Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

Palfinger
  • News
  • Event News
    • Indo Pacific 2022
    • Sea Air Space 2022
    • DIMDEX 2022
    • WDS 2022
    • DSEI 2021
    • MADEX 2021
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» News»The Royal Navy Decommissioned Two Sandown-Class Minehunters
The Royal Navy Decommissioned Two Sandown-Class Minehunters
Royal Navy photo.

The Royal Navy Decommissioned Two Sandown-Class Minehunters

Royal Navy minehunters HMS Ramsey and HMS Blyth were formally decommissioned on August 4, during a poignant ceremony at Rosyth Dockyard.

Martin Manaranche 05 Aug 2021

Royal Navy press release

Both Sandown-class mine countermeasures vessels have served extensively during careers spanning 21 years and 175,000 miles for Ramsey, 185,000 miles over 20 years for Blyth, supporting operations in the Middle East, around the UK or on NATO duties in northern European and Mediterranean waters.

Dozens of affiliates and friends joined the crews, RN leaders and Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet Reverend Martin Evans, with music provided by the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth.

HMS Ramsey left her home port at Faslane for the final time in August last year, sailing to Rosyth where she has undergone work to prepare her for formal decommissioning. Blyth passed down Gareloch for the last time a month ago.

The two ships were the first sent to Bahrain when the government decided a permanent minehunter presence was required in the Gulf – a presence which continues to this day.

HMS Ramsey preparing to decommission. Royal Navy picture.

Ramsey’s final Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Joel Roberts praised “a great ship”.

“HMS Ramsey has given 21 years of operational service to the Royal Navy and throughout her life it has been the members of her ship’s company, the people, who have made her what she is.

“It is time to say farewell to a ship that has been both a home and a way of life to so many.

“She will undoubtedly be missed, but rather than being sad, today is about remembering her duty and celebrating her 21 years of distinguished service.”

Ramsey’s final Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Joel Roberts

Blyth and her crew worked right up to the end, most recently in the Middle East, as well as a deployed period in the Baltic and national tasking along the UK coast.

“The whole crew are immensely proud of what this ship has achieved in her lifetime and particularly over the last few years.

“Our final entry into Rosyth was a sad one bringing to an end the ship’s life under Royal Navy Command, but we reflect on the many achievements that we have accomplished together, and we look forward to new opportunities to come.”

Blyth’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Simon Henderson
HMS Blyth preparing to decommission. Royal Navy picture.

The ships are being replaced by the expanding Project Wilton drive to introduce autonomous/uncrewed boats and systems into minehunting – an initiative being pioneered at Faslane where three boats are already in service.

Blyth and Ramsey meanwhile will enjoy a fresh lease of life in the Black Sea. Once further work is completed on the two vessels, they’ll be transferred to the Ukrainian Navy.

Meanwhile following summer leave, Blyth’s crew will take charge of HMS Grimsby for another period of operations later in the year

-End-

Mine Warfare Minehunter Royal Navy Sandown-class Ukrainian Navy 2021-08-05
Tags Mine Warfare Minehunter Royal Navy Sandown-class Ukrainian Navy
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More

Related Articles

Royal Navy and JMSDF conduct drills in English Channel

Royal Navy and JMSDF conduct drills in English Channel

Naval News Staff 22 Jun 2022
Royal Navy's River-class patrol ship HMS Mersey and Echo-class survey vessel HMS Enterprise carried out bilateral exercises with JMDSF ships JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze off the Dorset coast in the English Channel.
HMS Audacious Completes 1st NATO Patrol in Mediterranean

HMS Audacious Completes 1st NATO Patrol in Mediterranean

Naval News Staff 16 Jun 2022
The Royal Navy’s newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, HMS Audacious, carried out NATO security patrols in the Mediterranean on her maiden operational deployment.
Royal Navy to upgrade Tomahawk stocks to Block V

Royal Navy to upgrade Tomahawk stocks to Block V

Naval News Staff 02 Jun 2022
The Royal Navy’s stock of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles will be upgraded on Royal Navy submarines to ensure the weapon is even more effective against future threats.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 Naval News
All Rights Reserved