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The Armed Forces of the United Kingdom 2008

The Armed forces of the United kingdom are divided into 3 sections: -

1. The Royal Navy (R.N.) this is also known as the Senior Service.

2. The Army

3. The Royal Air Force (R.A.F.)

We will start with the Royal Navy.

The major naval bases of the RN are: -

HM Naval Base, Portsmouth

Home base to surface ships, notably Carriers, Type 42 Destroyers and Type 23 Frigates. Also home Fleet Headquarters and Commander-in-Chief Home Command organisations.

HM Naval Base, Devonport (Plymouth)

Largest naval base in Western Europe. Home port for nuclear Attack submarines (SSN’s), Large Assault Ships, Type 22 and Type 23 Frigates, Hydrographic Ships. There are also 5,000 ship movements annually. Also home to Flag Officer Sea Training and RN Hydrographic School.

HM Naval Base, Clyde

Home base to UK’s nuclear deterrent ballistic missile submarines (SSBN’s). Also base to SSNs and Minewarfare vessels. HMS Caledonia at Rosyth provides support for naval personnel standing by ships and submarines in refit at HM Naval Base, Clyde.

RN Air Station, Yeovilton

Home Base to RN, naval helicopter squadron and other fixed-wing aircraft. Yeovilton operates over 100 aircraft of different types. Nearly 4,000 uniformed and civilian personnel work at RNAS Yeovilton. Also training of aircrew and engineers of resident aircraft types. RN Fighter Controller School trains ground and airborne AEW controllers.

5. RN Air Station, Culdrose

RNAS Culdrose supports the Anti-Submarine Warfare and Airborne Early Warning helicopter squadrons of the Royal Navy. Eight Naval Air Squadrons are based at RNAS Culdrose, both frontline and training squadrons. Responsible for the operational and advance flying training of helicopter pilots, observers and aircrewmen.

6. HMS Caledonia

As a Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) facility HMS Caledonia’s role is to provide support services to both the Royal Navy and MOD (Ministry of Defence) in the east of Scotland. As stated previously HMS Caledonia supports the requirements of personnel operating on RN vessels from HM Naval Base Clyde.

Principle Warships of the Royal Navy

Strategic Deterrent

The United Kingdom’s Strategic Deterrent is undertaken by the Royal Navy and submarine launched missiles (SLBM) have been installed on Royal Navy submarines since the 1960s. This is currently undertaken by four boats of the class called Vanguard armed with Trident Nuclear missiles.

These are: -

• HMS Vanguard,

• HMS Victorious,

• HMS Vigilant,

• HMS Vengeance.

Fleet Submarines

The Royal Navy operates a total of 10 Nuclear Powered Attack Submarines (SSNs) in two classes – the Swiftsure and Trafalgar classes. Both classes are capable of continuous patrols at high underwater speed, independent of base support and can circumnavigate the globe without sufacing. These are: -

Swiftsure Class –

HMS Sovereign, HMS Superb, HMS Sceptre.

Trafalgar Class –

HMS Trafalgar, HMS Turbulent, HMS Tireless, HMS Tireless, HMS Torbay, HMS Trenchant, HMS Talent, HMS Triumph.

Aircraft Carriers

Invincible Class

The primary task of this class of ship is to act as the command ship for a small task force and provide organic air power against limited opposition. Since entering service in the 1970s the ships of this class have proved vital in projecting UK interests overseas from the Falklands conflict of 1982 through to the amphibious assault on Iraq in the spring of 2003. Lessons have been learned over the years and the vital importance of ‘eye in the sky’ has been recognised by developing Sea King helicopters for Airborne Surveillance and Control. The problem with the ships is, of course, their small size for air operations at sea. This is augmented by increase of the air assets on board. It is proposed to use R.A.F. Apache Longbow attack helicopters for which the carriers will be configured for.

Armament: - Aircraft – A typical embarked air group could consist of 6 x Harrier GR9/9As, 6 x Merlin (Anti Submarine), 3 x Sea King ASaC (Airborne Surveillance & Control). As stated before this can be increased if needed. There is also a complement of Royal Marines on board approx 600.

These are: -

HMS Invincible, HMS Illustrious, HMS Ark Royal.

Helicopter Carrier

Ocean (LPH)

HMS Ocean, an (LPH) Landing Platform Helicopter was build on the Clyde. The ship is capable of carrying an air group of 12 x Sea King troop lift helicopters, 6 x Lynx attack helicopters and 4 x Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP). The vessel’s secondary role include afloat training, with a limited anti submarine warfare capability and the possibility of being used as afloat base for anti-terrorist operations. Key specifications are as follows: - Complement: 285, 206 Air Group, plus up to 830 marines (Marine Commando Group) Military lift: 4 LCVP Mk5 (on davits); 2 Griffon hovercraft; 40 Vehicles Aircraft Helicopters: 12 x Sea King Mk4/Merlin plus 6 Lynx (or navalised variants of WAH-64 Apache)

Assault Ships

Albion Class (LPD)

There are two helicopter landing spots and the configuration includes a well dock and stern gate together with side ramp access. Substantial command and control facilities are included within a large combined Operations Room. The UK is developing a useful amphibious capability with a new Assault ships and other new Landing Ships coming along. Both vessels are capable of carrying 305 troops, with an overload of a further 405 for short periods. There is a vehicle deck capacity for up to 6 x main battle tanks or up to 30 x armoured all-terrain vehicles. In addition, there is a floodable well dock, with the capacity to take either four utility landing craft (each capable of carrying a main battle tank or a hovercraft landing craft. There are 4 x smaller landing craft on davits, each capable of carrying 35 troops. Complement: - 325. Military lift: 305 x troops; 67 x support vehicles; 4 x LCU Mk 10 or 2 x LCAC (dock); 4 x LCVP Mk 5 (davits).

These are: -

HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark.

Destroyers

Type 42 Class

The ships of this class are armed with ageing Sea Dart medium range air defence missile system, which also has a limited anti-ship capability. In addition they have a useful gun armament. They have been useful work horses of the fleet for many years and are equipped with the latest communication and sensor equipments.

These are: - Batch 2 HMS Exeter, HMS Southampton, HMS Nottingham, HMS Liverpool.

Batch 3 HMS Manchester, HMS Gloucester, HMS Edinburgh, HMS York.

Frigates

Type 23 (Duke Class)

There were some early problems, e.g. the Command System was not operational as quickly as had been planned, but these have now been overcome and the R.N. has made steady improvements to weapons and sensors in the ships over the years since first introduction. These ships are powered by a CODLAG system (Combined diesel-electric and gas turbine propulsion) and the diesel-electric is used for minimum underwater noise during ASW operations.

Armament: -

Missiles: Surface to Surface (SSM). 8 x Harpoon. Surface to Air (SAM). Sea Wolf Guns: 1 x 4.5 in. 2 x 30mm twins. Helicopters: Merlin (Missile and Torpedo armed)

These are: -

HMS Argyll, HMS Lancaster, HMS Monmouth, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Westminster, HMS Norththumberland, HMS Montrose, HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset, HMS Grafton, HMS Sutherland, HMS Kent, HMS Portland, HMS St Albans.

Type 22 (Broadsword) Class

There remaining four ships of this class have a useful armament and sensor fit and, by the standards of the Navies, at 20 years of age are still quite youthful. The above water armaments reflect the lessons of the Falklands conflict – plenty of guns and missiles.

Armament: -

Missiles: Surface to Surface (SSM). 8 x Harpoon. Surface to Air (SAM). Sea Wolf. Guns: 1 x 4.5 in; 1 x Goalkeeper 30mm Close in Weapon System; 2 x 20mm twins. Helicopter: 2 x Merlin; or 1 Westland Sea King HAS 5 (Missile and Torpedo armed)

These are: -

HMS Cornwall, HMS Cumberland, HMS Campbeltown, HMS Chatha.

Mine Warfare Vessels

Hunt Class (Minesweepers/Minehunters – Coastal)

The Royal Navy has a small but highly efficient mine warfare and the hunts were regarded as very costly when first entering service. However they have proved their value repeatedly and modernisation proceeds. When deployed operationally Hunt Class vessels are fitted with additional weapon systems and communications. They are also used for fishery duties. Armament: - 1 x 30 mm. For operational deployments also fitted with 2 x 20 mm and 2 x 7.62 mm MGs.

These are: -

HMS Ledbury, HMS Cattistock, HMS Brocklesby, HMS Middleton, HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Hurworth, HMS Atherstone, HMS Quorn.

Sandown Class (Minehunters)

HMS Sandown, the first of the new Single-Role Minehunter class, entered service in 1998 (since decommissioned), and HMS Blythe, the latest, entered service in January 2001. Of Glass and Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, they are capable of operating in deep and exposed waters e.g. the approaches to the Clyde where ballistic missile armed submarines are based. Sandown Class vessels are equipped with a mine-hunting sonar and mine-disposal equipment, making them capable of dealing with mines at depths of up to 200m.

Armament: 1 x 30 mm

These are: -

HMS Walney, HMS Penzance, HMS Pembroke, HMS Grimsby, HMS Bangor, HMS Ramsey, HMS Blythe, HMS Shoreham.

Antarctic Patrol Ship.

Endurance

HMS Endurance (previously) MV Polar Circle entered service with the Royal Navy in 1991 and supports British interest in the South Atlantic and Antarctic waters. The ship works alongside members of the British Antarctic Survey Team, carrying hydrographic surveying, meteorological work and research programmes. The hull is painted red for easy recognition in ice and the vessel has importance as a political presence in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Helicopters: 2 Westland Lynx HAS 3 ( Possibly replaced by Merlins) There are 14 Royal Marines on board.

Survey Ships

Scott

This ship entered service in 1997. She is equipped with integrated navigation suite for surveying operations, together with a Sonar Array Sounding System (SASS) and data processing equipment. She also has gravimeters, a towed proton magnetometer and the Sonar 2090 ocean environment sensor. The ship is planned to remain at sea for 300 days per year with a crew of 42, 20 personnel being rotated from shore to allow leave and recreation. Helicopters: Platform for 1 light helicopter

Echo Class

These ships will work with the fleet worldwide, supporting mine warfare and amphibious tasks besides carrying out specialist hydrographic activities. As with Scott the ships are planned to work over 300 days per year at sea.

These are: -

HMS Echo, HMS Enterprise.

Roebuck

Commissioned in 1986 HMS Roebuck is designed for hydorgraphic surveys to modern commercial standards and is fitted with Differential Global Positioning Systems and integrated digital navigation and survey system. The ship also carries a survey motor boat which is fitted with similar sonar suites to the mother ship. Warfare capability has recently been enhanced by the fit of additional upper deck weapons. Armament: 1 x GAMBO 20 mm canon; 2 x M323 Mk44 7.62 mm Miniguns and 4 x 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Guns.

Gleaner Commissioned in 1983 is the smallest commissioned vessel in the Royal Navy and has been designed to the contact inshore surveys around the coast of the United Kingdom.

Patrol Vessels

Patrol Vessels are used for fishery protection and patrolling Britain’s offshore gas and oilfield installations. In addition these useful ships can be used further afield e.g. Castle Class vessels have been used in the Falklands patrol role.

Castle Class

These ships started as a private venture and ordered in August 1980. The design includes an ability to lay mines. Inmarat commercial communications terminals are fitted. Two Avon Sea Rider high-speed craft are embarked. Armament: 1 x 30 mm Helicopters: Platform for operating Sea King or Merlins

These are: -

HMS Dumbarton Castle

River Class

Each vessel has a large working cargo deck that allows the vessel to be equipped for a specific role such as disaster relief, anti-pollution, fire-fighting, rescue work or interception of other vessels. Armament: 1 x 20 mm

These are: -

HMS Tyne, HMS Severn, HMS Mersey, HMS Clyde.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service (RFA) is a civilian manned fleet, owned by the Ministry of Defence. Its main task is to replenish the warships of the Royal Navy at sea with fuel, food, stores and ammunition. Thus it fills a vital role that is becoming increasingly important as the current UK government has worldwide ambitions which demand the services of the Royal Navy. Other RFA tasks include amphibious support and sea transport for the Army. The RFA boast a significant number of ships, especially in comparison with the warships it supports. The largest ship in the present Royal Navy in HMS Ocean. In the RFA there are 10 vessels that are larger.

Tankers

Wave Class (Large Fleet Tankers)

The ships have a one spot flight deck with full hanger facilities for a Merlin helicopter. Helicopters: 1 x Merlin Guns: 2 x Phalanx Close-in Weapons System, 2 x BMARC 30 mm

These are: -

RFA Wave Knight, RFA Wave Ruler.

Appleleaf Class (Support Tankers)

Support Tankers have the dual role of both replenishing warships and fleet tankers at sea and undertaking the bulk movement of fuels between naval supply depots. Guns: 2 x 20 mm Oerlikon. 4 x 7.62 mm MGs

These are: -

RFA Bambleleaf, RFA Orangeleaf, RFA Bayleaf, RFA Oakleaf.

Rover Class (Small Fleet Tankers)

These small tankers have proved most valuable over many years in supplying HM ships at sea with fuel, fresh water, limited dry cargo and refrigerated stores in all parts of the world. There are no hanger but a helicopter platform is served by a stores lift, to enable stores to be transferred at sea. Guns: 2 x 20 mm Oerlikon. 4 x 7.62 mm MGs

These are: -

RFA Grey Rover, RFA Gold Rover, RFA Black Rover.

Fleet Replenishment Ships

Fort Victoria Class (Fleet Replenishment Ships) These ships provide fuel and stores support to the Fleet at sea. There are repair facilities for Merlin helicopters. Helicopters: 5 x Sea King or Merlin helicopters Guns: 2 x 30 mm. 2 x Phalanx Close in Weapon Systems

These are: -

RFA Fort Victoria, RFA Fort George.

Fort Grange Class (Fleet Replenishment Ships)

Usually a single helicopter is embarked and ASW armaments for helicopters are carried on board. Helicopters: Up to 4 x Sea Kings Guns: 2 x 20 mm

These are: - RFA Fort Rosalie, RFA Fort Austin.

Landing Ships

Sir Bedivere Class (Landing Ship Logistics)

Although this class is being replaced by the Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) vessels Sir Bedivere is programmed to remain in service until 2011. Military Lift: 340 troops (534 hard lying); 17 or 18 (SLEP) MBTs; 34 mixed vehicles; 120 tons POL; 30 tons of ammunition. Increased capacity for 20 helicopters (11 tank deck and 9 vehicle deck) after SLEP. Guns: 2 or 4 x 20 mm. 4 x 7.62 mm MGs. Helicopters: Platforms to operate Gazelle, Lynx, Chinook (SLEP) or Sea King

These are: -

RFA Sir Bedivere

Bay Class – Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary)

These ships will displace over double the figure of the class they are replacing. The design is based on the Dutch LDP Rotterdam. They are designed to transport troops, vehicles, ammunition and stores as follow-up to an amphibious assault. Offload is carried out by a flight deck capable of operating heavy helicopters, an amphibious dock capable of operating one LCU and mexesflotes which can be hung on the ships’ sides. There is no beaching capability. Military Lift: Space for vehicles equating to 36 Challenger MBTs or 150 light trucks plus 200 tons of ammunition. Helicopters: Platform capable of operating Chinook Armament: 1 x 30 mm cannon; CIWS Phalanx

These are: - RFA Largs Bay, RFA Lyme Bay, RFA Mounts Bay, RFA Cardigan Bay.

Miscellaneous RFA Vessel

Argus – Aviation Training Ship Argus was procured for helicopter training role. This former Ro-Ro container ship was converted for her new task by Harland and Wolf. Argus can replenish other ships underway. Argus has a subsidiary role as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. Guns: 4 x 30 mm. 4 x 7.62 mm MGs. Fixed-wing aircraft: Provision to transport 12 x BAe Harriers

Diligence – Forward Repair Ship

This ship was originally the Stena Inspector, designed as a Multipurpose Support Vessel for North Sea oil operations. She was chartered on the 25th may 1982 for use as a fleet repair ship during the Falklands War and purchased from Stena UK Line in October 1983. She was then converted in 1984 for use as Forward Repair Ship in the South Atlantic (Falkland Islands) Guns: 4 x 20 mm. 4 x 7.62 mm MGs

Fleet Air Arm The Fleet Air Arm numbers just over 6000 personnel and operates about 200 aircraft. Operating fixed wing Harrier aircraft and Merlin, Sea King and Lynx helicopters from ships at sea and two main Naval Air Stations at Yeovilton and Culdrose, the Fleet Air Arm provides the Royal Navy with aviation support required to conduct marine operations.

Current Naval Aircraft Inventory (estimates) Role Total Type Squadron

Harrier Force Air Defence / Attack 36 GR9/9A

Naval Helicopters Anti Submarine 8 Merlin HM Mk 1 814 Sqn Culdrose Anti Submarine 9 Merlin HM Mk 1 820 Sqn Culdrose Anti Submarine 9 Merlin HM Mk 1 829 Sqn Culdrose Anti Submarine (IFTU) 6 Merlin HM Mk 1 700 Sqn Culdrose Anti Submarine / Anti Ship 36 Lynx HAS 3, HMA 8 815 Sqn (see note 1) Yeovilton

Anti Submarine / Anti-Ship 12 Lynx HAS 3, HMA 8(OCU) 702 Sqn Yeovilton

Note 1 : The total for 815 Squadron includes 6 aircraft with squadron HQ. The remaining aircraft are mostly dispersed in flights of one or two aircraft amongst the ships in the fleet. Airborne Early Warning 8 Sea King AEW 2 849 Sqn Culdrose Commando Assault 10 Sea King HC 4 845 Sqn Yeovilton Commando Assault 10 Sea King HC 4 845 Sqn Yeovilton Commando Assault 9 Sea King HC 4 845 Sqn Yeovilton Ground Attack 6 Lynx AH7 847 Sqn Yeovilton

Aircrew Training ASW Training 6 Merlin HM Mk1 824 Sqn Culdrose OEU 4 Merlin HM Mk 1 700mSqn Culdrose Observer Training 9 Jetstream T2/T3 750 Sqn Culdrose Search & Rescue Training 5 Sea King HAS Mk 5 771 Sqn Culdrose

Air Defence Training (Drone) 37 Mirach 100/5 792 Sqn Culdrose

Elementry Flying School 8 Firefly 703 SqnBarkstone Heath Fleet Training & Support 12 Hawk Culdrose

Royal Marines

The Royal Marines (RM) are an elite Corps and specialist in Amphibious Warfare – and wherever there is action, the Royal Marines are likely to be involved.

Headquarters Royal Marines are based at (Portsmouth)

HQ 3 Commando Brigade Plymouth are based at (Stonehouse)

3 Commando Bde HQ & Signal Squadron are based at (Stonehouse)

3 Commando Bde Air Sqn are based at (RNAS Yeovilton)

40 Commando are based at (Taunton)

42 Commando are based at (Bickleigh)

45 Commando are based at (Arbroath)

Commando Logistic Regiment (Barnstaple)

539 Assault Sqn Plymouth are based at (Barnstaple)

Fleet Protection Group are based at (Clyde)

Commando Training Centre are based at (Lympstone)

Royal Marines Stonehouse are based at (Plymouth)

Royal Marine Poole are based at (Poole)

Assault Training & Trials Unit are based at (Bideford)

1 Assault Group are based at (Poole)

Special Boat Service (SBS)

This organisation is the Naval equivalent of the Army’s SAS (Special Air Service). The SBS specialises in mounting clandestine operations against targets at sea, in rivers or harbours and against occupied coastlines.