The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Warship fires in Falklands
Frigate deploys shells as part of military exercise with Army
A Royal Navy frigate has opened fire in the Falkland Islands – as part of an exercise with the Army.
HMS Iron Duke fired 136 shells during a day of highexplosive training in San Carlos Water and Falkland Sound – the scene 32 years ago of the landings to retake the islands from the Argentinians.
The Portsmouth-based warship, which is in the latter
“An opportunity for Iron Duke to show off her gunnery skills”
stages of a six-month Atlantic deployment, teamed up with the islands’ Roule-ment Infantry Company and 148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal Artillery for the combined Army-Navy exercise.
Major Mick O’Connor, the naval gunfire liaison officer, said: “In my many years of conducting naval gunfire support this was undoubtedly the most accurate display I have seen.
“If I were to be ashore calling in the gunnery I would have no hesitation if I knew it were HMS Iron Duke providing the cover.”
Iron Duke’s commanding officer Commander Tom Tredray said: “The whole serial proved the strong relationship between land and sea forces and highlighted the Royal Navy’s ability to support land operations with timely and effective fire – known within the service as ‘joint fires’. It was a great practice for all involved and an opportunity for Iron Duke to show off her gunnery skills.”