HMS Scimitar back on patrol

HMS Scimitar is back alongside at the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron having completed her Annual Survey and Repair Period.

Since the start of May, she has been on dry land, surrounded by scaffolding and engineers for a six-week programme of repair and refurbishment to keep her machinery running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

The work package was delivered by Bolaños, a local Gibraltar company, sub-contracted by Babcock who oversees many projects for the Royal Navy from the Vanguard class submarines, to Type 23 frigates and all the way down to the two Fast Patrol Boats that make up the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron.

This year the programme has included a new coat of paint and refurbishment of one of her two MAN diesel engines.

After six weeks of HMS Scimitar being suspended in a cradle her Commanding Officer, Lt Tom Loxton was pleased to regain custody of her and take her back to sea for trials.

Lt Loxton said: “No Commanding Officer likes to see their ship out of the water, but I am extremely pleased to see HMS Scimitar return to sea again and a week ahead of schedule.”

He added: “With the combined efforts of Gibraltar Squadron’s engineers, Babcock and Bolaños and with her sea trials now complete, Scimitar is ready in all respects to recommence her patrol responsibilities around Gibraltar’s territorial waters.”

In Scimitar’s absence her sister ship, HMS Sabre has been carrying out the Squadron’s duties around Gibraltar and is expected to commence her own ASRP later this year.

The main roles of the Squadron are to demonstrate British sovereignty of the waters around the Rock and conduct escort missions, bringing warships and submarines safely alongside one of the UK’s key strategic bases.