Recent ‘X’s (formerly Tweets) of interest
18 Jul 2024 - Click on the linked dates to see all associated photos and videos.
Royal Navy
25 Jun 2024 - “The Royal Navy has successfully used its smallest warships as a launchpad for autonomous mine hunting operations for the first time. Members of the RN MTXG deployed with patrol ships of the Coastal Forces Squadron during Baltops 24.”
HMS BANGOR
11 Jul 2024 - “We celebrated AG1 Beach from TF52, part of @US5thFleet, who chose our ship as a unique location for her re-enlistment ceremony.
The ceremony combined UK and US traditions to mark continuing service, highlighting close ties between UK-US mine warfare commands in the gulf.”
28 Jun 2024 - “This Armed Forces Week we celebrated the commitment of our sailors deployed overseas🌍
Members of our Ships Company proudly received the Kings Coronation Medal, honouring their dedication to service🎖️”
26 Jun 2024 - “MCM crew 10 have successfully handed over HMS BANGOR to the incoming MCM Crew 9. 🤝
We thank Crew 10 for their hard work and look forward to seeing them in theatre when they come back from the UK.”
16 Jun 2024 - “On behalf of Crew 10 on HMS BANGOR, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day – especially to our Dads currently onboard!”
HMS CATTISTOCK
5 Jun 2024 - “The tiniest gesture to keep honouring the daring sacrifice made 80 years ago at Pegasus Bridge.”
4 Jun 2024 - “An honour to accompany the Veterans in the Flotilla which departed Portsmouth today. Thanks to the A-400 for the flypast! Safe journey to all.”
4 Jun 2024 - “Ready to accompany our D-Day Veterans on the journey to Normandy once again.”
3 Jun 2024 - “Looking carefully above the foresight of this GMPG you can make out the Paddle Group, Royal Marines Association a few nautical miles into their 90-mile journey. Bravo! Fair winds and seas. See you in Normandy! ”
HMS CHIDDINGFOLD
17 Jul 2024 - “Crew 2 return home for some well-earned leave after completing their K3. BZ Crew 3 for a job well done 👏
We wish you all fair winds 🌬️ and following seas 🌊 in your next roles!
We welcome Lt Cdr Craig Clark and Crew 3 to Bahrain for their first KIPION rotation 🌞”
14 Jul 2024 - “We are back at sea honing our skills. We conducted a gunnery serial and a man overboard exercise 🏊♂️ amongst other training.
These drills keep us sharp and ready for any eventuality 💪”
11 Jul 2024 - “Lights out and away we go! 🚥 Over our recent support period alongside Bahrain Ships Company took part in adventurous training.
Racing at the Bahrain F1 Go Karting 🏎️ circuit competition was fierce but we have our champion! 🥇”
16 Jun 2024 - “Wishing our Fathers and loved ones at home a happy Father’s Day from HMS CHIDDINGFOLD!”
29 May 2024 - “Working alongside Royal Navy Divers🤿(MTXG XU2), CHID operated a new REMUS 300 autonomous mine hunting system, in the Arabian Gulf.
Helping maintain our leading position in mine countermeasure operations.”
7 May 2024 - “As part of an exercise with Saudi-led Combined Task Force 152 of CMF Bahrain, HMS Khalid and HMS Chiddingfold conducted a joint patrol. 🚢🚢
The patrol demonstrated interoperability between a Royal Navy unit and one of the UK’s key regional allies.”
HMS MIDDLETON
16 Jul 2024 - “Man Overboard? Not anymore!🛟 Quick thinking and practice ensures we are ready for anything 💪
Teamwork and quick reactions can save the day!”
11 Jul 2024 - “Firing away in the Gulf! Showcasing our precision and power with the 30MM cannon 💪
Nothing beats the roar of the sea 🌊 and the thrill of Naval might! ⚓️”
28 Jun 2024 - “We sailed to the Gulf of Oman in our efforts to maintain a continuous Mine Countermeasure presence. 💪
Commissioned in 1983, HMS Middleton and crews have tirelessly provided support both in the UK and overseas for over 40 years!”
24 Jun 2024 - “The ship was proud to be able to celebrate #INWED24 yesterday with our amazing ME and WE team. 💪”
21 Jun 2024 - “Congratulations to AB(Diver) Every and LET(ME) Addicott who were awarded with the Sailor and Engineer of the Deployment. They were presented their commendation by Captain Pressdee RN, who congratulated them on their hard work and effort.”
16 Jun 2024 - “Following a busy period at sea⛵ spending time away from home can be difficult, especially when away for events like Father’s Day. Sunset downers & camaraderie goes towards making up for it!
We wish a happy Father’s day to those at home and at sea 🌊”
5 May 2024 - “HMS Middleton has entered drydock. Whilst in drydock, the ship’s company will be working tirelessly on the ship, ensuring she is ready to reassure our partners and allies in the region.”
NATO Maritime Command
9 Jul 2024 - “Exercise Sea Breeze 24 took place off the coast of Glasgow. SNMCMG1 supported the Ukraine Navy training with Mine Countermeasure vessels Chernihiv and Cherkasy, part of a long-term multinational plan to maintain readiness between NATO allies and Partners in the Black Sea region.”
7 Jun 2024 - “During Op Sea Guardian Flagship HRV Dubrovnik conducted a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with units from NATO SNMCMG2. Our multinational forces work together to keep peace and preserve security in the Mediterranean.”
4 Jun 2024 - “SNMCMG2 successfully hunts for the hidden threat of historic sea mines under the sea during Ex Mare Aperto / Polaris / ITAMINEX 24, a high-intensity tactical exercise off the coast of Corsica and Cagliari.”
COM SNMCMG2 (Commander Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2)
15 Jul 2024 - “Today, Rear Admiral Giacinto Sciandra commander of the Italian Maritime Forces (COMITMARFOR) and commander of the Maritime Component (COM MCC) of the NATO RESPONSE FORCE 24 (NRF 24) came onboard ROS BALESCU to bid us farewell as we were preparing to head off to sea again.
It was an honour to meet you sir, thank you for the warm welcome and all your support!
13 Jul 2024 - “SNMCMG2 logistic stop in Taranto Naval Base over the weekend. Following a week of intensive training at sea, which mainly focused on combat enhancement and force integration serials including replenishment at sea, towing, fire-fighting, and manoeuvring exercises, the group has become even stronger and more cohesive. These trainings have significantly enhanced the operational capabilities and readiness of SNMCMG2.
Over the course of this weekend, SNMCMG2 is performing a port stop in Taranto. During this period at port, COM SNMCMG2 has met with Vice Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, the esteemed Commander of the Southern Italy Territorial Region. COM SNMCMG2 expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and support provided by the Italian Navy, emphasising the importance of these logistic stops in maintaining the effectiveness of the group’s capabilities.
9 Jul 2024 - “During the first port visit of our deployment, in Aksaz, the units conducted logistic replenishments, but also COM SNMCMG2 along with COS SNMCMG2 and the two commanding officers of ROS BALESCU and TCG ENEZ have met with local military authorities Rear Admiral LH Neslim ESKI, Aksaz Naval Base Commander and Rear Admiral Hüseyin TIĞLI, COM TURMARFOR.”
8 Jul 2024 - “I am pleased to announce that the first unit joining the group for the second semester of this year is TCG ENEZ. Having been a part of SNMCMG2 in 2023, we are delighted to welcome her back to our team. Welcome back, partner!”
2 Jul 2024 - “SNMCMG2, for the second time in history, under Romanian command. Flagship ROS BALESCU departed from Salamis Naval Base flying the NATO flag.”
28 Jun 2024 - “Today the command of SNMCMG2 was handed over to the Romanian Navy by the Hellenic Navy in Salamis Naval Base, Greece, in a ceremony presided by Commodore Ilias RAPTIS HN, Commander Maritime Air NATO in the presence of HS HERACLES, ITS NUMANA, ROS BALESCU crews and incoming and outgoing international staffs.
Captain Sebastian BAROTE (ROU-N) assumed command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two, as Captain Fotios PARASKEVAS HN (GRC-N) relinquished it.
"It is an honour and a privilege to take the lead of such a capable force and I can assure you that I will make all the necessary efforts to accomplish all tasks with professionalism and commitment. I am eager to sail under the NATO flag!" COM SNMCMG2.
For the next few months, the NATO flag will continue to fly on the mast of the new flagship ROS BALESCU.”
27 Jun 2024 - “Final Chapter.
HS HERACLES and ITS NUMANA have arrived at 🇬🇷 Salamis Naval Base. Soon after the arrival of ROS BALESCU (Incoming Flagship) the Operational Hand-Over between Staffs will be initiated, and will last until the 28th of June 24. On June 28th, the Change of Command Ceremony will take place and Captain Fotios PARASKEVAS will Hand-Over his duties as Commander of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 and CTG 441.04 to Captain Sebastian BAROTE.
This is the last post for SNMCMG2 under the Hellenic Command.
P.S. "The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
T.S. Eliot”
25 Jun 2024 - “Appreciation post for the Flagship of SNMCMG2; HS HERACLES the cornerstone of our Group; providing all the necessary means and facilities for the Staff to accomplish its tasks, and had successfully proved by her versatility, the capacity to maintain TG's 441.04 sustainability and resilience during the whole period at sea. COMSNMCMG2 would like to express his gratitude to the Commanding Officer and the Crew of HS HERACLES for their warm welcome and steadfast support throughout our deployment.
"Ευχαριστούμε για την θερμή υποδοχή, διαρκή υποστήριξη και φιλοξενία"“
24 Jun 2024 - “Appreciation post for ITS NUMANA; our last companion till the finish line. We already knew about your abilities throughout our parallel participation and coexistence in last MCM exercises, and by the time you joined the Group, we found it by first hand. Amidst the recent training activities, and the CUI monitoring, your crew's dedication and professionalism were well noted. Time for rest now, and we wish you all the best for your future tasks.”
21 Jun 2024 - “At the beginning of your mission, it's hard to see how it will end. You start by planning and setting goals, knowing that you have the full commitment and support of every member of the Task Group; without them nothing could be accomplished. In the end, the outcome is positive. SNMCMG2 is not just about names and numbers, but about values and ideals, represented by all the previous and following years.
In the coming days, the baton will be passed to the following Command, and their relay race will begin. I want to thank every member who took part during the deployment under the Hellenic Command.
Commander of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2“
16 Jun 2024 - “Nonstop training for SNMCMG2 even though we are almost one step before completing our mission⌛. The training programme contained Handline Transfer, Damage🔥🧯👨🚒 Control Exercises, Diving Accident⛑️👩⚕️ and last but not least; Drifting Mine 💣 exercise with a primary objective to assess the capability of a MCMV to deal with the floating threat and the procedures held by Divers🤿 / EOD🧨team. (a. Detection, b. Identification, c. Countermining).”
13 Jun 2024 - “SNMCMG2 Cooperates with 🔗Allied countries to 🥽monitor Critical Undersea Infrastructures🛢🔌 (CUI), safeguarding and ensuring the constant supply of goods for the prosperity of our societies, demonstrating NATO’s presence and operational capability over CUI protection.”
9 Jun 2024 - “End of the tour for "Furias Rojas" ESPS SEGURA; the great expectations from her were fully satisfied with the "golazos" that she scored on the MCM field. We have enjoyed the ride.”
7 Jun 2024 - “SNMCMG2 conducted a passing exercise with EUROMARFOR’S mine countermeasures task group off the coast of Toulon, improving interoperability and operational readiness.”
5 Jun 2024 - “The homing beacon🏮is lit and ITS CHIOGGIA is ready for the journey back home after accompanying the Group for the last two intense months; displaying her skills and accomplishing every assignment. Now it's time to say farewell and it has been a pleasure to sail with you. 🌬️⛵🌊
P.S. Don't try to teleport via the 🌈😉.
3 Jun 2024 - “In today's Agenda Meeting at sea off the East coast of Sicily, a Passing Exercise (Passex) between SNMCMG2 and TG's 440.03 Units HRV DUBROVNIK and ALS BUTRINTI has been conducted, thus demonstrating the solidarity and the cohesion of both NATO Task Groups, maintaining the Deter and Defend Concept. Both Groups are currently contributing to NATO's Operation Sea Guardian supporting Maritime Situational Awareness by gathering, developing, and maintaining an accurate picture of daily activities in different parts of the Mediterranean Sea.”
UK Defence Journal
25 Jun 2024 - “I went onboard a Ukrainian warship - Aboard the Chernihiv, conversations around future plans revolve around "when" Ukraine defeats Russia, not "if".”
Navy Lookout
12 Jul 2024 - “Ukrainian minehunters UNS Cherkasy and UNS Chernihiv return to their temporary home in Portsmouth this morning following exercises off Scotland.”
10 Jul 2024 - “Belgian minehunter BNS Crocus arrived in Canary Wharf dock, London today.”
9 Jul 2024 - “Appledore shipyard completes new cable barge for maintenance of warship anchors and chains in Portsmouth naval base.
Ex HMS Atherstone also moved out of dry dock and to the Newquay yard.”
4 Jul 2024 - “The Royal Navy wants three new-build mine hunting motherships.
(Unofficial concept image only)”
28 Jun 2024 - “COM SNMCMG1 flagship FGS Donau leads EML Ugandi, FS Cephee, UKS Cherkasy and UKS Chernihiv in the Firth of Clyde at the start of NATO MCM exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
Steve A Wenham
17 Jul 2024 - “DSB Volcano.”
12 Jul 2024 - “The Ukrainians are back.”
8 Jul 2024 - “Dawn Hunt”
1 Jul 2024 - “HMS Hurworth weaving her way from RNAD Bedenham this afternoon.”
1 Jul 2024 - “HMS Hurworth weaving her way up Fareham Creek to RNAD Bedenham this morning.”
1 Jul 2024 - “Cromer and Walney sitting considerably higher within 3 Basin.”
29 Jun 2024 - “RN dive boat Reclaim seen in overhaul at Victoria Quay.”
28 Jun 2024 - “The small boats based at HMS Excellent.”
18 Jun 2024 - “RN dive boat Reclaim seen at Victoria Quay.”
17 Jun 2024 - “HMS Cattistock outbound this morning.”
11 Jun 2024 - “HMS Cattistock arriving back this morning.”
3 Jun 2024 - “HMS Cattistock departing this afternoon.”
31 May 2024 - “The forgotten Sandowns.”
Iain Cameron
26 Jun 2024 - “HMS Cattistock M-31 passing Gourock today inbound for Faslane.”
24 Jun 2024 - “Ukraine Navy ship UNS Chernihiv M-310 passing Greenock today outbound from Glasgow for Exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
24 Jun 2024 - “Ukraine Navy ship UNS Cherkasy M-311 passing Greenock today outbound from Glasgow for Exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
24 Jun 2024 - “Ukraine Navy ship UNS Cherkasy M-311 passing Greenock today outbound from Glasgow for Exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
24 Jun 2024 - “French Navy ship FS Céphée M-652 passing Greenock today outbound from Glasgow for Exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
24 Jun 2024 - “Estonian Navy ship ENS Ugandi M-315 passing Greenock today outbound from Glasgow for Exercise Sea Breeze 2024.”
Warship Cam
10 Jul 2024 - “Belgian Navy Tripartite-class minehunter BNS Narcis (M923) coming into London, England.”
10 Jul 2024 - “Royal Belgium Navy Tripartite-class minehunter BNS Crocus (M917) coming into London, England.”
3 Jul 2024 - “German Navy Type 332 minehunter with drones (MHCD) FGS Grömitz (M1064) coming into the Brunsbuttel Locks on the Kiel Canal in Germany.”
28 Jun 2024 - “Romanian Navy minesweeper Slt. Alexandru Axente (DM-30) in the Bosphorus Strait.”
27 Jun 2024 - “German Navy Frankenthal-class Class 332B mine clearance diver vessel (MCD) FGS Bad Rappenau (M1067) leaving Kiel, Germany.”
27 Jun 2024 - “German Navy Class 332B mine clearance diver vessel FGS Rottweil (M1061) leaving Kiel, Germany.”
27 Jun 2024 - “German Navy Class 332C minehunter (MHC) FGS Fulda (M 1058) coming into Kiel, Germany.”
27 Jun 2024 - “Latvian Naval Forces Vida-class minelayer LVNS Virsaitis (A53) leaving Kiel, Germany.”
26 Jun 2024 - “HMS Cattistock (M31) Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel coming into Faslane, Scotland.”
24 Jun 2024 - “Belgian Navy Tripartite-class minehunter BNS Lobelia (M921) in the Kiel Locks on the Kiel Canal in Germany.”
23 Jun 2024 - “German Navy Type 332 minehunter with drones (MHCD) FGS Grömitz (M1064) in Malaga, Spain.”
23 Jun 2024 - “Ukrainian Navy Sandown-class minehunters Chernihiv (M310) and Cherkasy (M311) (ex-HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham) coming into Glasgow, Scotland.”
22 Jun 2024 - “Latvian Naval Forces Vida-class minelayer LVNS Virsaitis (A53) coming into Kiel, Germany.”
22 Jun 2024 - “French Navy Vulcain-class mine clearance diver vessel FS Styx (M614) coming into Kiel, Germany.”
21 Jun 2024 - “Vessels coming into Kiel, Germany - June 21, 2024
- German Navy Class 332 minehunter with drones (MHCD) FGS Bad Bevensen (M1063)
- Latvian Naval Forces Vida-class minelayer Virsaitis (A53)
- Belgian Navy Tripartite-class minehunter BNS Lobelia (M921)
- Royal Norwegian Navy HNoMS Hinnoy (M343)”
21 Jun 2024 - “French Navy Eridan-class minehunter FS Céphée (M652) coming into Glasgow, Scotland.”
21 Jun 2024 - “Estonian Navy Sandown-class minehunter ENS Ugandi (M315) coming into Glasgow, Scotland.”
19 Jun 2024 - “Royal Netherlands Navy vessels coming into Kiel, Germany - June 19, 2024
- Submarine support ship HNLMS Mercuur (A900)
- Alkmaar-class minehunter HNLMS Zierikzee (M862)
- Tripartite-class minehunter HNLMS Makkum (M857)
- Alkmaar-class minehunter HNLMS Willemstad (M864)”
19 Jun 2024 - “Royal Danish Navy Holm-class multi-purpose vessel / mine countermeasures drone HDMS Hirsholm (MSD5) coming into Kiel, Germany.”
Sheila Weir
24 Jun 2024 - “Estonian naval ship ENS Ugandi M315 (formerly HMS Bridport) and Ukrainian navy ship UNS Cherkasy M311 outbound from Glasgow today.”
13 Jul 2024 - “Ukrainian Navy Sandown-class minehunters Chernihiv (M310) and Cherkasy (M311) (ex-HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham) coming into Portsmouth, England - July 12, 2024.”
Stuart
10 Jul 2024 - “Ukrainian MCMs leaving Fairlie on Monday morning.”
24 Jun 2024 - “FGS Donau, ENS Cherkasy ENS Chernihiv, FS Cephee & EML Ugandi leaving the Clyde this afternoon.”