MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Dumbarton Castle returns

HMS Dumbarton Castle arrived in Stanley Friday morning. She replaces HMS Leeds Castle as the permanent Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel.

Lieutenant John Garratt, the Commanding Officer onboard will take this chance to meet with Falklands' Governor Howard Pearce and other government officials, as the ship's company renews old acquaintances with the people of Stanley.

The Dumbarton Castle will be leaving for her first patrol on Monday.

HMS Dumbarton Castle is an Offshore Patrol Vessel Mark 2, built by Hall Russell Ltd of Aberdeen. She was launched on 3 June 1981 and accepted into service with the Royal Navy on 9 March 1982. The Ship's main role is the protection of the offshore assets of the United Kingdom, including our oil and gas installations and fisheries out to the 200 mile limit.

Castle class are dual role design ships with the ability to carry out fishery protection and offshore patrols with the added flexibility of being able to operate helicopters as big as the Sea King from the large flight deck. Fitted with a sophisticated navigation and tracking system to locate and intercept other vessels. They also carry detergent spraying equipment for the dispersal of oil slicks.

The vessels have a total complement of between 42-52 depending on her role. This consists of approximately 6 Officers and 39 Ratings with temporary accommodation for up to 25 Royal Marines. The accommodation is comfortable and spacious, with most officers and senior rates in 2 berth cabins and junior ratings in 4 or 6 berth cabins.

Two large recreation spaces are also provided fitted with television, DVD/Video, radio and Hi-Fi equipment Besides the permanent Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel, the Islands have the support of the Atlantic Patrol (South) which is the standing naval commitment to provide a Frigate or Destroyer and an RFA support vessel to the South Atlantic and West African regions.

HMS Cardiff is the current Atlantic Patrol South presently in the Caribbean on her return trip to UK. (PN, RN).