British warship opens fire with gunnery training

HMS Portland recently shared an update on its training activities via social media.

The Royal Navy frigate engaged in a series of exercises, including a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) shoot, aimed at maintaining the crew’s operational proficiency.

A busy couple of days for @HMSPortland beginning with a Heavy Machine Gun shoot, conducting training serials for personnel on board ensuring that we are ready to fight, and fighting to win 💥🌊 #HMSPortland #RoyalNavy pic.twitter.com/8yhXr4xEmr

— HMS Portland (@HMSPortland) October 9, 2024

In a tweet, HMS Portland described a “busy couple of days” that included a heavy machine gun shooting session. The message noted that the training was essential for ensuring that the personnel on board are “ready to fight, and fighting to win”.

These exercises are crucial for the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities, ensuring that crews can respond effectively to a variety of threats and scenarios. Training with heavy weaponry, such as the HMG, allows sailors to sharpen their skills in handling weapon systems, reinforcing the Royal Navy’s capacity to protect national interests at sea.

HMS Portland is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy, commissioned on 3 May 2001. Built by Marconi Marine at Clyde, she was laid down in January 1998 and launched in May 1999, with Lady Brigstocke serving as her sponsor.

The vessel has a displacement of 4,900 tonnes and measures 133 metres in length with a beam of 16.1 metres. She underwent a significant refit under the LIFEX programme from 2018 to 2021, which enhanced her operational capabilities, allowing her to remain a key part of the fleet. The ship’s homeport is HMNB Devonport in Plymouth.

Equipped with advanced propulsion and weaponry, HMS Portland features a CODLAG (Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas) propulsion system. This includes four Paxman Valenta diesel generators and two Rolls-Royce Spey gas turbines, enabling a speed of over 28 knots.

The vessel’s range extends to 7,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. The frigate is armed with a 32-cell Sea Ceptor missile system, a BAE 4.5-inch naval gun, and twin Sting Ray torpedo tubes, ensuring a strong defensive and offensive capability against air, surface, and submarine threats.

HMS Portland’s versatility is further enhanced by its aviation facilities, including a flight deck and hangar capable of accommodating either a Wildcat HMA2 or a Westland Merlin HM2 helicopter. These helicopters add to her capabilities, armed with torpedoes, Sea Venom anti-ship missiles, or Martlet air-surface missiles. With a crew complement of around 185 personnel, HMS Portland continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the Royal Navy’s readiness and presence on the global stage.