The Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force has wrapped up a 12-month deployment with the Littoral Response Group (South), taking part in exercises spanning from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Australian Outback, according to a news release.
The team from 845 Naval Air Squadron, operating Merlin Mk4 helicopters, supported Royal Marine operations on RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay, putting the capabilities of the Navy’s Southern amphibious strike group to the test in a range of demanding environments, according to the Royal Navy.
Lieutenant Commander Scott Reilly, who led the squadron during key phases of the deployment, described the mission as an “eye-opener,” adding that he was confident the lessons learned would continue to benefit the force.
He was quoted in a Royal Navy news release as saying, “I know I learned a lot from the experience, and I am sure that the lessons that the squadron took away will help shape and improve what we do for years to come.”
Beginning with a heightened readiness around Cyprus in response to regional tensions, the deployment saw the Littoral Response Group ready to assist British citizens in the Eastern Mediterranean. This readiness phase included training exercises with NATO and US forces, with drills in casualty evacuation, rapid roping, and cross-decking operations alongside allies, including on the German Navy’s FGS Frankfurt am Main and the US’s USS Bataan, according to the Royal Navy.
This deployment showcased the Royal Navy’s capability to deliver sustained operations and support missions worldwide, enhancing interoperability with allied forces. Reilly emphasised the operational adaptability gained, stating, “Flying in all environments, day and night, ready to react to an ever-changing world provided fantastic opportunities to train and improve ourselves.”
The Littoral Response Group (South) covered over 25,000 miles before returning to the UK, marking one of the longest and most diverse deployments in recent Royal Navy history.
How many aircraft? Aren’t the Merlins still grounded?
Merlins have been flying again for some time. Groundings make headlines, but restoration only makes the fine print.
Roger – Only there are none flying over my place atm and I’m directly on the flight path to Merryfield. Only EH/AW101 activity is Nor01 from leonardo.
I’ve just picked up on several reports of flying (military) Merlins, not a formal announcement that it’s all back to business as usual. Maybe we are in some intermediate state.
We are talking about 3 helicopters … it is a long way from what the Far East Fleet deployed in the 1960s.
Sounds like a fun tour to be deployed on. Have to wonder what use the LRG is with little in the way of supporting assets (aircraft, warships, subs etc).
It’s about offshore presence. If a situation develops some assets are in theatre ready to go.
Minimal, yes.
And lacking in modern craft, drones, precision firepower, and helicopters.
But its something.
Aircraft, warships and subs implies a greater commitment and in those scenarios the idea is a LRG can be augmented by other assets, such as the QEC.
Then the LRG is bigger and it becomes a LSG.
Ideally a single T31 would accompany LRG(S) but our escort force is at the bottom of the curve.
LRG(N) was also meant to have an Albion as well as a Bay, so assets thread bare.