On patrol...Royal Navy’s newest ship
THE Royal Navy’s newest patrol ship docked in her home base port yesterday.
HMS Forth, which can carry out duties from fishery protection to counter-piracy, from anti-terrorism to humanitarian relief, is the first of five new patrol vessels due by 2020.
The Navy says the £110million ships operating out of Portsmouth will become its “eyes and ears around the UK” as well as protecting the Falklands and deploying around the world.
The 2,000-ton vessels are four knots faster than the existing 15-year-old patrol ships with a top speed of 24 knots and have more powerful armaments.
Built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, the Forth is fitted with a 30mm automatic cannon as the main armament instead of the 20mm gun on her older sisters. The cannon is backed up by two Miniguns and four machine guns.
Normally operating with a crew of 34, the Forth has room for 70 sailors plus accommodation for 50 Royal Marines.
She is supported by a Merlin-size helicopter and is capable of staying at sea for 35 days.
Commander Bob Laverty said: “It’s a huge privilege to be the first commanding officer of HMS Forth.
“I am delighted to be the first to bring her into Portsmouth.
“These ships are vastly more capable and can provide the Royal Navy with a range of flexibility from fishery protection to deploying overseas on counter-smuggling operations and protecting British Overseas Territories.”
HMS Forth is expected to undertake her first naval deployment later this year.
She will be followed into service by HMS Trent, Medway, Tamar and Spey.