Stalwarts of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre, entered the last phase of their replacement with the addition of HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer to operational duty.
The new vessels are P2000s and add a considerable increase in capability to patrol and defend the sovereignty of BGTW. During the 5-week training package, Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron prepared both craft to deliver its standing tasking in Gibraltar, and is now ready to deliver its mission to Commander British Forces Gibraltar.
Lt Cdr Lloyd Cardy RN, the Commanding Officer of the Squadron said, “The arrival of the two P2000s to the Squadron is of great benefit to our personnel and the mission. We are suitably equipped to counter the challenges of the local environmental conditions and the added size of the craft offers an increase to our physical presence on the water. We are very proud to welcome the two units to the Squadron as an interim replacement until the newly designed craft arrive.”
The designation of the craft is only temporary until two new boats, constructed on Merseyside reach the Rock. They form part of a £9.9m deal with an envisaged delivery date of late 2021 through to 2023.
Royal Battery Return
The Union Flag too pride-of-place once again at Royal Battery following essential remedial work to the flag pole.
Each year, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation inspects and checks the masts and towers around the MoD estate in Gibraltar.
In this instance, the refurbishment took a little longer than
anticipated, but the dedication of those involved in the remedial works means that the Union Flag will fly proudly for a considerable time to come.
Airfield exercise
The airfield at RAF Gibraltar was put through its paces for an exercise involving personnel from the Airfield Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS), Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP).
The western end of the runway played host to the event that all airfields in close proximity to the sea are mandated to do.
The routine event is designed to make sure that each unit that takes part is able to communicate, collaborate and act in the most efficient manner possible.
Among the scenarios rehearsed was a runway accident at sea to test RAF Gibraltar’s offshore rescue capability.
