British ship opens fire off coast in trials

The crew of HMS Cattistock recently completed gunnery exercises, focusing on drills and procedures for the ship’s 30mm main gun, manufactured by MSI Defence Systems in Norwich, England.

These exercises are part of the Royal Navy’s ongoing commitment to readiness and the “train as we fight” approach, ensuring that crew members are prepared for operational scenarios.

Gunnery drills. Practising our drills and procedures on our 30mm main gun (made by MSI Defence Systems in Norwich, England). #seapower #trainaswefight pic.twitter.com/z4Z0Ii7tc7

— HMS Cattistock (@HMSCattistock) October 30, 2024

The drills demonstrated the crew’s proficiency with the 30mm weapon, designed for handling fast-moving threats.

HMS Cattistock is a Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel, launched in 1981 and commissioned in March 1982, making her the third Royal Navy ship to carry this name. The Hunt class is designed around its mine-hunting capabilities, with the Cattistock displacing 750 tonnes and measuring 60 metres in length. The ship’s propulsion system has evolved, initially powered by Napier Deltic diesel engines, later upgraded in 2015 to Caterpillar C32 Acert diesels for enhanced performance, allowing speeds of up to 17 knots.

Outfitted with the SeaFox mine disposal system, diver-placed explosives, and sonar Type 2193, HMS Cattistock specialises in mine detection and disposal. The vessel is also equipped with the aforementioned 30mm DS30B gun, along with machine guns for additional protection.

Her complement consists of 48 crew members, including five officers and 43 ratings, providing the personnel needed to operate her specialised systems.

In early 2018, Cattistock deployed with NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) to the Baltic, conducting a range of operations, including a search around Oslo that uncovered ten World War II-era mines and torpedoes. She returned to the UK in mid-April 2018 after a successful deployment.

Following a comprehensive refit between 2021 and 2023, Cattistock resumed sea trials in late 2023 and soon joined other Royal Navy ships in patrolling northern European waters, focused on safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure.

In May 2024, HMS Cattistock docked in Poole Quay and was granted the Freedom of Poole, a ceremonial honour recognising her service.