UK Ministry of Defence, The fourth and last of the Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) Class, RFA Lyme Bay, has been accepted into service following formal transfer of Operational Command (OPCOM) to the Fleet.
The state-of-the-art 16,000 tonne Bay Class landing ships provide a significant enhancement to the Armed Forces sealift capability. They are designed to deploy troops, vehicles and stores directly into an operational area.
At 177 metres long, they can operate rotary wing aircraft from their flight deck and can travel up to 8,000 miles at 15 knots. The storage decks are able to carry 32 Challenger II Main Battle Tanks as well as over 350 fully armed troops, landing craft and supporting stores.
The flight deck is large enough to accommodate Merlin or Chinook helicopters to transport troops ashore. They also have a floodable stern dock 31 metres long by 9 metres wide and 3 metres deep.
LSDA Team Leader Andy Hewitt said:
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“The acceptance of RFA Lyme Bay marking four ships delivered into service within the last 18 months is a fantastic achievement and a credit to all involved in this amphibious shipping programme. In addition to the uplift in the Royal Navy’s capability, they enable more people and more equipment to be sent to trouble spots around the world.”
Lyme Bay is currently operating around the south coast where she is undertaking ship staff familiarisation and safety training.
Operations for her sister ships Cardigan, Largs and Mounts Bay over the past year have included a multi-national exercise in support of Mine Countermeasure Vessels – Operation Orion 07 and Operation Grey Heron, an amphibious exercise. Cardigan Bay and Largs Bay are currently preparing for lengthy deployments in support of operations.
A Service of Dedication for Lyme Bay is due to take place in January 2008.
