ROCK SOLID PROTECTION FROM NAVY’S GIBRALTAR SQUADRON, SAYS MOD

The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron successfully completed its annual Operational Sea Training – a week designed to ensure it is ready for operations in and around the UK’s overseas territory.

Across seven days, all 26 personnel from fast patrol boats Scimitar and Sabre and three Pacific 24 RHIBS, were put through intense training by expert assessors from the Flag Officer Sea Training organisation (FOST) inside territorial waters.

The men and women of the squadron were tested on firefighting, damage control, first aid provision, live weapon training simulations and responding to ‘attacks’ from small fast raiders.

An MOD statement adds: The squadron’s performance over the week earned in a ‘very satisfactory’ assessment from the FOST staff; most Royal Navy ships or units who pass receive a ‘satisfactory’ score.

The Operational Sea Training comes after HMS Scimitar underwent a full service, both inside and out, and a fresh lick of paint.

More in Panorama print edition