Royal Navy Flagship HMS Bulwark arrives Sunday for a return visit to Malta

by Gozo News · November 28, 2014

HMS Bulwark is returning to Valletta this coming Sunday, the 30th of November, for a short port visit, almost a year to the day since her last one.

Royal Navy Flagship HMS Bulwark to pay a return visit to Malta

Nearing the end of a 4 month Cougar 14 Deployment to the Gulf and Mediterranean, the Fleet Flagship will remain alongside to recuperate from her busy operational schedule of exercises and Defence engagements in the region.

For many of the 500-strong Ship’s Company this period of operational stand-down will be a welcome return to an island peppered with many happy memories and a wealth of recreational activities to enjoy.

The Commanding Officer, Captain Dean Bassett Royal Navy, said, “the historic bond between the Royal Navy and Island of Malta remains as strong as ever and I am extremely privileged to be bringing the Fleet Flagship back to Valletta.”

He added, “my Ship’s Company are eager to experience the many delights that Malta has to offer.”

HMS Bulwark will remain alongside until the 4th of December and is due to return to her home port of Devonport in time for Christmas.

HMS Bulwark is one of the Royal Navy’s two Assault Command and Control ships and is presently The Fleet Flagship. She has a ship’s company of 350, a quarter of whom are made up from 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (4 ASRM).

In addition the ship can carry up to 225 marines in dedicated accommodation for long periods and another 500 in austere conditions for short periods. Her flight deck can accommodate two Chinook or two Merlin helicopters. A large floodable dock holds four large landing craft – with another four carried on davits on the ship’s side.

Cougar 14 is the annual deployment of elements of the UK’s high readiness maritime Response Force Task Group (RFTG). Elements of the RFTG have been deployed to the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, exercising the UK’s maritime assets and demonstrating the Royal Navy’s capacity to project an effective maritime component anywhere in the world.

The RFTG is the United Kingdom’s high readiness maritime force, comprising ships, submarines, aircraft and a landing force of Royal Marines, at short notice to act in response to any contingency tasking if required. The Task Group is commanded by Commodore Jerry Kyd, Commander United Kingdom Task Group.