The Defence Secretary has praised the Royal Navy’s professionalism after witnessing the advanced sea training which prepares British, allied and partner warships for operations.
Michael Fallon flew today to the Royal Navy’s newest Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, from where he observed the rigorous training Ships’ Companies go through in the English Channel near Plymouth.
The intense training simulates air attacks from fast jets, submarine and missile engagements, flood and fire emergencies and tests each crew’s ability to deal with the pressure surrounding a series of potential setbacks.
Escorted by Rear Admiral Ben Key, Flag Officer Sea Training, Mr Fallon also witnessed action messing – the emergency distribution of meals in the ship’s mess – which was used to feed hundreds of British citizens for real during evacuations from Libya in 2011.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “It has been deeply impressive to witness the professional and intense training that takes place here to prepare the Royal Navy for operations around the world.
”It has been a pleasure to see the Type 45 destroyer class in action, which along with the QE class aircraft carriers shows we have world leading maritime capability.”
His visit coincided with a milestone for Royal Navy operations. In Camp Bastion crew members from the Sea King helicopter 854 Naval Air Squadron witnessed the lowering of a White Ensign, marking the final contribution of the last fully formed Royal Naval unit on operations in Afghanistan.
854 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) played a vital role, flying the Sea King Mk 7 Airborne Surveillance and Control Squadron (SKASaCS) aircraft for more than 9,000 hours over 2,000 sorties to support troops on the ground as part of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing.
The Defence Secretary said: “I am pleased to be able to pay tribute to the contribution made by 854 Naval Air Squadron, which has played an essential role in supporting troops on the ground in Afghanistan.”
The Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, said: “The contribution of the SKASaC force over five years has been magnificent, taking the fight to a determined enemy in a vastly unfamiliar environment. Your vital work saved many lives and proved the value of the aircraft over land.”
As well as the Fleet Air Arm, thousands of members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have previously served in Afghanistan in support of Op HERRICK. During Herrick 5 in 2006 and 2007 and Herrick 9 in 2008 and 2009, 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines HQ and 42 Commando RM and 45 Commando RM were deployed. At those times Royal Navy and Royal Marines made up around 40 per cent of UK troops.
Individuals from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will continue to serve in Afghanistan until the conclusion of combat operations by the end of the year.