Barry News

Navy minehunter sails into town

11:20am Thursday 2nd September 2010

ROYAL Navy minehunter HMS Ramsey will arrive in Barry on Friday (September 3) in support of the town’s Waterfront Festival.

As part of her regional engagement programme, the mine countermeasures vessel will go alongside at around mid-afternoon for the start of a four-day visit, during which time the ship’s company have a packed programme of events.

This will include a capability demonstration on Friday evening involving Ramsey’s crew and Royal Naval Reservists from HMS Cambria, who will undertake an armed above water protection exercise - a key skill in dealing with fast attack craft.

The reservists will also conduct training onboard during Saturday and stage another demonstration at night under floodlights, complete with commentary.

However, the highlight of HMS Ramsey’s visit will come on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when the crew will throw down the gangway to allow visitors on board to get a glimpse of life in today’s Royal Navy.

Timings are: Saturday 10am until 5pm, Sunday 11am until 5pm.

The ship’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Alex Bush, said: "I am thrilled that HMS Ramsey is able to visit Barry and represent the Royal Navy during this important Maritime Festival. "The crew will be participating in many of the events and I hope that as many local people as possible visit the ship while we are alongside."

On Sunday, members of the ship’s company will take part in a Thanksgiving Service in Barry, at which Lt Cdr Bush will take a reading. At around 5pm on Monday, HMS Ramsey will slip to return for her next operational tasking.

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