Royal Navy in largest deployment of recent years
THE Royal Navy is preparing to set sail for one of its largest deployments of recent years with the biggest RN Task Force to deploy to the Far East in more than a decade - headed by Plymouth's HMS Bulwark.
Taurus 09 aims to maintain the Royal Navy’s fighting capability as well as develop the UK’s 'capacity to operate with key partners and allies'.
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HMS Bulwark
The Task Force will conduct a wide range of activities including maritime security operations and exercising amphibious and anti-submarine warfare.
The Task Force comprises 12 ships, including a US Navy destroyer and a French Navy frigate, two nuclear powered submarines, Royal Marines from 40 Commando in Taunton, the Fleet Diving Unit, Assault Squadron Royal Marines from Plymouth, elements of 820 and 857 Naval Air Squadrons (NAS) from RNAS Culdrose, 847 NAS and Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) Sea Kings based in Yeovil and Support Helicopter Force Chinooks from 18 Squadron, RAF Odiham.
It will be joined by ships, troops and aircraft from other nations and at its height, 3,300 personnel will take part in the 20,400 mile round-trip deployment, interacting, training and building relations with 17 nations.
Minister of State for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth MP said: "In addition to the Royal Navy’s contribution to current operations, exercising its open ocean and amphibious capability is vital to demonstrating its global reach and maintaining its capacity to deliver maritime security.
"This deployment illustrates the Navy’s versatility. It is a world class service and deploying this task group will hone its warfighting skills."
Phase One will involve amphibious training with nations in the Mediterranean, culminating in a series of amphibious landings in Turkey.
Phase Two will see part of the Task Group deploy through the Suez Canal, culminating in a multi-national training package in the jungles of Brunei. River training will also be conducted with the Bangladeshi Navy, the first such interaction in more than a decade.
Spearheading the deployment from his Command Ship, Devonport's, HMS Bulwark, is Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson CBE ADC, Commander UK Amphibious Task Group.
He said: "Taurus is a great opportunity for the Royal Navy to demonstrate and practice a wide range of skills, specifically anti-submarine and amphibious warfare.
"Everybody involved is looking forward to this deployment, which has real opportunities for all.
"Deploying a maritime force across the globe for prolonged periods defines a premier Navy’s capability. It is what we do and we do it well. It is important for UK defence that we can take such a commitment in our stride."
The Task Force is expected to return in August.
Ships involved in TAURUS 09 are:
Landing Platform Dock (LPD) HMS BULWARK*
Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) HMS OCEAN*
Type 23 Frigate HMS ARGYLL
Type 23 Frigate HMS SOMERSET*
United States Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS MITSCHER*
French Navy Georges Leygues-class Frigate FS DUPLEIX
RFA MOUNTS BAY
RFA LYME BAY
RFA WAVE RULER*
RFA FORT AUSTIN
2 x Trafalgar Class submarines
Exercises will be conducted with countries including Malta, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.
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by Debra Hillier, United Kingdom
Tuesday, February 24 2009, 10:20PM
“One of my close friends has been in the Royal Navy for 26 years. However, he has recently decided to come out due to the way the navy opperates. So many others excluding my friend, have also gave in their notice. It worries me to think that nobody has even wondered why so many people on HMS Argyll have done this. I could tell you, its because of poor conditions, sheer unhappyness and the infuriating idea of never knowing if your coming or going. This is taking its toll on the families at home aswell. Instead of the Navy sending us letters thanking us for our support, telling us about there personnel going ashore to ¿relieve tensions¿ they should support the fact that we are still stuck at home in the same position of struggling to keep our family afloat. There is no recognition for the families at home whatsoever, are reward is more endless confusion. In my opinion, the Navy just don¿t care, and this is why people are starting to leave this force.”
by Wendy Henson, burton upon trent
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 8:21PM
“Three of my children are in the forces (2 in the RN and 1 serving in Afgan in the Army) I am immensely proud of all of them. They are all part of one big team that needs our support and encouragement. Come on, we can do that for our serving personnel. Good luck and come home safe.”
by Anon, Plymouth
Thursday, January 29 2009, 1:57PM
“In reply to 1 rifles, sangin, helmand, I think you need to grow up. You are obviously a very bitter person and have no respect for your fellow service men/women in the Royal Navy, who also do a fantastic job flying the flag for our country, although agreed they are not being shot at every day. I have every respect for all the soldiers fighting and risking their lives every day in Afghanistan and I think they are are doing a fantastic job. However, I think your comments made against Navy boys, as you put it, is totally unfair and completely out of order. If you are so bitter about the "navy boys" going on a jolly (shows how ignorant you are) then why didnt you join the navy in the first place. Get a life mate............”
by Dee, Plym
Wednesday, January 28 2009, 12:04PM
“Was it a figment of my imagination that other half was out in the gulf on a 6 month delpoyment on Chatham last year? The Navy have an important part to play too - anyone who says otherwise is ill informed and immature to say the least.”
by Boris Napper, Beerfridge
Wednesday, January 28 2009, 10:32AM
“Rifle 1 must me taking advantage of tier 2 accom in Bastion with his wifi and all that.
Theres a few other regiments who would probably "want words" with him also..considering his bone remarks.”