HMS Severn Named as Most Effective Ship in Fishery Protection Squadron

HMS Severn has demonstrated her operational capability and been named the most effective ship in the Fishery Protection Squadron.

The competition, run throughout the year, recognised the efforts of Severn and her ship’s company, for their drive, enthusiasm, success and efficiency.

As an added bonus Severn will be presented with the Jersey Cup during the Jersey Boat Show.

The past year saw Severn fulfilling not only her Marine Enforcement operations but also deploy on a seven and a half month patrol of the North Atlantic and Caribbean – a role normally reserved for a ship twice her size.

By the end of her Caribbean deployment Severn had visited 29 ports in 20 countries and delivered high profile wider regional engagement through receptions and capability demonstrations, as well as 69 ships tours.

On her return to the UK in July, Severn quickly resumed her Marine Enforcement work, contributing to the monitoring and enforcement of both national and European Union fisheries legislation.

More recently Severn has been involved in a cross government trial with embarked Border Force officers to conduct joint boardings.

Engineering Technician (CIS) Lee Lovick, one of Severn’s boarding team, said: “Being awarded the Effectiveness Pennant recognises all the hard work we have done over the last year; and while we don’t do the work just to get the Jersey Cup, it’s nice to be recognised as the best.”

Lieutenant Commander James Reynolds, who recently took over as Commanding Officer, added: “Being awarded the Fishery Protection Squadron Effectiveness Pennant is a great honour for the ship as it recognises the highest level of operational capability within the Squadron.

Severn will be present at the Jersey Boat Show in May this year where she will formally accept the Jersey Cup as recognition of another year leading the way in Marine Enforcement Operations.