Fifteen SNR(S) members were privileged to visit River class offshore patrol vessel HMS Mersey on 31st May 2023. We were met by Lt John Hawks, the ship’s Officer of the Day, who gave us an outline of the ship’s role, which had evolved from fishery protection to security and surveillance work, including tracking Russian submarines and surface vessels transiting UK waters. Additionally, the Mersey had recently been involved in monitoring illegal immigration from across the Channel and only just returned from deployment to the Baltic.
The group was then treated to a full description of the workings of the ship’s Rigid Inflatable Boats by AB Stubbs, who explained that as a Batch I River class, the ship was equipped with a cargo deck but, unlike the Batch IIs, was not capable of operating a helicopter, so the workboat was used as a deployable extension of the ship.
The visitors then climbed up to the port bridge wing where PO gave a detailed description of the FN MAG 7.62mm machine guns which could fire 750-800 rpm at effective ranges of up to 1,800 meters and could be used against either surface or airborne targets.
After that, the group were led round to the main gun platform ahead of the bridge, where we were shown the workings of the 20mm Oerlikon main armament. This gas operated gun first entered RN service in 1935 but had been upgraded by the addition of modern sights, and although still manually aimed, could be radar guided radar by instructions relayed from the ship’s bridge. Although a small ship and needing to conserve operational ammunition, gun shoots were usually carried out at least fortnightly when at sea.
Finally, members were invited to the bridge for a comprehensive talk on the navigation systems by Navigating Officer, Lt Dix, and S/Lt Lewis. The ship, although built to mercantile standards has been upgraded with naval grade radar and satellite navigation systems. Before disembarking the members engaged in lively and enthusiastic conversation with the crew over coffee, learning that the ship had three crews who interchanged as necessary. They work about six weeks at a time with up to 35 personnel, both male and female, on board. Even junior rates are accommodated in no-more-than twin berth cabins. SNR(S) members were very impressed by the professionalism, confidence and enthusiasm of the crew and came away with a renewed respect for the young men and women of the Royal Navy.
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