Major exercise in the Minch
WARSHIPS and submarines will be operating in the Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides in a major two-week exercise beginning on April 20.
Called Joint Warrior, the exercise will include NATO, RAF and civilian contracted aircraft conducting simulated attacks against the Fleet.
The exercise aims to see them forge the partnerships and modern fighting skills that they will need in an international crisis.
Land forces will play a part this year with the participation of approximately 160 soldiers from 3 Rifles. Joint Warrior will provide the soldiers with vital experience of operating from sea, culminating in a three-day operation on a remote part of the Western Isles.
Acutely aware of the potential environmental impact of Joint Warrior, careful risk mitigation has been carried out to minimise the impact of the exercise, say the exercise organisers.
It is a twice yearly Royal Navy and Royal Air Force run exercise which provides the best opportunities for British forces to work and fight in large formations – using lessons that are being learned daily in current war zones.
The forces of Joint Warrior will feature a total of 36 warships and around 70 aircraft from the UK and sixteen allied nations.
Lessons and best-practice from current operations such as in Afghanistan and Iraq are used to ensure that the training is realistic and relevant.
For this exercise, the Royal Navy will deploy the 18,500 tonne Assault Ship HMS Bulwark, Type 23 frigates HMS Portland and HMS Northumberland, Sandown class Mine Hunters HMS Walney and HMS Shoreham, two submarines, two helicopters and elements of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.
The exercise will also see the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group participate that is currently commanded by the UK from HMS Roebuck with Sandown class Mine Hunter HMS Hurworth also part of the group.
The air elements of the exercise will operate across the whole of the UK with up to 70 aircraft participating; Harriers, Tornados and Hawks will make up the bulk of the RAF's air input.
NATO participants will add the Mirage 2000, Rafael, Falcons and F15 Eagles to UK skies and all will exercise in a wide variety of roles in a number of different exercise areas.
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Weather for Stornoway
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
