HMS Spey, a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel of the Royal Navy, has recently engaged in joint naval exercises with HMAS Childers from the Australian Navy.
The exercise, detailed in a tweet from the official HMS Spey account, highlights the continued cooperation between the British and Australian naval forces.
The tweet reads: “Exercising with HMAS Childers this week has provided us with a great opportunity to train alongside our friends from @Australian_Navy. We conducted navigational training, a Gunnery exercise, comms serials, and exchanged personnel for cross-pollination!! 🇦🇺🤝🇬🇧”
HMS Spey, named after Scotland’s River Spey, is the eighth Royal Navy vessel to bear this title. Furthermore, she is the fifth Batch 2 River-class vessel to commission.
Notably, HMS Spey and her sister ship, HMS Tamar, are forward deployed for an extended period in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Opens Fire” lol.
George is such a tease.
I predict the usual comments and looks like one has already arrived! 😆
something something mk41 VLS, something something 127mm NGFS and Kingfisher, CAMM, DEW, etc.
It’s a “Baited” article that’s for sure. TBH, I do like these ships, plenty of uses and they add presence to many far off places, probably up-gradable too.
So do I mate, I’m a big fan. For the reasons you describe.
They’re also very good looking ships.
If it looks good……
HMS Spey’s been in Brisbane of late assessing that city’s potential as a future FOB for RN warships with its major port facilities and direct UK air links.
[oops]
Could the B2 River’s be converted into MCM mother ships? They’re about the same size as the purpose built ships that the Dutch/Belgians are building for that role.
Small ones sure. They have the flight deck, a crane, and space for two TEU’s on either side, so you could put a containerized MCM USV on board. Look at what we’ve bought to operate as a USV mothership, it’s about 3x the size and has a massive working space.
https://www.navylookout.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RFA-Stirling-Castle-Working-Deck-5a.jpg
Not duplicating this space on a River any time soon.
I’d not seen that photo.
I’ve not heard any more regards further additions. I had read of a “class” of 4 “mothers” for the MCM force in time to join Stirling Castle.
Neither have I, I seem to recall something about a Castle being built from the ground up?
I thought that was the 2nd MROSS and the mothers would all be OTS. At least I hope they will be!
God knows, I’ve really not been following it too closely.
A little light reading as usual will self delete in a day:
https://i.postimg.cc/DzRk5NHb/img361.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/TwnS03nZ/img362.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/CMNrxt7H/img363.jpg
Thanks Farouk.
V good article, and first time I’ve seen it confirmed in print, beyond rumour, that a 4 ship Castle Class is planned.
Oooh missed this, glad I saw it before it self destructed!
There was a time, the Far East / Australia would have a full cruiser squadron on station.
Compulsory: “sHoUlD hAvE 500,00,0,0,0000,,0 vLs CeLls On A sHiP tHiS sIzE, LoOk aT iRAN”
On approaching the enemies starboard side . Hms Spey unleash or opened 6 cans of Ale , covering the enemy with withering froth
Opened or exchanged? Go on Rivers do your worst.
Opened fire with what? Her mighty.177 Webley air rifle??
Crews cross pollination 😂😂😂😂😂