BAE Systems has announced celebrations to mark 15 years of supporting Operations Aintree and Kipion, the British Royal Navy’s mine countermeasure (MCM) strategy, in the Gulf region.
The globally renowned defence contractor - BAE Systems, has supported the Royal Navy’s Hunt Class vessels in the Gulf region for the past 15 years – and also delivers maintenance and upkeep to the rest of the Hunt Class flotilla, based out of Portsmouth Naval Base, in the United Kingdom (UK).
UK Mine Countermeasures Force
The UK Mine Countermeasures Force is part of the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to peace and security in the region, where the Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels are permanently stationed.
The Royal Navy works closely with regional and coalition partners, in order to maintain the security of the Gulf sea lanes and ensure the safe flow of trade through the region. This is crucial to both - international shipping and the global economy. Approximately, 15% of the world’s oil supply comes from the region.
Hunt Class mine countermeasures vessels
BAE Systems provides continuous in-region support via its Hunt Class Output Management team
The UK Mine Countermeasures Force is currently made up of two Hunt Class mine countermeasures vessels - HMS Middleton and HMS Chiddingfold, and two Sandown Class mine hunters - HMS Penzance and HMS Bangor.
In collaboration with the Royal Navy’s Forward Support Unit, BAE Systems provides continuous in-region support via its Hunt Class Output Management team. It maintains a presence in Bahrain, using local teams where possible and deploys teams from the Portsmouth base, when and if required.
Maintenance and upkeeps for Hunt Class vessels
In addition to ongoing maintenance carried out in the region, BAE Systems also delivers maintenance and upkeeps to all six Hunt Class vessels at Portsmouth Naval Base.
BAE Systems’ work on the Hunt Class vessels has included:
- Repair and upkeep of the ships’ specialist Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hulls;
- Involvement in the Hunt re-propulsion programme – designing for, and implementing, the installation of new engines to replace legacy systems;
- Delivery of a wide range of capability insertions and systems upgrades to upgrade performance, capabilities and crew conditions.
“We’re enormously proud of the successful part we’ve played in enabling the Royal Navy’s mine countermeasure operations in the Gulf, over the last 15 years,” commented Jon Pearson, Warship Support Director, BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business.
BAE Systems – Royal Navy successful partnership
Perhaps most of all, our success is down to the dedication and flexibility of our teams"
Jon Pearson adds, “This success is down to a number of factors - we have industry-leading engineering expertise, an ability to co-ordinate support to multiple ships and different classes of ships, experience in deployed support all over the world and excellent working relationships with the Royal Navy and our extensive supply chain.”
He continues, “Perhaps most of all, our success is down to the dedication and flexibility of our teams, providing continuous support to address issues and maintain ship availability.”
15-year anniversary of Operations Aintree and Kipion
The Royal Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence also held an event in Portsmouth Naval Base, in order to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Operations Aintree and Kipion.
BAE Systems was present at the event, alongside partners and other industry organisations, which have supported the Royal Navy’s strategy in the Gulf.
