Recent tweets of interest
30 Jul 2023 - Click on the linked dates to see all associated photos and videos.
Royal Navy
21 Jul 2023 - “Divers from RN DTXG have trained Ukrainian counterparts how to disarm and defuse Russian bombs and mines from their lands and waterways. In Scotland, personnel from NATO nations trained on finding and safely neutralising mines and other explosive devices.”
18 Jul 2023 - “Divers believe they have found one of six Royal Navy ships lost off Land’s End in WW2. The team came across the remains of what was possibly Landing Craft Tank 488, lost in a storm with 5 sister vessels - and 55 lives - under tow to Asia in Oct 1944.”
10 Jul 2023 - “Two of the Ukrainian Navy’s latest ships have come together with partner nations at the conclusion of Exercise Sea Breeze 2023 in UK waters. This marks the end of this phase of training for Ukrainian ships Chernihiv [ex-HMS Grimsby] and Cherkasy [ex-HMS Shoreham].”
10 Jul 2023 - “Joint training for Royal and US Navy Gulf mine warfare forces was given extra bite with courtesy of fearsome US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts. The tankbusters tested the defensive skills of RFA Cardigan Bay, HMS Bangor, HMS Middleton and HMS Chiddingfold.”
6 Jul 2023 - “There's a home for the King's warship, veteran minesweeper HMS Bronington, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard if she can be salvaged. Enthusiasts reckon £1m is needed to recover the Ton-class vessel, partially sunk in Birkhenhead, in the 1st stage of her restoration.”
4 Jul 2023 - “This is a milestone moment in the future of Royal Navy minehunting ops. Autonomous boats working with RFA Stirling Castle was described as "significant" and "allowing our autonomous vessels to be used in a wider range of environment."“
4 Jul 2023 - “Trials of future Royal Navy minehunting saw autonomous vessels that can detect underwater threats work with RFA Stirling Castle. The RFA ship will host autonomous minehunting kit on board when she's operational and recent tests were a first crucial step.”
UK Military & Defence Staff in US
13 Jul 2023 - “Detecting, identifying and safely neutralising mines and explosives is tough enough - but underwater even more so. Divers from the Royal Navy joined NATO Allies from the USA, France, Belgium and Germany in educating Ukrainian counterparts, as part of the UK's commitment to training Ukrainian military personnel.”
28 Jun 2023 - “After an undersea explosion, gathering evidence is tough. But a ‘maritime post-blast investigation’ course at Naval Air Station, Florida with the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group, is helping both the Royal Navy and the US Navy prepare for the challenge.”
Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force
30 Jun 2023 - “We are at sea with RFA Cardigan Bay supporting maritime security in the Gulf.”
27 Jun 2023 - “Recently we practised the very important skill of rafting – here are RNMB Harrier, our autonomous vessel, and HMS Middleton rafting alongside RFA Cardigan Bay.”
NATO ACT (Allied Command Transformation)
13 Jul 2023 - “Sea Breeze series is a multinational maritime exercise led by the USA to enhance the Black Sea naval capabilities with Allies and partners. The Ukrainian Navy sails next to Allies & partners off the coast of Scotland.”
NATO Maritime Command
13 Jul 2023 - “SNMCMG1 helped partner nation Ukraine boost its minehunting capability and interoperability with NATO during Ex Sea Breeze, off Scottish coast. Since 1997, this exercise has always been about working together. Read more: https://mc.nato.int/media-centre/news/2023/nato-ships-boost-interoperability-with-ukraine-in-exercise-sea-breeze-off-scottish-coast.”
10 Jul 2023 - “After 6 months under Norwegian Command, Poland properly relieved Norway as the new commander of SNMCMG1, emphasizing the continued commitment of the two nations to safeguard maritime activities.”
6 Jul 2023 - “After 12 months under Turkish Command, Italy took over as the new commander of SNMCMG2. In the last year 9 Allied nations participated in the task group, taking part in 6 major NATO exercises, projecting allied readiness and resolve. Read more: https://mc.nato.int/media-centre/news/2023/italy-takes-command-of-nato-mine-countermeasures-group-two.”
29 Jun 2023 - “SNMCMG1 ships take part in Exercise Sea Breeze off the coast of Scotland. NATO and national exercises enhance integration among allies and interoperability with partners.”
24 Jun 2023 - “SNMG1 & SNMCMG1 exercised with 19 NATO allies and 1 partner throughout BALTOP23, welcoming FNS Katanpää as a NATO ally for the first time. Practising integration & interoperability demonstrates international resolve to defend the Baltic Sea. Read more: https://mc.nato.int/media-centre/news/2023/finnish-minehunter-operates-with-nato-maritime-task-group-during-exercise-baltops-23.”
STRIKFORNATO
12 Jul 2023 - “Neptune Strike continues to showcase NATO interoperability & combined capacity. ITS Viareggio & USS Paul Ignatius are demonstrating NATO's ability to provide safe passage for shipping in a simulated mined environment.”
Commander Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1)
26 Jul 2023 - “The SNMCMG1 forces have departed from Port Visby on Gotland and commenced intensive exercises with the Swedish Navy. This is a perfect opportunity to enhance our maritime skills and strengthen cooperation with our Swedish partners.”
20 Jul 2023 - “SNMCMG1 operates actively in the Baltic Sea. Combining international young spirit, experience, knowledge, military equipment, and then harmonizing them, leads to increased capabilities and interoperability of NATO's maritime component.”
13 Jul 2023 - “Over the past few days, SNMCMG1 has been patrolling the southern Baltic and the vicinity of Bornholm. Today, the German ship FGS Bad Bevensen joins SNMCMG1. Ready to take on challenging tasks in order to enhance readiness and interoperability. A warm welcome.”
10 Jul 2023 - “Świnoujście, Poland - Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) transferred command from the Royal Norwegian Navy to the Polish Navy during a ceremony held at the Naval Base.”
Commander Standing NATO MCM Group 2 (SNMCMG2)
29 Jul 2023 - “SNMCMG2 NATO Task Group 441.04 keeps on training in the Mediterranean Sea. Never give up!”
28 Jul 2023 - “SNMCMG2 meets Cdre Stroude TG SNMG2 for an intensive and invaluable training day:
HMS DUNCAN ITS STROMBOLI
USS RAMAGE TCG ERDEK
TCG GKOCEADA ITS VIAREGGIO
ITS CARABINIERE
Interoperability is key to successful NATO MAROPS.”
24 Jul 2023 - “SNMCMG2 says “arrivederci” to Greece, after a PVT in Souda. Perfect opportunity to make some sports activities and enjoy warm hospitality of RADM Themistoklis Papadimitriou Commander of the NMIOTC. Welcome to TCG ERDEK who has just joined the group.”
21 Jul 2023 - “The Flagship ITS Stromboli and ITS Viareggio, heading to Souda Naval Base, conducting mail bag transfer.”
18 Jul 2023 - “Busy PVT in Taranto having the opportunity to tribute a visit to the MARINA SUD, RADM F. BIAGGI as well as a warm welcome in the MARICENTADD, by the RADM M. Montoneri. Happy to host Cdr Tarhoaca of Romanian training ship Mircea.”
14 Jul 2023 - “Taranto port visit. Commander of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) paid a courtesy call to the Commander of Southern Maritime Italian Interregional Command, Rear Admiral Flavio BIAGGI.”
12 Jul 2023 - “ITS Stromboli and ITS Viareggio conducted advanced training with USS Paul Ignatius and USNS Leroy Grumman.”
11 Jul 2023 - “ITS STROMBOLI and ITS VIAREGGIO passing STROM (Strait Of Messina). First time at sea since Italy took over the Command of the Group.”
6 Jul 2023 - “For the second semester of 2023 the SNMCMG2 command mandate is assumed by the Italian Navy. Cpt AKYAZI handed over the command to Cpt RONCO. The change of command ceremony has been held in La Spezia (Italy) onboard the new flagship ITS STROMBOLI.”
1 Jul 2023 - “After a three-month deployment, ITS ALGHERO from Italian Navy detached SNMCMG2. It was a privilege and pleasure to sail with them. COMSNMCMG2 greatly appreciates their outstanding performance and professionalism. Fair winds and following seas!”
HMS BROCKLESBY (MCM2 Crew 1/7)
19 Jul 2023 - “Crew 7 were lucky enough to spend the afternoon at the historic Map Room of Southwick Park, this was apart of the planning rooms for the D-Day landings. Thank you to Southwick Park for facilitating this visit!”
18 Jul 2023 - “Apologies for our absence on Twitter, HMS BROCKLESBY said goodbye to Crew 1 and hello to our new crew - MCM2 Crew 7!”
HMS CATTISTOCK (MCM2 Crew 1)
11 Jul 2023 - “2nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron Crew 1’s Cricket Club 1st XI side for their inaugural bilateral T20 match vs HMS Sultan featuring players from HMS Severn. The result was less important as cricket was the real winner!”
28 Jun 2023 - “Great to host Penny Mordaunt MP on board recently. Discussing and demonstrating the important role Mine Counter Measures Vessels play in UK defence.”
HMS HURWORTH (MCM2 Crew 8)
19 Jul 2023 - “Earning a crust up here off the stunning west coast of Scotland and a navigation exercise for the seaboat to collect fresh bread and croissants from the excellent Blackwater Bakehouse on Arran. Ready for another week at sea!”
13 Jul 2023 - “Who doesn't love a day in Anti-Flash? Practicing OOW Manoeuvres and FIAC engagements with HMS Penzance (MCM1 Crew 1).”
13 Jul 2023 - “Flash Bosun: our Yeoman exchanging messages with HMS Kent. Fast and almost impossible to intercept, visual signalling is still going strong.”
11 Jul 2023 - “Thank you LÉ Samuel Becket for capturing our good side. Any excuse to break out the big flag.”
11 Jul 2023 - “Dublin, Guinness, followed by OOW Manoeuvres with LÉ Samuel Becket. Thank you for the hospitality, can't wait to come back.”
28 Jun 2023 - “Crew 8 Clearance Divers are at Horsea Island today, doing their best to escape the heat (and all of their admin).”
HMS LEDBURY (MCM2 Crew 3)
26 Jul 2023 - “This week, we continue our preparations to return to Front Line Operations by exercising members of the Ship's Protection Force. Thank you HMS Collingwood for accommodating us.”
12 Jul 2023 - “Today the Ship's Mine Clearance Divers are back in the water for some routine training as part of our preparations for returning back to operations. Thank you DEMS Training Regiment, UK Army Logistics and LWC UK for supporting.”
28 Jun 2023 - “On Monday, some of the Team were honoured to join other MCM2 Crews, HQ Staff and BAE Systems plc to be hosted by Royal Navy Hon. Captain Penny Mordaunt MP in London where we visited the UK Parliament and 10 Downing Street.”
HMS MIDDLETON (MCM2 Crew 6)
14 Jul 2023 - “The week also saw MIDDLETON conduct a personnel swap with our sister ship USS DEXTEROUS. Sharing knowledge and expertise on mine hunting help us work better together.”
13 Jul 2023 - “Following on our recent adventures… We conducted a large scale mine hunting exercise with Commander UKMCMF and HMS Bangor (the second best mine hunter in the Persian Gulf). A US ship and a US Air Force A10 Warthog provided cover from simulated surface and aerial attack!“
12 Jul 2023 - “We kicked off our period at sea hosting six US Navy Midshipmen while on their summer leave from the Naval Academy, Annapolis. We showed them how our Royal Navy vessels operate while deployed!”
11 Jul 2023 - “Last week our US 5th Fleet partners celebrated 4th July. It only seems appropriate to share with you our close working through the last few weeks. Over the next few days we will highlight what it is we’ve been up to!”
3 Jul 2023 - “Dub(h)ai there! We have recently had our first port visit of our deployment with HMS Bangor. Taking a short break from operational tasking, we stopped in Dubai for a few days rest and sight-seeing!”
1 Jul 2023 - “We’ve been working with the Mine Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG), helping in their trials of RNMB Harrier, one of the Royal Navy’s newest autonomous capabilities.”
30 Jun 2023 - “It’s been a busy integration period for Crew 6 on Middleton. Most recently we’ve been a bit tied up with RFA Cardigan Bay!”
29 Jun 2023 - “Crew 6 are back! MCM2 Crew 6 have returned to the Gulf after 2 years of UK tasking and training. Lt Cdr Alex Knight takes command of HMS Middleton from Lt Cdr Gemma Britton.”
HMS PENZANCE (MCM1 Crew 1)
13 Jul 2023 - “Last weekend we came alongside Liverpool in between some intensive tasking to give the Ship’s Company a bit of well earned respite! Thank you for having us!”
HMS PUNCHER
19 Jul 2023 - “Above and below the waves in Portland this week with HMS Dasher and HMS Exploit. Working in partnership with 845 NAS and RN MTXG; a clear demonstration of P2000s utility and versatility.”
Mine Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG)
24 Jul 2023 - “Coxn training on RNMB HELLCAT today!”
20 Jul 2023 - “RNMB HEBE in Campbeltown earlier this week.”
18 Jul 2023 - “IVER operating from HMS Puncher.”
12 Jul 2023 - “A photo of RNMB HELLCAT conducting ROV missions yesterday taken by the crew of RNMB HEBE.”
11 Jul 2023 - “Towed Side Scan Sonar launch in a sunny Scotland yesterday.”
6 Jul 2023 - “Throwback Thursday to some of our boats working from Ardrossan.”
28 Jun 2023 - “Preparing to launch Video Ray Defender ROV to go and identify contacts.”
RNAS Culdrose
24 Jun 2023 - “Royal Navy Bomb Disposal divers making a splash in the military village during Armed Forces Day in Falmouth today.”
L.É. Samuel Beckett
11 Jul 2023 - “An absolute pleasure to work alongside HMS Hurworth this week! A great opportunity to increase our skills.”
Penny Mordaunt MP
29 Jun 2023 - “Proud to have hosted MCM2 Squadron and Cdr A H Visram at the House of Commons on Monday and to have helped raise awareness of the vital tasks they do for our security and prosperity. They are Royal Navy concentrated: intense work, lean crews, huge responsibility on young, shoulders, massive impact. Thank you.”
UK Defence Journal
15 Jul 2023 - “The Ukrainian Navy's newest vessels, Chernihiv and Cherkasy, have concluded their latest training phase in Scotland as part of Exercise Sea Breeze 2023.”
13 Jul 2023 - “HMS Hurworth and LÉ Samuel Beckett sailed together following a visit to Dublin by the British vessel.”
Navy Lookout
23 Jul 2023 - “RFA Stirling Castle seen from RFA Tidesurge in Portland harbour yesterday.”
23 Jul 2023 - “Up close with RFA Stirling Castle – first of the navy’s new motherships.”
23 Jul 2023 - “HMS Pembroke alongside in Pembroke for the final time before decommissioning. Having previously been awarded the freedom of the town, the ship’s company will be exercising their right to march through the town today.”
21 Jul 2023 - “RN DTXG have been training Ukrainian Navy divers, and EOD personnel in bomb disposal and mine warfare techniques in the waters of Loch Ewe.”
18 Jul 2023 - “HMS Pembroke alongside at HMS President, RNR London.”
14 Jul 2023 - “HMS Pembroke is alongside in London for a ceremony to mark the re-naming of the First MCM Squadron (based at Faslane) to the Mine Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG).
14 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside arrived in Portsmouth today.”
13 Jul 2023 - “RFA Stirling Castle outbound from Devonport this afternoon to begin FOST period.”
13 Jul 2023 - “Autonomous/optionally crewed mine warfare boat RNMB Apollo heading up the Thames this morning.”
13 Jul 2023 - “Now alongside with HMS Pembroke and HMS President RNR.”
13 Jul 2023 - “HMS Pembroke heading up the Thames this morning - will be alongside at HMS President RNR in London.”
13 Jul 2023 - “SMB (Survey Motor Boat) Shackleton and RNMB (Royal Navy Motor Boat - mine warfare) Hellcat outbound from Faslane at Rhu this morning.”
12 Jul 2023 - “A photo of RNMB HELLCAT conducting ROV missions yesterday taken by the crew of RNMB HEBE.”
11 Jul 2023 - “Following visit to Dublin, HMS Hurworth conducts Officer of the Watch manoeuvres with Irish OPV LÉ Samuel Beckett.”
10 Jul 2023 - “Ukrainian Naval Ships Chernihiv (ex-HMS Grimsby) and Cherkasy (ex-HMS Shoreham) made brief visit to Fairlie Quay on Firth of Clyde this morning.”
4 Jul 2023 - “New in-depth technical briefing article: Up close with RFA Stirling Castle - first of the navy's new motherships.
https://navylookout.com/up-close-with-rfa-stirling-castle-first-of-the-navys-new-motherships/”
30 Jun 2023 - “RFA Stirling Castle inbound to Devonport this afternoon.”
27 Jun 2023 - “Autonomous minehunter RNMB Harrier practices rafting up with HMS Middleton and RFA Cardigan Bay in the Gulf.”
26 Jun 2023 - “Ex-HMS Cromer arrived in Portsmouth last week - used as Static Training Vessel Hindostan at Dartmouth BRNC. Being stored temporarily in Portsmouth while Jetties are being refurbished at Dartmouth.”
27 Jun 2023 - “NATO warships have assembled in Glasgow ahead of exercise Alba Breeze held on behalf of Ukraine who have just taken possession of ex-RN minehunters - UNS Cherkasy & Chernihiv. (NATO exercise Sea Breeze normally held in the Black Sea).”
24 Jun 2023 - “Ukraine Navy Sandown Class Minesweepers UNS Cherkasy and Chernihiv (ex HMS Shoreham and Grimsby) inbound to Glasgow this afternoon.”
24 Jun 2023 - “Norwegian MCM support ship HNoMS Nordkapp (COM SNMCMG1) also heading up the Clyde this afternoon - joining a gathering of 10 (so far) vessels in King George V Dock Glasgow.”
24 Jun 2023 - “HNLMS Mercuur, Snellius, Makkum and Vlaardingen on the Clyde - inbound to Glasgow yesterday.”
23 Jun 2023 - “Apache departs from HMS Queen Elizabeth yesterday as ex-HMS Cromer towed into the basin - presumably to await disposal.”
Royal Navy in Wales Cymru
21 Jul 2023 - “Today HMS Pembroke docked in Pembroke for the final time before decommissioning. Having previously been awarded the freedom of the town the ship’s company will be exercising their right to march through the town on Sunday.”
Amy Savage
26 Jul 2023 - “HMS Middleton departing HMNB Portsmouth, 26 July 2021.”
15 Jul 2023 - “Small detour on the way home from holiday to see Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside alongside HMNB Portsmouth.”
6 Jul 2023 - “HMS Cattistock departing HMNB Portsmouth 6 July 2020 (From The Archives).”
28 Jun 2023 - “HMSCattistock arriving HMNB Portsmouth 28 June 2020 (From The Archives).”
Steve A Wenham
25 Jul 2023 - “DSB Volcano one of the RNs busier work boats heading out yesterday.”
25 Jul 2023 - “North Corner with Dilligence alongside.”
22 Jul 2023 - “HMS Hurworth arriving back this morning.”
22 Jul 2023 - “Ummm goodbye! It appears HMCS Shawinigan departed yesterday unannounced.”
21 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Shawinigan now on North Wall.”
18 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Shawinigan seen yesterday evening dressed overall for the Queen's birthday.”
18 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Summerside departed yesterday.”
16 Jul 2023 - “Canadians alongside (HMCS Shawinigan and Summerside).”
15 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Summerside arrives in Portsmouth.”
14 Jul 2023 - “HMCS Shawinigan and Summerside arrived at Portsmouth today.”
12 Jul 2023 - “When HMS Hurworth cosied up to HMS Queen Elizabeth.”
5 Jul 2023 - “HMS Hurworth arrives back.”
28 Jun 2023 - “Navy work boats galore at Victoria Quay yesterday.”
27 Jun 2023 - “Walney and Cromer tucked away in 3 Basin.”
23 Jun 2023 - “Ex Cromer being nudged into the dock destined for 3 basin today to join sister Walney.”
23 Jun 2023 - “Ex Cromer - looks like her days are numbered and will be stored at Portsmouth.”
Iain Cameron
26 Jun 2023 - “HMS Pembroke M-107 passing Gourock today outbound from Glasgow.”
26 Jun 2023 - “Estonian Navy ENS Sakala [ex-HMS Inverness] M-314 passing Gourock today outbound from Glasgow.”
24 Jun 2023 - “Ukraine Navy ship UNS Chernihiv M-310 [ex-HMS Grimsby] passing Greenock today inbound for Glasgow.”
24 Jun 2023 - “Ukraine Navy ship UNS Chernihiv M-310 [ex-HMS Grimsby] passing Greenock today inbound for Glasgow
Paul Sweeney
26 Jun 2023 - “Proud that Glasgow is hosting Exercise Alba Breeze on behalf of our Ukraine Navy friends, who have just taken possession of ex-Royal Navy Sandown Class Minesweepers UNS Cherkasy and Chernihiv. The NATO Exercise, normally held in the Black Sea, will help build their capabilities.”
Chris Webb
20 Jul 2023 - “Royal Navy Illustrations. HMS Penzance in Bahrain.”