Four warships which form part of one of the biggest Royal Navy Task Groups to have sailed from the UK in recent years will arrive in Malta tomorrow.
Amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark and Type 23 frigates HMS Argyll and HMS Somerset will be joined by the French Navy frigate, FS Dupleix as they sail into Valletta’s spectacular Grand Harbour for a four-day visit.
The ships make up part of the TAURUS 09 Task Group, which is heading through the Mediterranean, conducting exercises with regional nations’ armed forces.
TAURUS 09 is aimed at maintaining the Royal Navy’s fighting capability as well as developing the UK’s capacity to operate with key partners and allies from NATO countries and other nations enhancing interoperability and demonstrating the UK’s commitment to the stability and security of the Mediterranean.
Spearheading the deployment from his Command Ship, HMS Bulwark, Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson CBE ADC, Commander UK Amphibious Task Group, said: “It is a real privilege for me to bring my Task Group into Grand Harbour in Malta, a place where the Royal Navy has such strong historic and cultural links. The UK has a very special relationship with Malta which I know visits like this help reinforce, we are partners in the EU and share common goals through defence diplomacy. All the sailors, marines and airmen onboard the ships are looking to enjoying the wonderful friendship and warm hospitality that gives Malta such a brilliant reputation”
During their stay, sailors from HMS Bulwark will play host to members of Malta Sea Cadets who will be presented with two dinghies, a gift from Weymouth Sea Cadets. Around 200 Malta Scouts and their families are also expected onboard for a tour of Bulwark, one of two Royal Navy Amphibious Assault ships. Royal Navy sailors have also volunteered to carry out maintenance work at Razzett-tal-Hbiberija and support conservation projects organised through BirdLife Malta.
HMS Bulwark will be opening its doors to the public for tours of the upper and vehicle decks between 1300 and 1700 on Saturday afternoon (28 February), giving visitors a rare opportunity to view the ship’s huge docks, which flood to allow the boat transportation of Royal Marines and equipment from the ship to shore. She will be berthed at Pinto Wharf 1.
On leaving Malta, the Task Group will rejoin its other elements: helicopter landing platform HMS Ocean, United States Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS MItscher and support ships from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Group will continue through the Mediterranean, exercising in amphibious and anti-submarine warfare, as well as conducting maritime security operations. Part of the Task Group will continue through to the Middle East and on to South East Asia, culminating in a multi-national training package in the primary jungles of Brunei. Riverine training will also be conducted with the Bangladeshi Navy, the first such interaction in more than a decade.
At its height, 3,300 personnel will take part in the 20,400 mile round-trip deployment, interacting, training and building relations with 17 nations.