River class offshore patrol vessel (RCOPV) HMS tyne has spent 4 days in North Shields (7-11 Jul) supporting the Mouth of the Tyne Festival on her Namesake river.
The Portsmouth-based ship completed a maintenance period in her home port and finished engineering trials prior to transiting north.
En route she conducted Marine Enforcement and Maritime Security Operations around the UK Coastline.
Once alongside Western Quay, HMS Tyne hosted a Reception and Capability Demonstration for her affiliates and members of the local community.
The guests were offered tours around the ship as well as an opportunity to engage with HMS Tyne’s sailors. The evening concluded with a traditional ceremonial sunset on the cargo deck.
The following day the ship opened her gangway to visitors with over 750 people coming on board.
Members from the local community visited to gain an insight into what the Royal Navy does and how the Fishery Protection Squadron operates.
Sailors were able to share their stories and engage with the local public.
Whilst alongside Western Quay, HMS Tyne welcomed her new Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Peter Barfoot.
Having served in HMS Tyne as an Executive Officer 6 years ago he said “It is an honour and a privilege to take Command of HMS Tyne in her affiliated town, North Shields.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead and supporting my crew to the best of my abilities.”
On her final day HMS Tyne hosted local Sea Cadets and youth groups throughout the day. They were able to witness first-hand the day to day workings of a Royal Navy Warship.
SLt Tom Flaherty a Warfare Officer trainee, who led the tours said; “I enjoy explaining to the younger generation what an exciting job we do and showing them the high tech equipment we have onboard.
“The Sea Cadets were very enthusiastic and certainly had a lot of questions to ask!”
HMS Tyne is one of the Royal Navy’s four RCOPVs in the Fishery Protection Squadron which conducts Marine Enforcement Operations to protect the UK Fishing Industry, along with a host of other duties to ensure the UK’s Maritime Security.
The River Class spend up to 300 days per year at sea using a 3 watch manning system to rotate a section of the crew every few weeks.
This means the versatile ships can be called upon at a moment’s notice to help with operations around the UK, or in the case of HMS Clyde, the Falkland Islands and South Atlantic.
