By Kim Hardie
THE BATON passed from current to future mine warfare experts when HMS Penzance sailed from HM Naval Base Clyde in the Gareloch for the final time.
HMS Penzance, the last Sandown-class Minehunter based in Scotland, departed Faslane – marking the end of a 28-year presence of Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMVS) at the Naval Base.
Dozens of military and civilian personnel including Captain of the Base, King’s Harbour Master and members of the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG), attended a farewell ceremony on board the ship to say goodbye and give thanks to HMS Penzance and the wider Mine Countermeasures (MCM) community for years of dedicated service.
During the ceremony Captain of the Base, Captain Elaine Boyd paid tribute to HMS Penzance and the MCM community.
“For over 28 years, there has been a permanent presence of Mine Countermeasure Vessels at HM Naval Base Clyde, and today, HMS Penzance sailing marks the final departure,” said Captain Boyd.
“During that time, strong ties and working relationships have been forged with the mine warfare community and while we say goodbye to HMS Penzance, we look forward to building on those connections with the new autonomous Mission System Teams who have picked up the mantle.”
“Mine warfare will continue to be part of Clyde’s story and today I would like to thank HMS Penzance for her contribution to this and for her 25 years of dedicated service.”
Launched on March 11, 1997, by Princess Michael of Kent and commissioned a year later, HMS Penzance has given 25 years of service to the Royal Navy. During this time, she has completed numerous deployments including operations in the Gulf. During her first deployment to the Gulf in 2014 she spent a total of 7,500 hours at sea and sailed over 34,000 miles.
Overall, she has made a significant contribution to global maritime security also operating in UK waters, supporting NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1 in Northern European Waters, and participating in multi-national exercises.
During her final tour of the UK, she visited the Isle of Man, where she hosted visitors including the Mayor of Douglas, the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and the Douglas Lifeboat Crew.
Later the Sandown-class vessel and her 40-strong crew also attended the Sea Bangor Festival in Northern Ireland where they lowered the gangway for one day, inviting visitors on board to learn more about how they protect vital shipping lanes from the threat of maritime mines.
Penzance will now enter her final docking period in Rosyth, while Faslane-based sailors continue to crew the very last ship in the class, HMS Bangor, which is deployed in Bahrain.
For much of her active career, HMS Penzance operated under Clyde-based 1st Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCM1).
With the phasing out of ships in favour of their replacement autonomous craft, the squadron disbanded in July 2023 in favour of the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG) with Mission System Team 3 (MST3) picking up the baton at HMNB Clyde.
Throughout 2023, MST3 have delivered operational output, providing a clear picture of the seabed within the Clyde. One of the highlights of the year was winning the Royal Navy Surface Flotilla Excellence Award for developing and implementing an interim MCM Capability within the Clyde area of operations.
Looking ahead, MST3 is eagerly awaiting the arrival of RFA Stirling Castle at Clyde, which will expand the operational capability and significantly extend the unit’s range and on-task sustainability. The 96.8 metres long vessel will work side-by-side with autonomous mine-hunting systems known as Wilton already operated by the Royal Navy out of Faslane.
This innovative capability signifies a new chapter in the Royal Navy’s commitment to maintaining peace and security at sea. MTXG with its Vahana Class vessels operated by the new Mission System Teams will be the future of the Royal Navy’s Minehunting Capability as the Royal Navy remains steadfast in its mission to protect the seas and ensure the safety of global maritime trade well into the future.
Picture Captions:
- Captain Elaine Boyd addresses Naval Base staff and crew of HMS Penzance at farewell ceremony.
- Commanding Officer of HMS Penzance, Lt Cdr Simon Henderson.
- HMS Penzance is sent off in style from HM Naval Base Clyde.
- HMS Penzance as she sets off from the Clyde.