HMS Mersey gets Pacific 24 RIBs
The Royal Navy’s HMS Mersey patrol ship has received two new Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), the navy announced on 16 May.
The new 25.5ft boats replace the older 22ft Pacific 22 RIBs previously used on operations for more than a decade.
The Pacific 24s can seat more personnel on better seating and can travel at higher speeds, carrying boarding teams to inspect vessels as part of HMS Mersey's fisheries protection role.
HMS Mersey's XO Lt Martyn Mayger said: ‘Sea boat operations are our bread and butter and these faster, stronger, more agile boats allow us to conduct our marine enforcement task more effectively.
‘The two Pac24s mark a significant increase in Mersey's capability, but the boats have their work cut out for them - we are a busy ship.’
The crew have already undergone training on the new vessels.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.