Trade Mountain Operations) organisation in Dubai. Warfare Training This capability, almost entirely Centre in the provided by RNR personnel, focuses Sierra Nevada Mountains, on providing communications California to and from merchant shipping 46 people

The future of the Maritime Reserves

t is now five years since important examination of its role, Houghton, the Study will be carried the Royal Navy Reserve structure and manpower – the out in three phases and completed (RNR) and the Royal Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) Study. in the summer of 2011. It will I Marines Reserve (RMR) The Prime Minister initiated this examine how Reserve Forces should merged to form the Maritime study as part of the SDSR. In this be used in the future, their most Reserve (MR). Just over two years six-month review of the Armed cost-effective size, and the best ago, the MR received its first Services’ Reserve Forces, it will structure to support the regular full-time Commander, Commodore be decided how they are to meet forces. The Study will conclude by Chris Steel, who was awarded the requirements for operations presenting a detailed concept and a CBE in the 2011 New Year’s from 2015 to 2020 and beyond an outline implementation plan Honours list for his achievements Led by Vice Chief of the for the future Reserves’ structures in this role. Given the increasing Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas in each of our three Services. • contribution the MR is making to operations around the globe, the Royal Marines latter half of the last decade has The latter half of the last decade Reservists been one of the most important practise periods ever for our Royal Naval has been one of the most assaulting the and Royal Marine Reservists. enemy on skis The organisation is about to during Exercise important periods ever for Royal Hairspring in enter another period of change March 2010 as it engages strongly in an Naval and Royal Marine Reservists

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS people 47 Improving conditions

Two naval he austerity measures “Our people will remain our most potent and flexible asset.” cousins have being brought to bear benefited from First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope on the fiscal deficit have the Bellway special armed T begun to bite, and the forces discount public sector is not immune. The bonuses that speak for themselves. The Second Sea Lord’s to buy a pay freeze is just one weapon The commitment bonus can rise Personnel Functional Standards (PFS) house in their in the armoury to bring the to as much as £15,000 after eight document sets down a commitment home town of nation’s purse back into balance. years’ service. Those looking to climb from the Royal Navy to monitor and Bridgenorth Additionally, we have had to reduce onto the property ladder can apply improve conditions for those serving some allowances and readers will for an £8,500 interest-free loan. in the RN across 22 specific areas. be aware of work under way on Healthcare provision – both at home These range from accommodation, pensions following Lord Hutton’s and overseas – is first class. Access pay and leave entitlements, to review of public-sector pensions. to sporting facilities and adventurous resettlement support and the As always, context is everything training goes way beyond that critically important area of the and it is worth highlighting the which the private sector can ever harmony between deployments benefits that a career in the Royal hope to offer. Life-long education at sea or on operations and time Navy affords. Very few jobs in the opportunities, career breaks and ashore with families. The document private sector come with such an extensive welfare support to those in was republished in July 2010 with extensive range of benefits as one in uniform and their immediate families improved quarterly reporting criteria, the RN. Pay and pensions aside, the underlines the commitment we where units provide an assessment RN offers a range of allowances and make to those in the Naval Service. of how they are meeting the 48 people

standards which have been set for A street of the key financial and non-financial modernised The benefits for those serving Service Family terms and conditions of service. Accommodation in the Navy still make a career in Two periods of reporting have SFA) on the taken place since the republication Marchwood the RN every bit as fulfilling as of the PFS, providing positive estate in and negative feedback. NCHQ one in the private sector (Navy Command Headquarters) uses this feedback to help inform early decommissioning of ships Arm personnel from RAF Wittering policy areas in which standards and units. Even as the Compulsory and Cottesmore following the are not being met, which may Redundancy Programme begins, disbandment of Joint Force Harrier. help to generate change where there will be a significant number of The impact of the pay freeze is necessary and practically possible. people looking for accommodation being broadly accepted as part of The PFS reports are also used to and, in some cases, positions to fill. the overall public sector package inform the assessment of the Our priority, therefore, is to identify deployed to redress the fiscal deficit. Moral Component of Operational these people and ensure that they However, there is some anxiety Capability, what issues are really are found accommodation and building due to the expected concerning naval service personnel roles. Thankfully, there is some impact of some things beyond our and how this impacts upon accommodation that is currently control such as the increases in their morale. Issues such as high mothballed that can be brought VAT and national insurance, the operational tempo, accommodation back into service. We will, however, removal of child allowances for availability and the consequences still have to find other billets, high earners, and the uncertainty of the SDSR are understandably the particularly for single occupancy. In about some allowances. That key concerns of personnel presently. some cases, this may entail having said, balancing these uncertainties Accommodation is an area to put bunk beds into some of the against the known benefits, there in which there are substantial single-living accommodation, albeit is still broad agreement that the pressures, particularly as many for a temporary period. In addition, benefits for those serving in the people will come ashore as a Royal Navy Air Stations Yeovilton Navy still make a career in the RN result of the Strategic Defence and and Culdrose are both due to take every bit as fulfilling and rewarding Security Review, and the resultant significant numbers of Fleet Air as one in the private sector. •

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

people 49 Putting families first

n July 2008, the Labour government published the Service Personnel I Command Paper, the aim of which was to achieve greater recognition for servicemen and women and their families within society, and to ensure that they were not disadvantaged because of their military status. The Green Paper, published a year later in July 2009, summarised progress and highlighted some of the numerous achievements. The opening of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham in June 2010, with its specialist military ward, and the launch of the £20 million pilot Armed Forces Home Ownership We have put in place steps to Scheme were particularly significant. The coalition government has enhance the way we support taken up the baton and intends to take this process even further by families who have had a close announcing a clear commitment to “rebuild the Military Covenant”. relative injured or killed Specifically, the government intends to broaden it into an Commendation Scheme and Armed Forces Bill, which had its first Armed Forces Covenant, which the creation of an Armed Forces reading in the House of Commons sets out a formal relationship Community Covenant. The latter on 8 December 2010. The reference between the nation and its will encourage towns and cities underlines a requirement for the Armed Forces and their families. throughout the nation to launch Defence Secretary to report annually In addition, the government projects aimed at strengthening to parliament on the progress announced a range of extra the bond between the military and of the Covenant, with the main commitments in its “Programme civil communities. Pilot schemes emphasis on the effects of service for Government”. Among other in Oxfordshire, North Yorkshire on the welfare of members, and things, this included a doubling and have been given former members of the Armed of operational allowances and the go-ahead, and Portsmouth Forces and their families. changes to rest and recuperation began running its own scheme in Over the past year or two, we periods. Naval families are explicitly January. Special parades and other have put in place steps to enhance covered by additional schemes to functions will also take place as the way we support families who introduce a £200 pupil premium the plans are further developed. have had a close relative injured or for service children, as well as The CDS Commendation Scheme killed in action or on other duties. university scholarships for the will enable the serving head of As well as increasing the size of bereaved children of servicemen the Armed Forces to publicly the welfare field force, we have and women and service leavers. offer his own award and thanks strengthened the Visiting Officer In December 2010, Professor to localities that have shown a service by opening new satellite Hew Strachan from All Soul’s special affinity to the military. offices closer to our main recruiting College, Oxford, published his Task Keeping up the momentum areas in cities such as Birmingham, Force Report on recommendations is going to be key with such Liverpool and Newcastle. This for rebuilding the Covenant. The a broad-based programme of recognises a need to be nearer the government immediately agreed activities. The government, families of young recruits whose to action two of the proposals: therefore, specifically included a next of kin are their parents, rather the Chief of the Defence Staff’s reference to the Covenant in the than wives or husbands. • FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

50 PEOPLE CHAPLAINCY THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY

he job of a Naval Chaplain is to do his or her best to meet the T spiritual and pastoral needs of the people with whom he or she serves, wherever they may be. This is a complex role as it requires the ability to act as a friend and advisor, as well as confi dant(e) to all onboard. The uniqueness of serving with a Queen’s Commission, but without rank, enables the Chaplain to move between all levels of the Service, relating to both ratings and offi cers. The total commitment to confi dentiality marks out the Chaplain as a safe port of call in times of inner turmoil, where confusion and anxiety may close off other routes. As such, the Chaplain is an integral part of ensuring the Service’s operational capability. The Naval Chaplaincy is committed to providing spiritual care for those who may belong to one of the major world faiths

The Royal Navy’s heavy commitment to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan has meant that, over the past decade, Naval Chaplains The Reverend Martin Evans conducts have signifi cantly contributed the service to commemorate the decommissioning of HMS ARK ROYAL to the effort – with both Royal Marine units and Individual

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PEOPLE 51

XXX

XXX

Chaplain Bruzon offi ciates at an open air service on HMS IRON DUKE

Augmentees from across the Naval 3 Commando Brigade presently Service. In 2010, A Naval Chaplain deployed, fi ve Commando Unit accompanied 40 Commando Chaplains are now in theatre. through its gruelling six-month tour Naturally, Naval Chaplains of the Sangin district – the scene of must also care for those serving some of the most intense fi ghting at sea, and so, at any one time, throughout the country. The there are as many as fi ve onboard signifi cant number of deaths during ships across the globe from the this tour was a challenge to which Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. Naval Chaplaincy rose as it sought Each of the fi ve looks after the to help the Service as a whole, close interests of two to three ships. friends, relatives and families come In line with the Royal Navy’s to terms with their bereavement. commitment to all faiths, the Naval Chaplaincy is also Naval Chaplaincy is committed to tending to the spiritual needs of providing spiritual care for those the Sister Services in Afghanistan who may be belong to one of the as a number of tri-service posts are other major world faiths. The Civilian routinely fi lled by Naval Chaplains. Chaplains to the Military, therefore, In November 2011, for example, have a signifi cant part to play in the Joint Force Senior Chaplain this respect. Not only do they assist will be a naval appointment. with meeting the demands of the It will be his task to coordinate other main world faiths practised all of the UK military Chaplains by Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims in Afghanistan. In addition, we and Sikhs in the three Armed currently have a Chaplain with the Services, they can also provide A member of the ship’s company of HMS ST ALBANS takes Holy UK Joint Air Group, The Reverend advice on wider religious and ethnic Communion on St Alban’s Day David Conroy. Moreover, with matters to the Command. • FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

52 people

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity providing a single focus

Above: The HMS he development of the To do this, the charity’s staff our sister Services who have COLLINGWOOD Royal Navy and Royal will be strengthened and there will managed to attract about 90 per training Marines Charity (RNRMC) be a comprehensive drive to cent of their respective members establishment presents the T entered a new phase in increase the percentage of serving into their own schemes. There is RNRMC with 2010. Having completed the hard members who have signed up to a long way to go, and the Royal a cheque for work of setting up the organisation the voluntary donation scheme Air Force and British Army have a £1,071 raised and placing it on a steady course known as SABS (Sports, Amenities head start on us, but it should be at the gruelling with a Patron (HRH The Princess & Benevolence Scheme). Roughly remembered that every one per Njimegen Matches Royal), a President (Admiral Sir Jock 22 per cent of the Royal Navy has cent increase in membership adds Slater), a Board of Trustees (headed so far agreed to donate to the a further £18,000 to the funds that by Rear Admiral John Chadwick RNRMC directly through their pay we can distribute to those in need. CB) and a Chief Executive (Robert packets as part of SABS. This is an Not all naval charities belong Below: The HMS Robson), the second phase began encouraging sign as it is already up to the RNRMC, nor is there any COLLINGWOOD team proudly in earnest. This entails focusing on last year when 15 per cent of RN compulsion for them to join, but the poses with the efforts where they are most needed members had joined. Welcome as organisation will seek to strengthen white ensign – fundraising and marketing. this is, we must take a leaf from liaison with all naval charities whatever their status. During 2010, talks reached the stage where the merger of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) into the RNRMC fold were discussed. The RMCTF became a subsidiary of the RNRMC on 1 April 2011 and, over the course of the year, a project will realise the synergies and efficiencies that both Trustee Boards wish to see. In addition, the RNRMC formed closer ties with the WRNS Benevolent Trust in 2011, becoming a Corporate Member of the Trust and nominating a Trustee to the Council. •

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

people 53 help FoR heRoes

New equipment is put through its paces at the Halser Company Rehabilitation gym

aunched in 2007 by Bryn and Emma Parry, Help for H4H is on the way to raising its Heroes (H4H) has had a fi rst £100 million for the funding L dramatic impact on uK military charitable organisations and of programmes that will help donations. By employing state-of- the-art fundraising techniques and those injured in the line of duty attracting high-profi le celebrity support, H4H is well on the way to raising its fi rst £100 million for where a whole range of support Company recovery unit at HMS the funding of programmes and services can be accessed. They will DRAKE in , which was schemes that will help those who provide comfortable living and established in September 2009 have been injured in the line of duty. learning accommodation for those to help the injured recover from The charity has a master plan on the ‘Road to Recovery’, giving their wounds and reintegrate them to collaborate with the Services those injured in the line of duty the back into a fulfi lling life. Plans exist and other charities to raise money very best training and opportunities to build immersion and hydrotherapy for a network of Personal Recovery to face a fulfi lling future. pools, as well as specialised gym Centres (PRCs) around the uK, Additionally, it is envisaged that and fi tness centres.• which will help the injured recover the centres will provide a welfare and, in the charity’s own words, hub for those who have left the “launch them back into life”. H4H Services, but who wish to continue to hopes to raise £80 million to build be a part of an extended fellowship. the PRCs, which are not going to As part of this project, H4H has be traditional rehabilitation facilities. pledged an initial £10 million in its They will embody a new concept support to an ambitious plan – to based on a more holistic approach enhance the newly created Hasler FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

54 PEOPLE

Fit to fight, fit for life Adventurous training

ver the past few years restore the confidence and grit that skill sets, offshore sailing and there has been a growing our people will need in the future. sub-aqua diving, to all three services. realisation that more Therefore, AT covers a range of Level 1 AT takes place during O emphasis needs to be activities that are most appropriate initial training, and often the recruit put back into the core maritime for this ambition. Specialist will not even realise that he or she skills that sailors and marines must courses cover offshore sailing, is undertaking AT activities. Level 2, have. There are a number of ways sub-aqua diving, mountaineering, however, takes place after recruits of doing this through the planned canoeing, skiing, caving, gliding are fully integrated into the Service. training syllabus, but Adventurous and parachuting. These activities Significantly, the Second Sea Lord’s Training (AT) is without doubt are delivered at four levels – 1 to 4. Personal Functional Standards a key enabler in this process. The first two are compulsory and stipulate that 20 per cent of the Above: Taking people out of their require no financial contribution Naval Service should achieve five A member normal environment and placing from participants. Levels 3 and 4 days’ AT each year. One of the of the Royal them into unfamiliar surroundings are voluntary, and those taking part main providers of this training is Navy Kayak to test their physical and mental generally need to fund a third of the Naval Outdoor Centre Germany Association on the River Dart strength, while ensuring that the the required financing from their (NOCG) – commonly known as in the south- activity is both safe and carefully own pockets. The Royal Navy is Exercise Bavarian Surprise. During west of supervised, allows us to develop or tasked with delivering two of these 2010, NOCG continued to supply

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF FINAL PROOF

PeoPle 55

The Royal Navy Basic Diving Course is one of the most physically demanding in the military

Taking people out of their normal environment... allows us to develop or restore the confi dence and grit that our people will need in the future

Participants of the Khumbu Challenge 2010 pose beneath the Himalayas holding the baton (centre) that symbolises the nation’s support to the Armed Forces 56 PeoPle

the lion’s share of AT, with 2,100 some 211 people benefi ted from people completing summer and Level 2 AT activities that took place winter packages. Many of the other in Scotland and Wales. We have AT training days were delivered also made a signifi cant investment at unit level, with commanding in mountain-biking equipment in offi cers detailing their own Physical anticipation of the formal Training instructors to arrange the recognition of Mountain Biking events. Obviously, this requires a Joint Services Mountain AT in 2011. ready available bank of trained As we assess the need to personnel who can help deliver AT. balance AT activities with the To ensure that we can continue to reduction in manpower demanded do this safely, 1,656 members of by the Strategic Defence and the RN acquired qualifi cations in the Security Review, we will look at various AT disciplines during 2010. whether current ways of delivering Over the course of 2010, 304 this training will be sustainable RN and RM personnel completed in the future. To this end, we 23 major expeditions, including held a High Mountain-Based scientifi c shark-diving in the Training event in Scotland from Pacifi c Ocean. There was also February to April. For seven of an open-boat navigation of the the harshest weeks of the year, Northwest Passage in the Arctic. 175 men and women braved Furthermore, a successful return the conditions to see how this to the Himalayas for more concept could be used in the sailors and marines undergoing future. Although the NOCG is Members of 40 Commando Royal recovery and rehabilitation was funded until 2013, a decision on Marines refi ne their sailing skills at the completed as part of Khumbu its sustainability beyond that date Water Activity Centre in Exmouth, Challenge 2010. Closer to home, will need to be considered soon. •

roYAl NAVAl ASSoCiAtioN uNiTY, LOYALTY, PATRiOTiSM, COMRADESHiP

With some 5,000 personnel due with the resettlement of those to leave the Royal Navy as part who are asked to leave the Service. of the Strategic Defence and This year is the RNA’s year of Security Review, the Royal Naval recruitment and relaunch. Over the Association is keen to build on the course of 2011, the Association Memorandum of understanding hopes to expand its membership it signed with the Royal Navy in and, to help with this, it has begun July 2008, and play a signifi cant a rebranding campaign to raise role in helping the resettlement awareness levels. Among other process for those who are made things, a new logo will be designed redundant. The RNA has a to give the association a more ready-made network of over 400 up-to-date and relevant image, branches and area associations, together with a refreshed website. not just in the uK, but right across The RNA is especially keen to remind the globe from Australia, Japan, every serving member of the RN New Zealand and , as that they are also members of well as closer to home in places the RNA and can take advantage like Belgium, France and Spain. of the many clubs, facilities and These can be mobilised to assist amenities that the charity runs.

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

PEOPLE 57

Sporting achievements

rit and determination organise and run the opening on the Babcock Inter-Services are attributes essential event of the January 2010 World Championship. Having gone into for the sports enthusiast. Cup Telemark series in Austria. the half-time break at Twickenham G Participating in This was the first time that Britain 15-3 down it seemed that little competitive matches, no matter has run an International Ski could be done to hold back the at what level, builds a will to win Federation World Cup event. determined Army XV. However, and the inner strength to push In March, RN sporting as soon as the match restarted, one’s mind and body to the limit – achievements were recognised the RN team started to claw back characteristics that are vital for those at the Combined Services Sports points with a converted penalty, serving in the military. Over the past Awards. Lieutenant Commander but were unable to prevent a third year, the RN has once again shown Alan Walker was presented with Army try taking the score to 22-6. that at minimal cost to the taxpayer the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Remarkably, another penalty and – thanks to generous support from Award by HRH The Duke of Kent two tries saw the RN team steal the RN Sports Lottery, charities for his contribution to hockey a last-minute 24-22 victory. and industry – we can turn out and swimming. The Royal Navy Rugby success was followed some of the finest sportsmen and swimming team won the Team by a win for the RN Twenty20 women in the country. Measured of the Year Award, recognising team at Inter-Services The 2010 World in terms of success at inter-service their domination of the sport Twenty20 competition held at Cup Telemark sport, the RN is currently the over the past 15 years. Lord’s in July. Chasing 116 runs series in Austria strongest of the three Services. Spring saw another in the deciding match against the was organised by the RN and Winter 2010 started with RN breakthrough for RN sports with Army, the RN batsmen made things the British Army skiers helping the British Army our rugby team releasing the difficult for themselves until they Ski Association Telemark Ski Association to plan, Army’s eight-year stranglehold were left needing 17 off the last 58 PEOPLE

12 balls. The winning runs were Above: The Measured in terms of success hit with two balls remaining. Royal Navy swimming team The RN Polo team enjoyed its won the Team of at inter-service sport, the most successful season in more the Year Award, than a decade. This included recognising their Royal Navy is currently the beating the Army in the Rundle domination of Cup, then defeating the Household the sport over strongest of the three Services the past 15 years Cavalry to win the Inter-Regimental tournament for only the third time Tennis Championships held at the skiing came back to the fore with Bottom left: The in over 100 years. Following this, in Royal Navy XV home of tennis in Wimbledon, on the Royal Navy’s alpine ski Team July, the RN polo team beat the RAF wins the 2010 2-3 August 2010. Both the ladies’ winning the men’s team prize at the in the Duke of York Cup, making Babcock Inter- and men’s teams successfully Inter-Service Alpine Championships them the Inter-Service Champions Services Rugby swept away the opposition over for the first time in 41 years. Our Championship “It doesn’t get any better than the two-day championships, and Telemark team also came first in this” – the words of the incumbent particular praise must be paid to the their individual competition, and Bottom right: President of the Combined Services After a gap of Navy Ladies who unceremoniously RN snowboarders secured a first Lawn Tennis Association, the over 40 years, dumped the Army and the and third place in the Slopestyle Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral the RN men’s RAF out of the competition by event. The best inter-service disabled Charles Montgomery CBE ADC, alpine ski winning 11 of their 12 rubbers. skier was Lance Corporal Pete team won the as he witnessed yet another At the start of 2011, the RN Dunning of the Royal Marines, Inter-Service surprising victory for the Royal Snow Sports became the men’s inter-services who was given a standing ovation Navy at the Inter-Services Lawn Championships indoor hockey champions, and on receiving his gold medal. •

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

EQUIPMENT 59

Royal Navy Fleet post SDSR

he Strategic Defence in 2011. At a later stage, a decision boats will replace the Trafalgar-class and Security Review will be made on whether to submarines, the first of which left (SDSR) resulted in the withdraw the remaining operational the service in December 2009. The T disbandment of Joint aircraft carrier – HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, government also announced in Force Harrier and, with it, the which will be converted to an the SDSR that the programme to almost immediate decommissioning amphibious (helicopter) carrier – or replace the existing Vanguard-class of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK the purpose-built helicopter carrier, ballistic-missile nuclear deterrent ROYAL. This removes our carrier HMS OCEAN. This means that, for submarines will go ahead, but the strike Task Group capability until the next 10 years, the RN fleet will four submarines currently in service the new Queen Elizabeth-class be concentrated on the amphibious will have their lives extended. • (QE-class) carriers enter service at Task Group, which will ensure the end of the decade. At that that the UK retains the ability to Royal NAVY – stage, the United Kingdom will place an invasion force of men and Commissioned Fleet field its Future Force 2020, which equipment ashore and sustain them. has been scoped out in the SDSR. During the period between Vessel type Quantity The SDSR also identified the fast-jet carriers, the SDSR has Helicopter carrier 1 (2*) remaining four Batch 3 Type 22 confirmed that the destroyer fleet Assault ship 2 frigates for decommissioning will be significantly enhanced, Destroyer 6 with the introduction of four more of the most powerful air defence Frigate 13 Above: HMS For the next vessels ever built – the Type 45 Submarine 11 TRIUMPH Daring class – bringing the total arrives back at Patrol 9 10 years, the to six. These will be joined by her home base Mine hunter 16 in Devonport, the new Type 26 Global Combat Plymouth RN fleet will be Ships. Together the destroyer/ Survey 5 flying the Jolly concentrated on frigate fleet will number 19 vessels. University 14 Roger, having Moreover, six more Astute hunter- launched TLAM Total 77 killer submarines will enter service Cruise missles the amphibious * while both ILLUSTRIOUS at Libyan air following the commissioning of the and OCEAN are operational defence systems Task Group first of class in August 2010. These FINAL PROOF

60 EQUIPMENT

THE ROYAL MARITIME CHANGE FLEET PROGRAMME

aving signed a Terms of submarines. The ToBA also extends AUXILIARY Business Arrangement Babcock’s management roles at the (ToBA) with Babcock Clyde and Devonport naval bases. H International Group in With the contracts now signed, the March 2010, we have now set next phase is to realise the savings down a robust plan for achieving that are covered in both contracts. substantial savings across the The SDSR did not foresee whole of our UK infrastructure. any base closures for our major The Babcock ToBA supplements , and so we will continue an earlier agreement, signed in to fi ne-tune the plans for basing 2009 with BAE Systems Surface all submarines in Her Majesty’s Ships, in which we agreed to award Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, the the building contracts for all of QE-class carriers, destroyers and our future complex ships (those some frigates at HMNB Portsmouth, with weapons and sensors) to the and the remaining frigates and the company for the next 15 years. assault ships at HMNB Devonport. A key part of this agreement was The SDSR did cut back the that, once the two new carriers current fl eet in order to deal with the As a result of the SDSR, the Royal no longer required more than one economic diffi culties that the nation Fleet Auxiliary will be reduced to shipyard to support their initial faces in the short term. However, 13 ships, with the withdrawal build, the RN would only cover the it also fully confi rmed the building of a fl eet replenishment tanker, overheads of a single naval shipyard. programme for future RN vessels, a dry stores/ammunition vessel The Babcock ToBA fi lls in the including the 13 Type 26 Global and an amphibious landing ship. missing part of the jigsaw in that, Combat Ships, seven Astute-class However, FORT AUSTIN, the fl eet over the same 15-year period hunter-killer submarines, six Type replenishment ship that has been (2010–25), Babcock will guarantee 45 destroyers, the replacement for in extended readiness, will rejoin signifi cant cost savings in the the current Vanguard-class ballistic the fl eet in 2012. Plans for new fulfi lment of engineering work on missile submarines, and two QE-class ships under the MARS (Military our major warships and nuclear conventional fast-jet carriers. Afl oat Reach and Sustainability) programme are still ongoing, with the intent to award contracts at the The Sandown-class mine countermeasures end of 2011 or the beginning of vessel, HMS RAMSEY, leaves her home 2012, leading to the delivery of port of Clyde for active service in the Gulf the fi rst ship in 2016.

ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY – COMMISSIONED FLEET

Vessel type Quantity Tanker 5 Assault ship 3 Stores replenishment 3* Medical/training 1 Repair 1 Total 13 *One ship being brought out of extended readiness

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

EQUIPMENT 61 ASTUTE HUNTER-KILLER SUBMARINES

he SDSR confi rmed building programme for the SSBNs, now manned by an RN crew, who that seven Astute-class which was delayed in the SDSR. will oversee her watertight integrity hunter-killer submarines The fi rst submarine, HMS and support the commissioning T will be built and operated ASTUTE, is now undergoing extensive of the reactor and propulsion by the Royal Navy. This will not fi rst-of-class sea trials to prove her systems over the next 12 months. only deliver the military capability war-fi ghting capabilities, such as Procurement of the fi rst four required, but also sustain the UK Maritime Strike (using the Tomahawk Astute-class boats, the initial industrial footprint needed for Land Attack Missile), anti-submarine assembly of Boat 5 and the long- Final building the successor to the , intelligence gathering and lead items for Boat 6 have been preparations deterrent Vanguard-class SSBNs anti-surface ship warfare. The second fully approved by the MoD and are made to (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear). boat, AMBUSH, underwent a naming HM Treasury. These are all now in ready HMS ASTUTE for To this end, the delivery schedule ceremony on 17 December 2010, different stages of the construction her fi rst deep for all seven boats will be stretched before being launched on 7 January process. Approval for the remainder dive trials to accommodate the start of the 2011 at Barrow-in-Furness. She is of the class will be sought in 2011.

FUTURE DETERRENT SUBMARINES

he government fl eet would effectively consist of announced in the SDSR just two operational submarines that it was committed – one of which is on patrol, with T to maintaining the the other in maintenance or national nuclear deterrent and that training. As well as the diffi culty a submarine, eventually armed of achieving meaningful training with the next-generation Trident and maintenance in constrained D5 missile, would be used. Long- periods, this means that any lead items for the fi rst boat will strategic shock, resulting in the loss be ordered in time for its delivery of availability of one of the two in 2028. The possibility of using available boats, jeopardises CASD. three, rather than four, boats to The decision on how many provide Continuous at-Sea Deterrent boats to operate and their exact (CASD) is still being investigated. design will be taken in about 2016. However, as yet, studies are Each submarine will use a common unable to demonstrate that this missile compartment, and will house will be possible. A three-boat no more than eight operational becomes diffi cult as soon missiles and 40 warheads. The fi rst as one submarine enters its deep submarine is likely to be launched maintenance cycle, which requires around 2024 and will leave Barrow- each boat to be extensively refi tted in-Furness a year later, eventually to One of four Royal Navy nuclear deterrent submarines (SSBNs), HMS VENGEANCE over a period of several years. be based on the Clyde at Faslane Once that phase is reached, the using the existing infrastructure. FINAL PROOF

62 equipment

Type 45 daring-class destroyers

y the end of 2010, all Above: The sixth six Type 45 Daring-class and final Type The Royal Navy now has a fleet destroyers were in the 45 destroyer, HMS DUNCAN, of the most powerful air-defence B water following the Is launched into launch of HMS DUNCAN on the Clyde on ships it has ever operated 11 October, in Scotstoun, Glasgow. 11 October 2010 This marked the completion of the shore-based phase of the Daring Bottom right: Second of class, HMS Third of class, HMS DIAMOND, HMS DIAMOND build programme. The RN now has sails down DAUNTLESS, was accepted into will be accepted into service in July a fleet of the most powerful air- the Clyde en service on 16 November 2010 and 2011, although three Type 45s are defence ships it has ever operated. route to her began basic operational sea training now based in Portsmouth since With a missile range of 60 miles handover to the in February 2011. She was the first she sailed in for the first time in and a radar range well in excess Royal Navy at of the Type 45s to fire the Sea Viper September 2010. Fourth of class, Portsmouth of that, the ships are able to place missile when she successfully shot HMS DRAGON, began sea trials last an air-cover blanket over a Task down a remotely piloted drone November, and the fifth Type 45, Group at sea and direct aircraft onto in September 2010. DAUNTLESS HMS DEFENDER, is expected to targets hundreds of miles away. will go on her first operational enter service in July 2014, once she The first of class, HMS DARING, deployment in April 2012. has completed all of her trials. • was accepted into service on 31 July 2010 and is now undergoing more sea training in preparation for her first deployment in January 2012. She spent much of October 2010 on the eastern seaboard of the United States, working with a USS carrier Battle Group led by USS Enterprise – the ‘Big E’. During this deployment, the ship also completed her first replenishment at sea from a foreign tanker. In March 2011, she successfully fired her first Sea Viper missile.

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

EQUIPMENT 63 TYPE 26 GLOBAL COMBAT SHIP

rom the outset, the directly from the stern (back end). anti-submarine and even loitering replacement for the This will enable launch and recovery munitions. The fl ight deck will be Type 23 Duke-class in higher sea states than before. able to take a range of aircraft from F frigates will be designed Both variants will also have room heavy-lift helicopters, such as the as versatile, multi-purpose vessels, for an embarked force of at least Chinook and Merlin to the lighter able to deliver a full span of tasks 36 additional personnel, able to Lynx Wildcat, and the mission – from humanitarian and disaster- undertake a range of tasks from bay will be able to accommodate relief operations to counternarcotics, special missions, customs-and-excise differing capabilities – from , counter-piracy and complex multi- work to non-compliant boardings. to boats and unmanned vehicles. threat warfare-fi ghting scenarios at A fi nal decision on the That said, a medium-calibre gun the highest end. The Type 26 Global capabilities that will be embedded will be fi tted as standard. Combat Ship will be based on a in this ship will be made towards The four-year assessment phase single common, acoustically quiet the end of 2011. However, the need will draw to a conclusion in October hull, but with two core variants. to ensure that the Type 26 Global 2013, when a fi nal decision will The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Combat Ship will be affordable for be made on the ships’ capabilities variant will be fi tted with low- both the RN and export customers, and equipment. As soon as the frequency active and passive sonars and will also suit our and their requirements have been fi xed, in a stern mission bay, whereas the needs, means that a modular the contract can be awarded. It general-purpose version will have approach to capability is being is hoped to begin cutting steel in Early computer room for four boats that, instead of taken. Missile launchers will be 2015, put the fi rst ship into the graphic of a Type 26 Global being lowered into the water from able to deliver a range of missile water by 2019, and into service as Combat Ship the side of the ship, will be launched types – from precision attack to quickly as possible after 2020. •

The frigates will be designed as versatile, multipurpose vehicles, able to deliver a full span of tasks FINAL PROOF

64 EQUIPMENT aircraft carriers QUEEN ELIZABETH-CLASS

he government confirmed Two of its support for the HMS QUEEN The SDSR stipulated that the ELIZABETH’s manufacture of two massive hull RN would operate one of the T QE-class aircraft carriers in sections begin the Strategic Defence and Security to take shape QE-class carriers and hold Review (SDSR). Having made this decision, it then stipulated that the the other in extended readiness RN would operate one of the QE- class carriers and hold the other in launching the aircraft and an arrester While this study is ongoing, extended readiness – in other words, gear system for facilitating landings. production of the first carrier, which stored away to be used when the We will, therefore, initiate a started in 2009, will continue. other ship is undergoing refit, repair study to select the appropriate A steam catapult would require or maintenance. The SDSR also systems. The choice is either a steam- a boiler that would be fitted at the took the decision to replace the powered catapult system or one bottom of the ship on deck 9. Since short take-off and vertical landing that runs off electromagnetic motors the hull of the first carrier is already (STOVL) variant of the Harrier – known as EMALS (electromagnetic being built, this would entail cutting replacement aircraft, the F-35B aircraft launching system). The into it in order to install the system. Lightning II, with the conventional study and the choice of system will EMALS, on the other hand, is fitted F-35C version. This requires a ultimately decide the order in which much higher up the ship. Whatever conventionally configured carrier the aircraft carriers are converted system is used, the flight deck would that has a catapult system for to conventional configuration. also need to be reconfigured with a

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

eQUiPMeNt 65

trench – one deep and three wide – along the extent of the runway. In addition, arrester gear – three cables which are attached to installations one or two decks lower – will need to be fi tted. Progress on the fi rst carrier, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, has been going well since the fi rst cutting of steel back in 2009. The ship is due to be fl oated in 2014 and to embark on acceptance trials in June 2016. Construction of HMS PRINCE OF WALES commenced with a formal steel-cutting ceremony in May 2011. The results of the aforementioned study will point to which conversion solution offers the best value for A hull segment from HMS money, and its result will drive QUEEN ELIZABETH outside BAE’s shipyard at Govan the carrier programme. •

fraNcO/BritisH NaVaL sHiPBUiLDiNG ACHIEVING ECONOMIES OF SCALE

Now a private company, France’s main Unlike any other two European states, for example, are supplied by DCNS. naval shipbuilder, DCNS, sees itself more France and the United Kingdom face the Moreover, the new Queen Elizabeth-class as a naval systems integrator than a mere dilemma of projecting power overseas aircraft carriers are being built by the boat builder. With 12,500 employees, with a reduced fi nancial budget. Aircraft Carrier Alliance in which Thales an order book of some €14 billion and However, the fact that these two UK (a major Thales Group subsidiary) profi ts of between six and seven per countries operate the same sorts of is one of the three industry partners. cent from its €2.5 billion turnover, it is a vessels – from aircraft carriers, assault By cross-sourcing equipment wherever major player in the global naval industry. ships and nuclear submarines to possible, and by sharing knowledge of the With the encouragement of the Thales air-defence, anti-submarine and mine availability of COTS (Commercial Off-the- Group, which owns 25 per cent of the countermeasures ships – means that Shelf) equipment, both navies could cut company, it has embarked on a major there is a huge potential for economies their costs. In the future this could become two-strand strategy to boost its exports of scale. Discussions are already under even more productive if the two countries and focus on what the company’s way between the two national navy were to improve the interoperability of the Senior Vice President for Strategy and departments and procurement agencies onboard systems, converge the design of Development, Andreas Loewenstein, to try and fi gure out how best to their ships more closely, or even initiate calls “groundbreaking innovation”. achieve them. Andreas Loewenstein is programmes together and coordinate The current climate of austerity has confi dent that there are existing and production planning. This would also help created an opportunity for the British and future opportunities from which both to bolster the supply chains that serve French governments to collaborate more nations could benefi t without disrupting both the French and the British industries. closely on naval matters, and enable both either’s national shipbuilding planning Andreas Loewenstein points out that, countries to, in Loewenstein’s words, and programmes, and that DCNS has “An interesting possibility exists for a “spend better”. Both countries’ historical a role to play. In fact, DCNS and the test of the long-term potential for this legacies leave them with overseas Royal Navy already have a deep and relationship with the design, development territories and alliance commitments that fruitful relationship. The missile launchers and production of the next generation require ocean-going high-seas fl eets. on the RN’s Daring-class destroyers, of mine countermeasures vessels.” FINAL PROOF

66 EQUIPMENT F-35C LIGHTNING II FAST JET

he decision in the aircraft are considerably less than an additional 3,000lb of stores, Strategic Defence those needed to sustain a more equivalent to an additional six and Security Review diverse inventory of fast jets. Paveway IV laser-guided munitions Below: The fi rst T to build and operate In terms of capability, the switch or an extra 150 miles in range. US Navy F-35C a conventional carrier, rather from the STOVL version of F-35B to The fi rst F-35C is due to Lightning II than a short take-off and vertical the Carrier Variant F-35C introduces be delivered to the UK in 2015, carrier variant landing (STOVL) version, was a considerable added punch in enabling us to raise our fi rst en route to US Naval Air Station derived from a requirement for terms of range and weapons load. operational squadron in 2018, Patuxent River in the UK military to fi eld only two The additional 6,000lb of fuel in time for the entry into service November 2010. manned, fast-jet combat aircraft extends the range from 900nm to of the fi rst QE-class carrier. The The RN will take fl eets in the future – Typhoon and 1,200nm, giving a combat radius of added capability will translate into delivery of the the F-35 Lightning II. This change 640nm, as against 450nm – more a smaller fl eet of aircraft, with carrier variant following brings in signifi cant through-life than the distance from Land’s End the initial intention of being able decisions made cost savings, as the infrastructures to John o’Groats as the crow fl ies. to routinely fl y 12 aircraft from a in the SDSR required to sustain two types of The F-35C will also be able to carry carrier. This will expand over time. •

The switch from the STOVL version of F-35B to the Carrier Variant F-35C introduces a considerable added punch in terms of range and weapons load

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS EQUIPMENT 67 AW159 LYNX WILDCAT

signifi cant milestone for the RN’s Lynx helicopter replacement A programme was reached on 22 November 2010 when the The Wildcat Training Centre will third AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat test aircraft (TI3) be equipped to provide air crew successfully completed its maiden fl ight. TI3 is now being used and maintainer training to undertake testing of specifi c naval developments relating In preparation for the aircraft’s using a wide range of synthetic to the aircraft. In particular, it entry into service with both the RN training technology, including will be used to carry out ship and the British Army, the Ministry two Full Mission Simulators, a helicopter operating limit trials. of Defence signed a £76 million Flight Training Device and Cockpit The fi rst This milestone maintains the contract for the establishment of a Procedures Trainer. The Centre Lynx Wildcat progress on the programme state-of-the-art training centre at will be capable of delivering Army helicopters are and will ensure that the fi rst Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton in or Royal Navy conversion and scheduled to enter service of 28 Lynx Wildcats will enter March 2011. The Wildcat Training mission training. RN maintainer with the RN service with the RN in 2015, with Centre will be equipped to provide and air crew training is scheduled in 2015 deliveries due to start in 2011. air crew and maintainer training to begin in January 2014.

MERLIN 2 UPGRADE PROGRAMME

n 25 October 2010, the defensive aids suite will be The new mission system was the Merlin Capability upgraded and new, more effi cient tested in fl ight in November 2010, Sustainment Programme rotor blades will also be fi tted. marking another milestone in the O celebrated the maiden project that will see the upgraded fl ight of the Merlin Mk 2, ahead aircraft re-enter service in 2013 and of schedule. After 35 minutes, Some 30 Mk 1 achieve full operational capability in the helicopter successfully landed 2014. In January 2011, the Ministry back at the AgustaWestland Merlins will be of Defence awarded the second site in Yeovilton. In all, some 30 phase in the 25-year Integrated The Mk 2 Merlin Mk 1 Merlins will be upgraded upgraded by Merlin Operational Support helicopter to the Mk 2 standard by having having digital contract, valued at $570 million. successfully digital fl at-panel touch screens This is due to run from 2011 to completed installed into the cockpit, and 2016 and will save £12 million per her maiden fl at-panel touch fl ight ahead improvements made to the sonar year, compared with the previous of schedule and radar systems. Furthermore, screens installed contractual arrangements. FINAL PROOF

68 heritage and tradition

The Battle of Taranto a day of judgement

hen Neville Chamberlain “Taranto, and the night of 11–12 , should be flew out to meet Adolf remembered forever as having shown once and for all that, in the Hitler at his Eagle’s Nest Fleet Air Arm, the Navy has its most devastating weapon” W retreat in Berchtesgaden Admiral Andrew Cunningham in 1938, to try and solve the stand- off over Czechoslovakia, the Royal Navy was fine-tuning plans In what became the first-ever to threaten British activities in the to attack the Italian fleet at the all-aircraft ship-to-ship engagement, . Although Port of Taranto if things took the Royal Navy managed to destroy veteran biplanes a turn for the worse. Just over half the strength of the Regia were used during the battle, the Above: An aerial two years later, that attack took Marina () battle fleet event marked the beginning of view of the Port place and changed the future and force it to retreat further north the supremacy of the shipborne of Taranto development of . to Naples, where it was less able aircraft over naval guns.

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

heritage and tradition 69

under the banner operation remaining 10 loaded with fl ares Judgement, a carrier strike Task and bombs – were made available The actual raid group consisting of the aircraft for the attack, which took place on took place in carrier HMS IlluSTRIouS, four battle the night of 11 November 1940. and four destroyers, sailed The actual raid took place two waves, off the coast of Italy to play their in two waves, led by lieutenant part in a bigger operation, MB8. This Commander K williamson, using using modifi ed larger activity would see the Fleet modifi ed torpedoes and low-level Air Arm also attack and a attack profi les. up until this torpedoes complex network of convoys sail out operation, it had generally been on resupply missions. The Italians accepted that it was not possible and low-level were confused by the extent of to attack ships in less than 100 feet attack profi les the manoeuvres and did not realise of water as the torpedoes would that IlluSTRIouS and her Task hit the seabed, rendering them group, led by Rear Admiral lumley ineffective. However, the low- Harbor. Although the Japanese lyster, who originally conceived the altitude attack – although extremely attack was more devastating, plans, were about to hit Taranto. dangerous – was a tremendous and required more aircraft and As in many operations of this success. one battle was sunk, ships, it could be argued that it nature, the RN was forced to adapt the Conte di Cavour (later raised did not achieve the same strategic its plans after another aircraft carrier and repaired) and two further battle success as operation Judgement. due to take part in the attack, HMS cruisers were put out of action, To mark the 70th anniversary of EAglE, lost power due to a fuel littorio and Caio duilio. other the battle, the Taranto Exhibition system breakdown. Moreover, two of ships – including a further battle at the the aircraft also being readied were cruiser – were damaged in both the (www.fl eetairarm.com) in yeovilton, destroyed by fi re when one of their inner and outer harbours, and an Somerset, has been updated with auxiliary tanks exploded. However, oil depot set ablaze. The Royal Navy a new audiovisual presentation. some of the EAglE’s aircraft from lost two aircraft and two airmen. It also features exhibits including 813 and 824 Naval Air Squadrons The Japanese Imperial Navy the wheel of HMS IlluSTRIouS, (NASs) fl ew to IlluSTRIouS to studied the attack on Taranto with two distinguished Service Crosses join the other Swordfi sh from 815 intense interest as they intended and other service medals of and 819. Eventually, 21 Swordfi sh – to undertake a similar attack on many of the airmen who took 11 armed with torpedoes and the the uS Navy base in Hawaii – Pearl part in this daring operation. •

SPECIFICATIONS faireY SWordfiSh Crew: 3 length: 35ft 8in wing span: 46ft 6in Power plant: Bristol Pegasus radial engine Max speed: 139mph Range: 546 miles Armament: 2 machine guns, rockets, torpedoes, mines

The Fairey Swordfi sh biplane -bomber – nicknamed ‘the Stringbag’ – was designed and built in the 1930s by the Fairey Aviation Company, which also produced the Firefl y and gannet naval aircraft. Not only did the Swordfi sh play the key role in the Battle of Taranto, but, in 1941, a Swordfi sh was also credited with striking the blow that disabled the rudder on german the Bismarck, effectively disabling it and laying it vulnerable to subsequent attack. 70 heritage and tradition

VICE AdMIRAl SIR ARTHuR luMlEy ST gEoRgE lySTER Born on 27 April 1888 in warwickshire, commanded the operation from HMS Vice Admiral lumley lyster joined the IlluSTRIouS. In 1941 he was appointed Royal Navy in 1902 and saw action in the Fifth Sea lord and Chief of Naval Air First world war, most notably at . Services, before going on to command He assumed command of his fi rst ship, the air operations for operation Pedestal the cruiser HMS dANAE, in 1932, before to break the siege of Malta. This action becoming of aircraft carrier HMS saw the loss of the aircraft carrier EAglE, gloRIouS in december 1937. In August which was originally expected to have 1939 he was promoted to Rear Admiral. taken part in the battle of Taranto. lyster on the instructions of Admiral Pound, he took over Flag offi cer Carrier Training and drew up the plans for the attack on the Administration in 1943. He later retired Vice Admiral lumley lyster (right) Italian Fleet at the Port of Taranto and in July 1945 and passed away in 1957.

hMS illUStrioUS

The Royal Navy’s fourth ship to bear the name HMS IlluSTRIouS was one of a class of aircraft carriers that the Admiralty began to develop in 1935 as a radical next generation of vessel. She was built by Vickers-Armstrongs in Barrow, Cumbria, having been laid down on 27 April 1937. launched on 5 April 1939, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 25 May 1940. The carrier was damaged by German bombers Fairey Swordfi sh aircraft fl ew from HMS IlluSTRIouS to attack the Italian in January 1941, Battle Fleet in the Port of Taranto putting her out of action ocean off Madagascar in 1942. SPECIFICATIONS After a refi t in 1943, she took part launched: April 1939 After taking part in the Battle in the Salerno landings in September Commissioned: May 1940 of Taranto, the carrier was badly 1943. She then spent the rest of the : 23,100 tonnes damaged by german dive bombers war engaged in operations against in January 1941 when several the Japanese forces, during which Crew: 900 bombs penetrated her armoured she was damaged by Speed: 30.5 knots fl ight deck, putting her out of attacks. HMS IlluSTRIouS was Range: 11,000 miles action. She next saw service against paid off in 1954, before being Vichy French forces in the Indian broken up on 3 November 1956. No of aircraft: 36, increased to 48 and then 54

ROYAL NAVY MATTERS FINAL PROOF

heritage and tradition 71

Operation Dynamo the “miracle of deliverance”

In a poignant t 6.57pm on 26 May 300,000, compared with his initial on the Isle of Sheppey, before reconstruction 1940, the Admiralty gave estimates of about 30,000. leaving for France from Ramsgate. of the ‘Little the order for Admiral The evacuation was urgently Although the docks at Dunkirk Ships’ support were badly damaged, it was still to Operation A Ramsey to begin the required as the front line against Dynamo, a host evacuation of the 400,000-strong the Germans had collapsed. The possible to use the eastern sea wall of small sailing British Expeditionary Force (BEF) Belgian Army was on the brink of to load troops directly onto boats. craft approach from the port of Dunkirk in France. surrender, and the French Army was A wooden jetty was also found to Dunkirk as part With only a week to prepare about to be encircled and defeated. be suitable for embarking soldiers. of the 70th anniversary the operation, it is remarkable The Head of the BEF, General However, there were so many men celebrations that Ramsey’s hodgepodge fleet Gort – realising that the situation gathered in the town, on the beaches managed to save more than was hopeless – made the decision and defending the perimeter, that 10 times as many people as he to head for Dunkirk with the sole a third of them had to be lifted off thought was possible – over intention of leaving the Continent the beach. This is where the ‘little with as many men as possible. ships’ and some Dutch self-propelled From his headquarters in Dover barges were useful, as they were able Operation Dynamo statistics Castle, Kent, Admiral Ramsey to come closer inshore to ferry men 26 May: 6.57pm Operation Dynamo begins and his small staff masterminded from the beach to the waiting ships. the most extraordinary wartime For more than a week, the ships 4 June: 11.30pm BEF evacuated evacuation in history, using over criss-crossed the channel bringing Total number of men evacuated: 338,226 900 boats – including passenger soldiers back to Dover, where they Men evacuated from the beaches: 98,780 ferries, cargo vessels, destroyers, were quickly dispatched across , , Dutch the country by train. During this Men evacuated from harbour and jetty: 239,446 barges, yachts and fishing boats. time, not only had German artillery British evacuees: 198,229 Royal Navy sailors manned come within range of the beaches Foreign evacuees: 139,997 the vast majority of all the ships and the transfer boats, but the (mostly Belgian, French and Polish) that took part in the evacuation, German Air Force also maintained although civilians were used in a constant attack whenever the Boats used: 933 many of the ‘little ships’ that were weather permitted. If that wasn’t Boats lost: 236 inducted and checked in Sheerness bad enough, the fleet was also FINAL PROOF

72 heritage and tradition

ruthlessly attacked by German British troops look back on submarines and torpedo boats. Dunkirk Harbour from the Over 200 boats were sunk, with the relative safety of their rescue ship same number again damaged. Of the 40 RN destroyers that took part, six were lost and a further 19 badly damaged. Moreover, seven French destroyers were lost, as well as one destroyer from the . By the evening of 3 June, it was clear that a fi nal push was needed to save the last of the French rearguard that had been holding the Germans at bay. Ramsey therefore despatched a mixed fl eet of British, Belgian, Dutch and French ships to Dunkirk. This fi nal phase of the evacuation managed to save a further 26,000 men, bringing the total to 338,226. At 11.30pm on DAILy 4 June 1940, the beach master, eVAcUAtION Captain William Tennant (“Dunkirk RecORDS Joe”) sent his famous signal: “BEF 27 May 7,669 evacuated”. referred to the evacuation as 28 May 17,804 the “miracle of deliverance”. 29 May 47,310 To mark the 70th anniversary of 30 May 53,823 Operation Dynamo, 50 boats from 31 May 68,014 the Association of Dunkirk little 1 June 64,429 Ships left Ramsgate for Dunkirk on 27 May 2010, escorted by the 2 June 26,256 Type 23 frigate HMS MONMOUTH 3 June 26,746 and a P2000 training vessel, 4 June 26,175 HMS RAIDER, from the University total 338,226 Royal Navy Unit at Bristol. •

vICE ADMIRAl SIR BERTRAM HOME RAMSEY

Of Scottish descent, but born in london Dunkirk, he reported the events directly to in 1883, Bertram Ramsey joined the Royal King George vI, who rewarded him with Navy in 1898. He took command of his the KCB (Knight Commander of the Order fi rst ship, HMS M25, in 1915 during the of the Bath). In 1942, he commanded the First World War, during which he served Algerian landings (Operation Torch) against as part of the Dover Patrol sailing mostly vichy French and German opposition. He off the Belgian coast. In the fi nal year was later naval commander for Operation of the war, 1918, he took part in the Husky (the invasion of Sicily) in 1943. The raids on Ostend and Zeebrugge, which following year, he was appointed Naval attempted to neutralise the threat from Commander in Chief of the Allied Naval German submarines. This was the fi rst Expeditionary Force for the Normandy time he was mentioned in dispatches. landings under . He He retired from the RN in 1938, but was was killed when his aircraft crashed as called up a year later and posted to the it was taking off from Toussus-le-Noble south Kent coast as Offi cer-in-Charge, in 1945, en route to a meeting with Dover. Having overseen the evacuation of General Montgomery in Brussels.

ROyAL NAVy MATTERS 72 PARTNERS

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heritage and tradition 73

Celebrating 110 years of the “Greenie”

The author he 110th anniversary of changes brought in to deploy it is fully illustrated, and includes of The Greenie, the introduction of the effectively within the context of photographs and diagrams featured Commander Electrician, or “Greenie”, pioneering attempts to progress, in 19th-century trials reports, as Patrick Moore, poses with T specialist rate into the entrenched views for the status quo well as the work of the Royal the book with Royal Navy is commemorated this and desperate wartime demands Navy’s best-loved cartoonists from Vice Admiral year by the publication of a new for maritime warfare capability. In the Second World War onwards. Sir Neville book, The Greenie, subtitled The addition to charting the evolution The technical story is enhanced by Purvis KCB and History of Warfare Technology of specialist branches, starting with many personal recollections of the Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. Authored by the advent of steam, The Greenie wartime and post-war events that Trevor James Commander Patrick Moore and recalls the history associated with combined to shape the Engineering of HMS sponsored by HMS Collingwood the growing recognition of technical Branch structure of today’s Navy. Collingwood Officers’ Association,The Greenie specialists – from Artisan to Warrant, All royalties will be donated to Officers’ portrays the history of warfare Commission and, eventually, naval charities under the auspices Association technology progression, from the Military Command status. of HMS Collingwood Officers’ development of the electrically fired Courtesy of many naval Association and the Royal Navy spar torpedo in the 1860s, to the heritage organisations, the book and Royal Marines Charity. • integrated combat systems of today. The book also tells of the impact of electrical technology on The Greenie is available from all good bookshops and The History Press the Royal Navy and the manning (www.thehistorypress.co.uk). Call 01235 465577 for direct sales. FINAL PROOF

74 heritage and tradition

Cadet 150

Her Majesty ne hundred and fifty the year, numerous events, activities Dartmouth, as part of earning The Queen years ago, the War Office and commemorations took place. their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s chats to cadets realised that, having been On 17 February 2010, Her Majesty Awards. The week kicked off with at Buckingham Palace as Cadet O implicated in a failed the Queen hosted 26 specially two nights on board the Royal 150 is officially assassination attempt on Emperor selected ‘cadet ambassadors’ at Fleet Auxiliary ARGUS, where launched Napoleon III by Italian revolutionary Buckingham Palace. After lunch at they were put through their paces Felice Orsini, Great Britain was once the Ministry of Defence, the cadets undergoing fire-fighting drills and again under threat of invasion. were then invited to have their other team-building activities. The problem was that the nation’s photographs taken with the Prime Cadet 150 culminated in a Armed Forces were stretched to the Minister at 10 Downing Street. musical spectacular at Fairfield limit and were also recovering from In April, Prince Harry – himself Halls in Croydon, Surrey. A total the ravages of the Crimean War. To a former cadet – paid a visit to the of 150 cadet musicians put on quickly bolster the Regular Army, the 60 teenagers who were training a stunning show with duelling British government requested that in the Brecon Beacons for their xylophones, extraordinary feats of all United Kingdom counties raise expedition to Lesotho. The prince drumming expertise, light shows Volunteer Rifle Corps. Many schools thanked them for supporting his and songs, topped off with a decided to play their part in this call charity, Sentebale. Having arrived in performance of Tchaikovsky’s to arms by raising their own cadet Lesotho on 26 July, the cadets spent 1812 Overture. Proceeds from forces. They are the forefathers of time helping a number of different the show were donated to the today’s 131,000 cadets from the children’s projects funded by the Help for Heroes charity. • Sea Cadets (www.sea-cadets.org), charity. They also went on safari the Air Cadets, Combined Cadet and visited the Rorke’s Drift battle Force and the Army Cadets. site, made famous in the film Zulu. Throughout 2010, the During the summer, 130 anniversary of these formations cadets participated in a week-long was celebrated under the banner residential course at the Britannia Cadet 150 and, over the course of Royal Naval College (BRNC),

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DCNS. A world leader in naval defence. An innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports submarines and surface combatants as well as associated systems and infrastructures. The Group proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. It also develops solutions in civil nuclear engineering and marine renewable energy. Committed to sustainable development, DCNS was one of the first defence contractors to achieve Group- wide certification to ISO 14001.

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PATROL BOATS AND NAVAL VESSELS

DAMEN

Over the past 40 years, Damen has grown ferries, patrol boats and naval vessels. for a wide range of activities in not just from eight to 8,000 employees, working Requirements outside these standard coastal areas but also in blue waters. in 34 operating companies worldwide. ranges can be accommodated in new The basis of this success was – and designs, making use of proven systems INTERCEPTORS is – the philosophy of standardised series and equipment from the standard series Damen Interceptors are purpose built, production. Damen has proven standard which guarantee reliability and cost effec- designed to the highest standards and designs for a large range of vessels from tiveness. For defence forces, coastguards fitted with full professional equipment. harbour tugs, crew boats, fast suppliers, and marine police, Damen can supply Extensive prototype test programmes, and mega yachts to cargo vessels, fast vessels from ten to 200 metres in length involving customers worldwide, are

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UKHO

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All the space you need PROTECTING OUR NATION’S INTERESTS

This edition of Royal Navy Matters continues the traditions of the publication formerly known as Broadsheet. In it, we highlight the busy schedule of tasks undertaken by the Royal Navy around the globe throughout 2010 and the beginning of 2011.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review saw the withdrawal of the Harrier fast jet and, with it, the Naval Strike Wing. In all, six ships were decommissioned as a result of the review, including the flagship, HMS ARK ROYAL. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary fleet was also reduced.

The Royal Navy was once again heavily committed in Afghanistan, with the Commando Helicopter Force helicopters and the Mk 7 Sea King surveillance platforms remaining in theatre. The Joint Force Medical Group was again commanded by the Royal Navy and, after 40 Commando left Helmand, Royal Marine numbers in theatre were vastly increased with the deployment of 3 Commando Brigade.

At the beginning of 2011, operations in the Mediterranean took centre stage as the Royal Navy participated in the mission to evacuate refugees from Libya and the subsequent UN-backed operation to enforce a no-fly zone in the country to protect civilians.

royalnavy.mod.uk Published by Newsdesk Communications Ltd in partnership with the Royal Navy Images courtesy of the Royal Navy