Huge Navy Task Force Sets Sail

UK Ministry of Defence,

HMS Bulwark, which is spearheading the biggest Royal Navy Task Force to deploy to the Far East in more than a decade, set sail from Plymouth today, Wednesday 18 February 2009.

The Taurus deployment has been 18 months in the planning. It aims to maintain the Royal Navy's fighting capability as well as develop the UK's capacity to operate with key partners and allies from NATO countries and other nations to enhance interoperability.

It will also demonstrate the UK's commitment to the stability and security of the Mediterranean, Middle East and South East Asia.

In exercising its ability to deploy globally, the Task Force will conduct a wide range of activities, including maritime security operations, and exercising amphibious and anti-submarine warfare.

The Task Force comprises 12 ships, including a US Navy destroyer and a French Navy frigate, two nuclear-powered submarines, Royal Marines, the Fleet Diving Unit, elements of 820 and 857 Naval Air Squadrons from RNAS Culdrose, 847 Naval Air Squadron and Commando Helicopter Force Sea Kings based in Yeovil and Support Helicopter Force Chinooks from 18 Squadron, RAF Odiham.

It will be joined by ships, troops and aircraft from other nations as it transits towards South East Asia.

At its height, 3,300 personnel will take part in the 20,400 mile (32,831km) round-trip deployment, interacting, training and building relations with 17 nations.

Spearheading the deployment from his Command Ship HMS Bulwark, Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson, Commander UK Amphibious Task Group, said:

“Taurus is a great opportunity for the Royal Navy to demonstrate and practise a wide range of skills, specifically anti-submarine and amphibious warfare. Everybody involved is looking forward to this deployment, which has real opportunities for all. Deploying a maritime force across the globe for prolonged periods defines a premier Navy's capability. It is what we do and we do it well. It is important for UK defence that we can take such a commitment in our stride.”

The Taurus deployment will be split into two phases.

Phase One will involve amphibious training with nations in the Mediterranean, culminating in a series of amphibious landings in Turkey as part of Exercise Egemen – a joint and combined exercise.

Phase Two will see part of the Task Group deploy through the Suez Canal, culminating in a multi-national training package in the primary jungles of Brunei. Riverine training will also be conducted with the Bangladeshi Navy, the first such interaction in more than a decade.

The UK-mandated deployment will remain available for a range of potential missions as required, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Speaking as the Task Force prepares to deploy, Minister of State for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth said:

“In addition to the Royal Navy's contribution to current operations, exercising its open ocean and amphibious capability is vital to demonstrating its global reach and maintaining its capacity to deliver maritime security. This deployment illustrates the Navy's versatility. It is a world class service and deploying this task group will hone its warfighting skills.”

The Task Force is expected to return in August 2009.

The ships involved in the Taurus deployment are:

– Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark*
– Landing Platform Helicopter HMS Ocean*
– Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll
– Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset*
– United States Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS Mitscher*
– French Navy Georges Leygues-class frigate FS Dupleix
– RFA Mounts Bay
– RFA Lyme Bay
– RFA Wave Ruler*
– RFA Fort Austin
– Two Trafalgar Class submarines

* denotes units involved in Phase Two

Engagement/Exercises will be conducted with countries including: Malta, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.