Tag Archives: HMS Argyll
PHOTEX: Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll port visit to Key West, Florida
130822-N-YB753-004 KEY WEST, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2013) The Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll (F231) approaches the Mole Pier. British Royal Navy Sailors pulled into Key West for a port visit after completing counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales/Released)
130822-N-YB753-027 KEY WEST, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2013) Sailors handle mooring lines as the Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll (F231) approaches the Mole Pier. British Royal Navy Sailors pulled into Key West for a port visit after completing counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales/Released)
PHOTEX: HMS Argyll visits South Georgia
Images of HMS Argyll on her recent deployment to the the South Atlantic and South Georgia.
HMS Argyll arrives in South Georgia. Photo by L(Phot) Pepe Hogan.
HMS Argyll passing icebergs as she arrives in the South Atlantic on her way to South Georgia. Photo by L(Phot) Pepe Hogan.
HMS Argyll passing icebergs as she arrives in the South Atlantic on her way to South Georgia. Photo by L(Phot) Pepe Hogan.
HMS Argyll arrives in South Georgia and anchors off Grytviken. Photo by L(Phot) Pepe Hogan.
RFA Black Rover visits South Georgia
Atlantic Patrol Task (South) is the Royal Navy’s standing deployment in the South Atlantic and comprises 1 frigate or destroyer – currently the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll – supported by 1 fleet auxiliary – currently RFA Black Rover.
In addition, the River class OPV HMS Clyde is deployed in the South Atlantic as the permanently-stationed Falkland Islands Patrol Ship.
Black Rover is all white as she visits snowy South Georgia
Just days after sailors from HMS Argyll trekked across South Georgia, the crew of tanker RFA Black Rover were treated to a visit to the snow-laden paradise.
The tanker, which has recently taken over from her sister Gold Rover in the South Atlantic, spent four days anchored in Cumberland Bay off the capital Grytviken.
RFA Black Rover
IN THE middle of the UK’s heatwave, here’s something to perhaps cool you down: tanker RFA Black Rover within sight of the snow-capped ridges and peaks of South Georgia.
Hot (or should that be cold?) on the heels of frigate HMS Argyll’s visit to the remote South Atlantic island chain, the veteran tanker anchored off the capital Grytviken as she takes up her duties as Britain’s ‘floating petrol station’ south of the Equator.
The 39-year-old auxiliary has recently relieved her slightly-older sister Gold Rover, charged with providing black gold to sustain RN vessels on patrol in the South Atlantic (such as the permanent presence HMS Clyde, and whichever frigate or destroyer is assigned to the region – currently Argyll), as well as generally flying the flag for the UK around its territories in the region…
…of which South Georgia is among the most remote and least populous (about 30 souls).
A fiery sunrise over the peaks of South Georgia
The tanker spent four days at anchor in Cumberland Bay, in sight of glaciers calving into the ocean and the snow-laden mountains.
The 50 or so crew were briefed about the importance of the island’s wildlife and eco-systems before stepping ashore at Grytviken, where experts from the British Antarctic Survey were their hosts and guides.
Once a thriving whaling station, Grytviken has now become a haven for wildlife: large numbers of seals and sea birds lined the foreshore. Despite being out of season – it’s slap bang in the middle of the Austral winter right now – the island’s museum was opened for the visiting RFA sailors. Others inspected the wreck of the whaler Petrel, driven ashore decades ago, and no visit to South Georgia is complete without paying homage at the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, buried in Grytviken’s small cemetery alongside crew from merchant ships and some casualties of war.
Cadet(X) John James poses in front of the wreck of the old whaler Petrel
To thank the island’s small populace for their hospitality during the tanker’s stay, Black Rover invited the locals aboard for an ‘all requests considered’ lunch.
Islanders listed the foods they had been unable to obtain for many months given their isolation, and Black Rover’s galley strove to meet their requests.
In the end, the menu consisted of beef steak and fresh salad, plus the odd glass of red wine. All the victuals were gratefully received by the South Georgians, whilst the RFA sailors were glad to provide not just some fresh food but also fresh faces and good company.
Naval Matters 