Clyde pride as BAE Systems delivers 750th ship from Govan yard
10 Jan 2006
RFA Mounts Bay today set sail from Faslane Naval Base on the Clyde for the first time since she was accepted into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on 15 December 2005. The ship, a 16,000 tonne military transport vessel, or Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary), becomes the first of the Bay Class of ships to enter service with the British fleet.
The ship was built and outfitted by BAE Systems Naval Ships in Glasgow, and is the 750th to have been built at the Govan shipyard. Outfitting work was also carried out at the companys Scotstoun yard before sea trials were completed late last year.
Ships Captain Ross Ferris said I am immensely proud and delighted to take charge of this magnificent ship on behalf of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. She will continue the RFAs proud one hundred years of service supporting the Royal Navy throughout the world, providing secure logistical support and amphibious operations capability for the British armed forces.
Vic Emery, Managing Director, BAE Systems Naval Ships, said We are committed to delivering the capability our customers require. We are all very proud of the timely completion of this ship and she is a testament to the skill and dedication of the workforce on the Clyde
BAE Systems has the strength and depth in terms of leadership and management - the right team in place to meet our customers requirements. This demonstrates that the Clyde remains the natural home of surface warship building in the UK.
The 176-metre long, 16,000 tonne ships will deliver the second wave of an amphibious assault ashore. The Bay class will also carry more logistical support capability and be better equipped to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations than the ships they will replace.
The contract for two vessels was placed with BAE Systems in November 2001 and steel cutting began the following month. RFA Mounts Bay was launched on 8th April 2004 by Lady Sarah Band, the wife of Admiral Sir Jonathan Band who will succeed Admiral Sir Alan west as First Sea Lord later this year. RFA Mounts Bays sister ship, Cardigan Bay, is currently nearing completion of outfit and will enter
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs over 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Charles Thompson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0)141-957 4449 Mobile: + 44 (0)7736 810 933
Email: charles.thompson2@baesystems.com
Colin Edgar, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)141 957 4464 Mobile: 07801 717 860
Email: colin.edgar@baesystems.com
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