07/11/2011
'Liverpool' Sails Into Portsmouth From Libya
The Royal Navy warship HMS Liverpool has returned home to Portsmouth following more than seven months working as part of NATO operations off the coast of Libya.
The Portsmouth-based Type-42 destroyer was a welcomed home by over a thousand friends and family members as she sailed into Portsmouth this morning.
The Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond was on board to congratulate the ship's company on their latest deployment.
HMS Liverpool sailed to the Mediterranean at the end of March to support NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, where her tasks included enforcing the no-fly zone and conducting embargo operations to prevent arms from reaching pro-Gaddafi forces by sea.
Since taking on her high-tempo mission to protect the Libyan citizens, HMS Liverpool's ship's company has spent 81 hours at Action Stations on 28 separate occasions, been fired at and returned fire ten times, and launched 211 rounds of illumination and high explosive shells from her 4.5-inch (114mm) gun.
These illumination or star shells were fired to light up pro-Gaddafi positions for NATO aircraft to identify and destroy.
The ship's company has witnessed the siege of Misurata and the fall of Tripoli, Zlitan, Al Khums and Sirte to the rebels, and while enforcing the no-fly zone, HMS Liverpool's Fighter Controllers spent 360 hours controlling 14 different types of aircraft from a number of NATO countries.
(BMcC)
The Portsmouth-based Type-42 destroyer was a welcomed home by over a thousand friends and family members as she sailed into Portsmouth this morning.
The Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond was on board to congratulate the ship's company on their latest deployment.
HMS Liverpool sailed to the Mediterranean at the end of March to support NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, where her tasks included enforcing the no-fly zone and conducting embargo operations to prevent arms from reaching pro-Gaddafi forces by sea.
Since taking on her high-tempo mission to protect the Libyan citizens, HMS Liverpool's ship's company has spent 81 hours at Action Stations on 28 separate occasions, been fired at and returned fire ten times, and launched 211 rounds of illumination and high explosive shells from her 4.5-inch (114mm) gun.
These illumination or star shells were fired to light up pro-Gaddafi positions for NATO aircraft to identify and destroy.
The ship's company has witnessed the siege of Misurata and the fall of Tripoli, Zlitan, Al Khums and Sirte to the rebels, and while enforcing the no-fly zone, HMS Liverpool's Fighter Controllers spent 360 hours controlling 14 different types of aircraft from a number of NATO countries.
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 February 2007
HMS Intrepid to be recycled in the UK
The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defence has announced. The 12,000 tonne vessel, which is a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, has been moored in Portsmouth harbour since she left service in 1999.
HMS Intrepid to be recycled in the UK
The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defence has announced. The 12,000 tonne vessel, which is a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, has been moored in Portsmouth harbour since she left service in 1999.
14 April 2011
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
19 September 2008
UK Backs NATO Transformation Plans
NATO's Defence Ministers are meeting in London today to discuss how to deliver a more efficient and effective NATO. Ministers will talk about how NATO can produce quicker response forces and more mobile capabilities.
UK Backs NATO Transformation Plans
NATO's Defence Ministers are meeting in London today to discuss how to deliver a more efficient and effective NATO. Ministers will talk about how NATO can produce quicker response forces and more mobile capabilities.
02 December 2004
EU takes over Bosnian peacekeeping role from Nato
The European Union has taken over control of peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina today (December 2), the largest mission the Union has ever embarked upon.
EU takes over Bosnian peacekeeping role from Nato
The European Union has taken over control of peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina today (December 2), the largest mission the Union has ever embarked upon.
01 December 2003
Britain takes lead role in Nato's chemical defence unit
Britain is to take on a leading role in a new multinational Nato battalion designed to respond to attacks from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
Britain takes lead role in Nato's chemical defence unit
Britain is to take on a leading role in a new multinational Nato battalion designed to respond to attacks from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.