'Extensive revamp' for Royal Navy minehunter HMS Middleton after 'useful training' on return from Middle East

A Royal Navy minehunter will undergo an overhaul following a series of training drills.

Hunt-class warship HMS Middleton recently conducted various operations around the UK after returning from the Middle East in March. She was the last forward deployed ship in the region, before being pulled back to Britain.

Since then, the US-Iran war broke out, various mines have been laid in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, and conflict spiralled for several months. After spending nearly five years in the Gulf, the Portsmouth-based minehunter got to grips with calmer seas.

The Royal Navy said: “The 50 or so sailors of the Royal Navy’s 2nd Mine Countermeasures Squadron Crew 7, who spent four months last summer operating Middleton in the Middle East, were charged with taking her around the country for some useful training ahead of the ship undergoing an extensive revamp.”

An anti-clockwise patrol took place around Great Britain. HMS Middle went of he North East coast for navigational drills and diving training, carrying out a port stop in Sunderland. The mine clearance diving team were thoroughly tested once the ship was in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, where they plunged into the depths to look at the wreck of First World War cruiser SMS Dresden.

The sunken ship was scuttled with most of the German High Seas Fleet in June 1919. Able Seaman (Diver) Oliver Woodmansee, 22, said: “This was my first ever wreck dive, and to do it in Scapa Flow was an incredible experience.”

The ship’s company paid their respects to HMS Royal Oak, conducting a commemoration when she passed the buoy that marked her wreck location. After rounding Cape Wrath the minehunter made for the Isle of Skye. For navigational experience, Middleton passed under the Skye Bridge and the Gulf of Corryvrecken – between the Isles of Jura and Scarba – infamous for its tidal whirlpools.

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Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner said: “Getting the chance to take Middleton under the Skye Bridge and then through Corryvrecken was incredible. I am extremely proud of the bridge team for a very professional job.”

Once HMS Middleton reached the Isle of Man, the ship’s company enjoyed VIP entry to the TT grandstand and personnel were able to get up close to the bikes and watch the insanely fast races. A couple of the sailors drove an iconic three-wheeler, Peel P50, after it was craned onto the ship. The 45kg car is one of fewer than 30 left in the world.

Leading Seaman Sam Taylor and Engineering Technician Ainsley Garlick reached out to Manx Transport Heritage Museum to see it. Sam said: “I know Jeremy Clarkson and Michael Portillo got the chance to drive a Peel P50, and now I have as well. I’m really grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

HMS Middleton then proceeded to Falmouth via the North Sea. After 24 days at sea and 2,950 nautical miles/nearly 3,400 miles - the equivalent of sailing to Crete - she is now beginning a Re-Certification Docking. This allows her to be renewed for many more years at sea.

Lt Cdr Garner added: “We had a fantastic time operating Middleton around British waters. My ship’s company are on top of their game, they’ve worked hard and trained hard, and they’ve also exploited every opportunity to have fun and enjoy life at sea. This is what the Royal Navy is all about.”