HMS Clyde has now completed the routine 6 monthly crew handover, and to ensure the new team have found their feet, the inevitable visit from Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) is happening.
The fifteenth crew to man Clyde will be tested over six intense days for their key part in this Joint Theatre operation; working with the RAF Typhoon Aircraft, carrying soldiers to outlying areas for patrols ashore; along with the routine skills for a Patrol Vessel such as maritime security or providing lifesaving assistance to fellow mariners in distress.
This is in addition to the basic skills of being safe to operate in the harsh environment of the South Atlantic, capable of dealing with recovering a man overboard, machinery breakdowns, fires, floods and casualties.
Once the scrutiny of FOST is successfully passed and the Theatre Commander happy that the required standard has been achieved, Clyde will continue her mission of patrolling the Falkland Islands and reassuring the locals that the Royal Navy is here to protect and help them.
The ship will explore the outer reaches of the archipelago during her maritime security patrols, visiting settlements, experiencing the diversity of wildlife and enjoy many beautiful South Atlantic sunsets.
The new Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Tim Berry, has visited the Falklands before as the Operations Officer of HMS Liverpool, but is looking forward to getting out on patrol, “As a specialist navigator in a ship that is more suited to exploring the intricacies of the Falklands coastline, I am looking forward to seeing the Falklands from a different perspective over the next six months.”