The British Navy decommissioned two minehunters yesterday (4 August) in Rosyth. After just 21 years and 175,000 nautical miles, HMS Ramsey left the Royal Navy, with HMS Blyth it was only 20 years, but 185,000 nautical miles. Over the past decades, they have been seen time and again around the British Isles and in the waters of the European NATO partners. The two boats of the Sandown-class, however, because they were the first units to travel to the Persian Gulf in 2007 and 2008 to test a mission under the climatic conditions there. They were then stationed together in Bahrain for several years. To this day, the Royal Navy continues to use the HMS Jufair base there as a temporary home port for various boats.
One last time on board
While the Ramsey had already left her home port of Faslane for the last time a year ago to be prepared for decommissioning in Rosyth, the Blyth from Gareloch only a month ago. Until recently, the minehunter was still deployed in the Baltic States. The commander of the BlythLieutenant Commander Simon Henderson, also noted that the entire crew found their departure from a well-deserved ship difficult: "Our last entry into Rosyth was sad as it marked the end of a ship's life under Royal Navy command, but we remember the many successes we have achieved together and look forward to new opportunities in the future."
Not only crew members and their relatives were invited to the farewell ceremony for the two minesweepers, but also former crew members and friends of the ships. Among the invited VIP guests, one young face stood out in particular: Bella Brown, a twelve-year-old girl who joined the HMS Ramsey was baptised. In keeping with tradition, the boat's bell was used as a baptismal font for this purpose. "Just recently, I was once again able to baptise HMS Ramsey and see her sail on the Clyde, and I am sad that she is now being decommissioned," said the girl. "I hope that the ship continues to have good luck and success."
Bella Brown with her father
No wonder the ship's bell is now receiving special treatment. After Bella's name has been engraved on it, it is to be put on public display in the town of Ramsey on the Isle of Man, the minehunter's sponsor town.
A second life awaits the two decommissioned boats following a refit. They will be handed over to the Ukrainian navy and will now serve in the Black Sea.
Text: mb; Photos: Royal Navy/Crown Copyright
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