HMS Vigilant returns to Faslane Naval Base

HMS Vigilant returned to her home base at Faslane late this afternoon.

Very dull and then the rain came to make things a bit more difficult to get quality images.

Nevertheless here are a few of her arrival.

 Heading in After Crew Transfer

Passing Kilcreggan

 SD Dependable Assists

 Entourage Arrives in the Gareloch

 HMS Vigilant

Approaching Rhu Spit


Past Helensburgh

 Passing Rhu

Bound for Faslane

Sailing through the Rain

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

'Pretty Ivy' Heads to Sea

A run up to Braehead at lunch time to see the departure of the bulk carrier 'Pretty Ivy'.

Weather has been a problem for shipping movements of late so I guess the owners will be glad to see her safely out to sea.

Unusually one of the Serco tugs - 'SD Dependable' was used to assist the tow today. I believe it's been about five years since this last happened.

It was good to witness, and I'm sure it was a welcome challenge to the crew from their normal MOD work.

I wonder if this will be a thing of the future with Serco and Svitzer tugs working together.


'Ayton Cross' Leads the 'Pretty Ivy' Downriver

'SD Dependable' Takes the Stern

 Heading Downriver

Next Stop is Open Sea 

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

Afternoon at the Gareloch in Scotland

A trip over to Faslane today resulted in a few worthwhile images of the Virginia class US navy submarine - USS Missouri (SSN-780).

Unfortunately I had quite a tumble getting on to the beach, with my camera and lens bouncing off the large rocks - as did I.

Camera seems OK but filter glass on the lens totally shattered. Lens seems OK but can't get the lens filter off as it's jammed solid.

It could have been much worse. Shame it happened but such is life I guess.

On the plus side I made a new friend at Garelochhead - so there was a silver lining.

Some shots of the ex-navy fleet tender - Aberdovey - as she is beached for some paintwork to be refreshed.

MOD Police RHIB

USN Virginia Class Submarine - USS Missouri (SSN-780) - Departs Faslane  

USS Missouri (SSN-780) Departs Faslane  

  

SD Reliable Escorts the USS Missouri (SSN-780)

USS Missouri (SSN-780)  Departs Faslane 

SD Dependable and SD Reliable on Escort Duties

 USS Missouri Departs Faslane

 USS Missouri (SSN-780) Submarine Departs Faslane 



USS Missouri in Gareloch, Scotland from Dougie Coull on Vimeo.

 'Aberdovey' at Garelochhead

 'Aberdovey' at Garelochhead

 'Aberdovey' at Garelochhead

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

US Submarine - Faslane Bound

An American Virginia Class submarine - the USS Missouri - passed through Rhu Narrows this morning as she headed on up to Faslane Naval base.

She was escorted by the Serco tugs SD Dependable and SD Reliable.

Always nice to see our American allies come to our shores, and friendly waves were exchanged.

USS Missouri Approaching Rhu Narrows

 SD Reliable Escorts the USS Missouri

 A Friendly Wave from Both Sides

 SD Reliable Assists


SD Dependable and SD Reliable Escorting Through Rhu Narrows 

USS Missouri Faslane Bound

Faslane Bound 

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

Around Greenock Docks

A quick turn around the docks at Greenock today after the golf.

We have the SD Waterman looking resplendent having just undergone a session in the Garvel dry dock.

Pilot cutter - 'Toward' - seems to be berthed at the James Watt Dock Marina - wonder if she will be sold with the arrival of the Gantock?

And finally we have a visitor in the East India Harbour in the shape of the Clansman from Leith.

 SD Waterman - Great Harbour

SD Waterman and SD Dependable - Great Harbour

 SD Waterman - Great Harbour

 River Buoy Top Section - James Watt Dock

 Pilot Cutter 'Toward' - James Watt Dock Marina

 Trawler 'Clansman' - East India Harbour

Trawler 'Clansman' - East India Harbour

Trawler 'Clansman' - East India Harbour

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