Royal Navy demonstrates powerful array of firepower
Two Royal Navy frigates have demonstrated
their awesome spectrum of firepower capability with firings at separate
ends of the country.
Portsmouth-based HMS Iron Duke blasted through five different
weapon systems – her General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), the Minigun,
30mm Cannon, 4.5” Medium Range Gun and the Seawolf missile system – in
the English Channel.
And up in Cape Wrath, Scotland, Devonport-based HMS Somerset became
the first ship to fire new infra-red illumination rounds which are
designed to light up the battlefield for friendly forces wearing
appropriate eyewear.
Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset Commander Michael Wood said:
“These firings have pushed forward our capability to support marines and
other land forces ashore.
Getting to do this in my last week onboard was a real thrill and a fantastic way to end a really enjoyable time in Iron Duke.
Chief Petty Officer Lowe
he continued, “Delivering devastating naval gunfire from our
warships is just one facet of our contribution to the nation’s
defences.”
HMS Somerset worked with spotters from 148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal
Artillery whose job was to direct the ship’s fire accurately and safely
on to a target at distances over 21 kilometres.
148 Battery is part of the Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade, drawing personnel from the RN, RM and Army.
Over two days and nights the ship fired in excess of 100 rounds of 4.5in ammunition – with each shell weighing over 40kg.
The firing was watched by Keith Mayo from the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation.
He said: “This marks a significant milestone for the team who have
worked tirelessly to bring the new ammunition into service, providing
value and a capability that will make our troops more effective and
ultimately save lives.”
Next it was the turn of HMS Iron Duke to rev up the tempo with all five weapons tested in just one day.
Starting in the morning with target tracking runs on the Seawolf
missile system, the ship then moved into a gunnery shoot against an
inflatable target, finishing with firing a Seawolf missile.
A spectacular and deadly sight – if you could catch a glimpse -
Seawolf can strike a target at two-and-a-half times the speed of sound
at a distance of up to six kilometres.
HMS Iron Duke’s Missile Director Petty Officer (Above Water Warfare)
John ‘Arthur’ Lowe is in charge of the Seawolf system from the
Operations Room and, as the Close Range Weapon Instructor, he oversaw
the close range guns from the upper deck.
Recently selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer, PO Lowe will
leave the ship at the end of the week, with the successful firings a
fitting send-off.
“Being in the seat as missile director is always a great experience for a live missile firing,” he said.
“Getting to do this in my last week onboard was a real thrill and a fantastic way to end a really enjoyable time in Iron Duke.”
Source: Royal Navy.
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