Royal Navy News
RFA Wave Ruler Launched
February 9th 2001: The second and final Wave Class Fleet Tanker took to the water at half past one today at BAE System's shipyard in Govan. RFA Wave Ruler was named by Ms. Elaine Dumelow, wife Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence.
Geoff Hoon, said: “Wave Ruler and her sister, Wave Knight, will provide enhanced capability for the Royal Navy’s operations well into this century. I congratulate all those involved; at the shipbuilder, the Defence Procurement Agency and associated organisations. Their efforts over the past few years are now being rewarded as we see the second ship of the class launched.”
Wave Ruler is the first vessel to be launched at Govan since the yard was bought by BAe Systems from Kvanaer in 2000. Construction of Wave Ruler was transferred to Govan due to fears she would fall behind schedule if built at Barrow-in-Furness. The work was essential in keeping the Govan yard afloat. BAe Managing Director Simon Kerby said "Wave Ruler has played a significant role in our efforts to try to ensure a future for shipbuilding on the Clyde."
Following the launch she will be fully outfitted with all her equipment and systems before undertaking sea trials in March 2002 and entering service in September that year. Sistership Wave Knight was launched in September 2000 at Barrow-in-Furness and is scheduled to enter service in February 2002.
Wave Ruler is the seconnd ship to bear the name, the previous vessel being an oiler launched in the Second World War and serving in the RFA until the 1970s.
| See also: | ......Wave Class Fast Fleet Oilers | ..Wave Class Oilers.... |
Future Patrol Vessel Bid Deadline
February 8th 2001: Today marks the deadline for shipbuilders to submit their bids to build the Royal Navy new fast offshore patrol boats. Southampton based shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft have been widely tipped to win at least a significant share of the work which will secure at least 650 jobs and keep the yard afloat until work on HMS Dauntless begins in 2003.
| See also: | ....Future Offshore Patrol Vessel.. | ......Type 45 Destroyers |
Albion Launch Date Revealed
The first of two new amphibious assault vessels, HMS Albion, is to be launched on March 9th 2001 by Princess Anne. Albion was laid down May 22nd 1998 at Barrow-in-Furness and is scheduled to enter service in March 2003.
| See also: | ....Albion Class Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) |
Astute Laid Down
January 31st 2001: One hundred years after the keel laying of Holland 1, the Royal Navy's first submarine, the keel of the newest and most modern nuclear submarine, HMS Astute, has been officially "laid down". Among the 400 people in attendance at the Devonshire Dockhall in Barrow-in-Furness were two Second World War submariners - retired Vice Admiral Arthur Heslet DSO , who commanded the T Class submarine Trenchant, and retired Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser VC, who commanded an X-craft midget submarine responsible for sinking a Japanese cruiser. Baroness Symons, the Defence Procurement Minister revealed the 800-tonne reactor compartment, before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the launch of the Royal Navy Submarine Centenary. She commented: "Laying the keel of HMS Astute takes the Royal Navy into its second century of submarine operations. I am confident that crews that will in time serve in HMS Astute and her sister vessels HMS Artful and HMS Ambush will add further lustre to the record of the submarine service as it enters its second century.”.
More interestingly the minister stated "In the Strategic Defence Review the Ministry of Defence said that we planned to order a further two vessels of that class in order to maintain an attack submarine force of 10 vessels. We are now planning for a further three of the class rather than the two we originally envisaged". However she cautiously added "I must emphasise it has not yet been decided to go for the sixth submarine, that decision will take place next year and will be subject to a range of different factors and of course potential changes in the threats our forces come up against".
| See also: | ....Astute Class Fleet Submarines |
Taskforce Arrives Off Sierra Leone
November 12th 2000: The Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) has arrived off Sierra Leone. The five ships headed by HMS Ocean and RFA Argus are carrying 500 troops. The last time the Royal Navy deployed to Sierra Leone, the fleet was kept a low profile and stayed far out at sea. However this time the ships are anchored in Freetown Harbour in a visible show of strength, and tomorrow they will launch an amphibious assault exercise on the coast
The Ministry of Defence hopes that the presence of a naval taskforce will bolster the recent ceasefire between the Sierra Leone Government and the rebel forces. Failing that it demonstrates Britain's commitment in the region and ability to respond rapidly.
Sailors from HMS Ocean took time out to attend a Remembrance Day service, observing a two minutes silence and listening to a sermon by a Royal Marines padre.
Admiral Ramsay Statue Unveiled
November 10th 2000: Prince Phillip today unveiled a statue of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, the man behind the Dunkirk Evacuation. 100 people attended the unveiling, including the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Michael Boyce. He said "He is rightly remembered for his leadership of two of the most important operations of World War Two that stand as pillars at each end of the conflict - Operation Dynamo in 1940 and, four years and four days later, Operation Neptune". The 6ft 7 inch bronze statue is located on the white cliffs of Dover, and depicts Admiral Ramsay looking out to Dunkirk, with a telescope lowered in left hand.
November 8th 2000: Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced details of a major military exercise involving the Royal Navy. Exercise “Saif Sareea II” (Swift Sword II) will take place next autumn in Oman and will be the biggest military exercise staged since the 1998 Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It will involve over 20,000 British service personnel and will demonstrate the concept of Joint Rapid Reaction Forces (JRRF).
“Saif Sareea II”, will involve a Naval Task Force of 17 ships, a Commando Brigade and an Armoured Brigade with some 500 armoured vehicles, including 66 Challenger 2 tanks. The fleet will be led by HMS Illustrious, due to take over the role of Fleet Flagship from sister ship Invincible in the new year, and will include helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, assault ship HMS Fearless, three submarines as well as frigates, destroyers, minehunters and auxiliaries.
This force will exercise with Omani forces and will take place in September and October 2001. The first “Saif Sareea” exercise was held in 1986. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon commented “The exercise will demonstrate Britain’s ability to plan, co-ordinate and execute a major combined operations with the armed forces of a friendly nation. It will show too, Britain’s ability to deploy rapidly, a considerable force with real punch over strategic distances”.
November 2nd 2000: The Amphibious Assault Ship (LPD) HMS Fearless has suffered a fire whilst enroute to Sierra Leone. Nine of her sailors suffered smoke effects and two suffered heat exhaustion tackling the blaze which started in her engine room early on November 2nd 2000. Defence Minister Dr Lewis Moonie said that all crew members had "fully recovered and are available for duty". An MoD spokesman said "Their injuries were minor and they did not need to be evacuated and they were treated onboard."
Fearless has been withdrawn from the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and replaced by aviation training ship RFA Argus. The MoD Spokesman said "Argus's voyage will not affect the timescale of arrival at Sierra Leone. Argus is a good ship capable of carrying three helicopters, which actually increases our capacity."
Fearless sailed to Malta under her own power for inspection and remains there this weekend ( 4th to 5th).
November 1st 2000: Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced that the Rolls-Royce WR21 had been selected as the preferred supplier of a Gas Turbine for the main engines of the first Type 45 destroyers. BAE Systems had run a competition to select the pair of gas turbines that will power each warship. The two principle bids came from Rolls Royce, offering the WR21, and from General Electric, offering the LM2500. Announcing the decision Geoff Hoon said: :
"The prime contractor advised us that both engines met the programme requirements, and either would be acceptable to the Royal Navy. Deciding between the two bids has been a difficult task but, on balance we have decided to select the Rolls Royce WR21.
The LM2500 is a mature product. It is in volume production and it is available at an attractive price. We accept that the WR21 presents a greater degree of risk to the programme. But we had to look at a range of other factors too. The factors, many of which fall outside the Type 45 programme, include the commonality of support arrangements with existing Rolls Royce engines in the Royal Navy. And particular aspects of Royal Navy fleet wide operations for which the Rolls Royce engine is well suited."
Amphibious Ready Group Deployed to Sierra Leone
October 30th 2000: Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced the deployment of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to the troubled West African State of Sierra Leone. The group is lead by the assault ship Fearless and includes the helicopter carrier Ocean and three auxiliaries. They will carry men and equipment from 42 Commando Royal Marines. Announcing the decision to the House of Commons, Mr Hoon said "The Group will include HMS Fearless, HMS Ocean, 3 RFAs and 42 Commando embarked. Whilst in the area, the Group will be able to practice procedures and conduct a detailed reconnaissance both of which will significantly reduce the time needed to deploy should the Rapid Reaction Force be required in future". The diversion comes at the end of a deployement to the Mediterranean. Mr Hoon claims the vessels are an early demonstration of a commitment made to the UN to deploy a Rapid Reaction Force in support of UN troops, if required. The ARG is expected to arrive off Sierra Leone in early November
HMS Marlborough in Aden by Max Schmid
The Type 23 frigate, HMS Marlborough, arrived in Aden on October 13th, only a day after the USS Cole was attacked by suicide bombers in Aden harbor. The frigate, under the command of Captain Anthony Rix, was returning to Portsmouth after several months in the Arabian Gulf when news of the attack on the USS Cole, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, was received. The Royal Navy frigate will remain by the Cole as long as its assistance is required. The attack on the USN warship, which left 17 American sailors dead and 33 injured, was fol l owed by a bombing of the British embassy in Yemen the day HMS Marlborough arrived. Luckily, there were no injuries among the embassy staff. Both attacks have been claimed by Islamic terrorist groups angered by perceived western support of Israel. These te rrorist actions, along with the increased tension in Israel, raise serious questions about the safety of British and American forces in the region. As one Pentagon official admitted, very little could have been done to prevent the attack on the Cole.
First Upholder in Canadian Hands by Max Schmid
At Barrow-in-Furness HMS Upholder became HMCS Victoria in a ceremony that marked the formal hand-over of the first Upholder class SSK from the British Royal Navy to the Canadian Royal Navy. Following the ceremony, which took place last week, Victoria left Britain for Halifax, Canada. It is set to arrive in Canada on the 23rd of October and be commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy on the 18th of November. The vessel has been undergoing a refit for the past two years in Britain as part of a C$750 million dollar contract with the Royal Navy. Three more boats- the remainder of the Upholder class- will be transferred over the next two years and are to be named Windsor, Corner Brook and Chicoutimi.
The history of the Upholders has been controversial. The class (the last conventional submarines to be built for the now all-nuclear Royal Navy) served only two years in British Royal Navy before being withdrawn from front-line service in the early 90s following the Options for Change defence review. After several years in a reserve status, Canada agreed to acquire them for C$750 million. The price included modernization work to be carried out by the British. It has been speculated among British naval circles, though, that the C$750 million will not even cover the price of moderninization at Barrow-in-Furness, not to mention provide any money for the fiscally deprived Royal Navy. In addition, many British submarine experts have been forced to leave work on the Astute class SSNs being built for the British Royal Navy in order to help with the modernization, slowing down work on the already late Astutes. However, despite these setbacks, most are glad to see the Upholders become active NATO units once again.
6th October 2000: Type 42 Destroyer HMS Cardiff and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tanker Black Rover have arrived off the coast of Belize to assist in hurricane relief efforts. Personnel from the two ships are relieving soldiers of No7 Company Coldstream Guards, who have been helping distribute relief aid on the island of Caye Caulker in the wake of Hurricane Keith. The Coldstream Guards are now moving 50 miles north to San Pedro Bay to asses the situation and assist where possible.
Caye Caulker has a population of 870. There is currently no power on the island and all food and water is being brought in by boat. HMS Cardiff’s surgeon and medical team is on hand to treat any injuries and are monitoring the sanitation and health situation. In addition to clearing routes, making buildings safe and continuing to ensure food and water is distributed, the Ship’s Companies are also making safe electric cables so that no further damage is caused when power to the island is eventually restored.
Armed Forces Minister John Spellar said "The people of Belize have my every sympathy in these difficult times. I am pleased that British Forces have been among the first to provide assistance."
4th October 2000: Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh is to succeed Admiral Sir Michael Boyce as Chief of Naval Staff and First Sea Lord in January 2001. Admiral Boyce was appointed Chief of Defence Staff earlier this year. Admiral Essenhigh will be succeeded as Commander in Chief Fleet in November 2000 by Vice Admiral Sir Alan West.
3rd October 2000: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded the contract for the modernisation of RMAS Newton to Ocean Fleets Ltd of Birkenhead. The multi million pound contract includes the detailed development of a life extension programme and the procurement of new equipment. The actual refit itself has been sub-contracted to Wright & Beyer Ltd, which is part of Cammell Laird Holdings PLC.
RMAS Newton is an oceanographic research vessel built in 1976 by Scotts of Greenock. Her modernisation will invlove the replacement of the original diesel engines with three new Ruston RK215 engines.
3rd October 2000: Shipbuilders Vosper Thornycroft warn they may have to lay off up to half their work force if they fail to secure new contracts. Redundancy notices have been issued to 650 members of the 1,200 strong work force. These will come into effect "early next year" if additional work cannot be found before construction of the Type 45 Destroyer Dauntless begins in 2002. Since the completion of RV Triton, the only work currently underway is on the Sandown Class Minesweepers- the last of which will be launched soon.
In a statement the Chief Executive, Martin Jay said "We are taking this action as a precautionary measure. No company can keep people employed indefinatley on maintenance and other temporary work without damaging its overall prospects". He added "Clearly this will be very unsettling news for our workforce. I can assure all our staff that we are working flat out to secure their jobs. I very much hope that it will not be necessary to implement this notice."
There are fears that if workers leave the yard, severe difficulties, such as insufficient expertise and manpower problems, could be encountered when the Type 45 construction programme commences. Martin Jay reassured "'We are still finalising the contracts with the Ministry of Defence for building the Type 45s and their parts but laying off staff would make our life more difficult when it came to building them. It would be a big set back". Vosper Thornycroft are currently in negotiations to move their principle shipbuilding plant from Woolston in Southampton to Portsmouth Dockyard.
| See also: | ......Type 45 Destroyers | ......Sandown Class Minesweepers |
Other September News
Type 42 Destroyer Cardiff came to the rescue of two Honduran fishermen in the West Indies. The two men had drifted for two days after their onboard motor fell into the water. Cardiff is currently on station in the West Indies alongside the RFA tanker Black Rover.
Type 82 Destroyer Bristol left her permenent mooring at Whale Island, Fareham creek, this month and drydock in Portsmouth Navy Base where she has been repainted.The 7,100 tonne Falklands veteren replaced County class Kent as a static training ship in 1991.
British Warships Rescue Greek Ferry Survivors
26 September 2000: The Greek registered ferry Express Samina ran aground two miles off the island of Paros late on Tuesday 26th September 2000. 30-35 knot winds forced the vessel onto the Portes Rocks where she started to take on water and break up. 500 people were forced to jump into the water and by half past midnight she was confirmed as sunk.
35 miles away four British warships- the aircraft carrier Invincible, the frigate Cumberland, destroyer Liverpool and auxiliary Fort George- were diverted to the scene. They launched a total of six helicopters, two Lynx and four Sea King, to assist in the rescue effort. Two Sea King helicopters from HMS Invincible winched a total of 12 people, including two Britons, off the rocks. Once flown back to the carrier, one survivor was treated for hypothermia and the rest for minor bruises, cuts and shock. Invincible's commanding officer Captain Rory McLean spoke afterwards: "This is a tragic accident and I am very glad that we have been able to rescue some of the passengers and help the Greek authorities to undertake this rescue mission." .
Invincible Rescues Crew of Stricken Yacht
19 September 2000 : On Tuesday 19th September the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Invincible came to the aid of a sinking yacht off the North East Algerian coast. The carrier, 15 miles away, received the mayday from the stricken yacht- Kabuki- saying she had lost her sail and was taking on water. A Sea King helicopter was immediately launched and twenty minutes later whinched two Frenchmen from the vessel to safety.
Invincible is in the Mediterranean providing a powerful NATO presence during the Yugoslav elections. She has both Fleet Air Arm (FAA) and Royal Air Force (RAF) Harriers embarked.
Vengeance Fires Trident Missile
September 2000 : The Vanguard class Trident Missile submarine HMS Vengeance has fired her first trident missile. The test firing off America was part of the 16,000 tonnes submarine's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO). Although unarmed, the Trident II D5 ballistic missile was fired at the United States Eastern Test Range in Florida.
The Minister for Defence Procurement, Baroness Symons, witnessed the Test Firing and commented "I was privileged to witness the successful conclusion to HMS Vengeance's DASO. The firing is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all those involved, together with the invaluable support offered by the families of the ship's company."
Grafton Runs Aground
11th September 2000 : The Type 23 Frigate HMS Grafton has ran aground in a Norwegian Fjord on Monday 11th September. Grafton ran aground at Askholmene in Drobak Sound near Oslo. She was returning from a visit to the Norwegian capital, heading out to the open sea in what is a well-marked shipping lane used daily by ferries and cargo vessels. It is believed she strayed off course and when she attempted to correct this she ran aground. An MoD spokesmen merely stated "HMS Grafton struck some rocks as she was leaving Oslo this morning. There are no casualties. We are currently assessing the damage."
The following day oil was pumped out of the vessel in order to lighten her as she was pulled into deeper water by three tugs belonging to Norwegian salvage firm Bukser og Berging. She was then escorted back to Portsmouth for a full examination.
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