HMS Diamond at Glen Mallan

The Type 45 Royal Navy destroyer "HMS Diamond" arrived at Glen Mallan this morning just before noon.

She glided in smoothly in calm waters.

After berthing transfer of munitions will begin.

MOD Police Boat "Skye" 

 Approaching Glen Mallan

 Bridge


"Skye" Makes a Move

Crew at the Stern

 Gliding in to the Jetty

 Reflective

Berthing

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Glen Mallon on a Dreich Morning

Another early start to get over to Glen Mallon to get a few photographs of the RFA vessel 'Black Rover' departing to head down to Loch Striven.

The weather on the drive over was horrendous with very heavy rain so my expectations were rather negative.

However as I travelled down the road at loch Long it eased back and down to a drizzle.

Getting good images was challenging but hopefully I have managed a few.

Heading back down the loch road I encountered a contingency of Dutch marines who have been here for about a month carrying out various exercises.

A few photos of them and some of their equipment rounded off my morning before heading home.


Waiting on the Tugs


Coming Off the Jetty


Ready to Depart Glen Mallon



Heading Off

Transiting the Loch

Serco Tugs in Attendance

 Plenty Smoke

 Dutch Marine's Radio Transport

Briefing

Dutch Marine's Truck  

Ready to Get Wet

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Weekend Trip

Well my weekend aboard the SD Northern River comes to a close.

Up for breakfast at 07:00 - and a tasty breakfast it was too.

Then some fond farewells to the officers and crew who so kindly hosted the group.

Not such a sunny day for our trip back, but we're all in good spirits for the journey to Greenock on the SD Eva.

Cabin on the SD Northern River

NSRS NSRS 'Intervention Remotely Operated Vehicle

 Berthed at Glen Mallon Jetty

 Departing on the SD Eva

 My Fellow Travellers

 Moody Looking as We Head Down Loch long

Cold But Refreshing

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.

NSRS - SRV1 - NATO Submarine Rescue System

As part of my visit to 'SD Northern River' over the weekend I was very fortunate to witness some of the training with SRV1.

Based at Faslane on the Clyde, the unit was at Glen Mallon for training. It is owned owned jointly by the UK, France, and Norway.

SRV1 can be loaded on to aircraft for fast response anywhere around the world when required.

It has a crew of two pilots and can rescue up to 15 people at a time.

It is truly spectacular and I felt privileged to spend some time aboard  and see just what the unit was capable of - though we hope she is never needed.

 SRV1 Starting to Submerse

 Recovering from the Sea

 Looks Very Space Age

Multitude of Switches and Panels

 Space is Very Tight

Checks


SD Northern River Weekend Visit from Dougie Coull on Vimeo.

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.

HMS Diamond - Glen Mallan

HMS Diamond - a clyde built Class 45 Royal Navy destroyer - arrived at Glen Mallan early this morning.

An early start in wet conditions was needed to get across to Loch long in time to meet her arrival.

 HMS Diamond (D34) - Off Glen Mallan

HMS Diamond (D34) - Off Glen Mallan

HMS Diamond (D34) - Approaching Glen Mallan 

HMS Diamond (D34) - Off Glen Mallan

HMS Diamond (D34)

HMS Diamond (D34) - Off Glen Mallan Jetty

 HMS Diamond (D34) Berthing at Glen Mallan Jetty

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.

Joint Warrior Exercise - Departures

 Another early start this morning as I headed for Glen Mallan to see the FGS Frankfurt Am Main leave the jetty and depart Loch Long and out to sea.

Then back across the South side of the river and down to Greenock.

Met up with my friends and we had the usual craick at each others expense as we photographed the remainder of the NATO fleet as it departed.

They sailed from Glasgow and headed out to sea for the first Joint Warrior Exercise of this year.


Serco Tugs Assisting the FGS Frankfurt Am Main


FGS Frankfurt Am Main


SD Resourceful Escorting the FGS Frankfurt Am Main

FGS Frankfurt Am Main (A1412) Departing Glen Mallan

 HNoMS Rauma - (M352) - Custom House Quay

FGS Hessen (F221) - Custom House Quay

ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki (511) - Passing Greenock

HNOMS Karmoey - (M341) - Custom House Quay

FGS Hessen (F221)

 BNS Primula (M924) - Passing Greenock


Joint Warrior Exercise - Clyde Participants from Dougie Coull on Vimeo.

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.