HMS Echo returns from 19 month deployment
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that the Royal Navy (RN) survey ship HMS Echo has returned to her home port of Plymouth after a 'marathon' 19-month deployment.
The ship made 24 stops in 11 nations and 13 different ports during deployment, carrying out survey work of little-chartered waters. The MoD noted that the HMS Echo has been away for 593 days with 421 actually at sea and has sailed about 74,000 miles (120,000km).
The vessel surveyed over 3,150 square miles (8,160 square kilometres); and conducted 181 sea bed samples, the deepest of which was 974m, and 986 surveys using sound.
This has included working with Plymouth-based HMS Albion on the largest Royal Naval exercise last year and other units on regular maritime policing patrols in the Middle East.
The MoD said more than 45,000 rounds of ammunition was expended, two of which were fired in anger on a real 'quick-draw' incident against a suspected Somali pirate vessel. Firing two saluting cannon rounds proved sufficient to deter further night approaches by suspect criminals.
During deployment standard emergency drills included 78 fire and flood exercises, 81 man-overboard exercises and 200 sets of breakdown drills.
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
