HMS PORTLAND - F79

[Francis GIB]

HARBOUR - 220111: Type 23 Frigate on PWO course. Due out on area training on Monday morning...if the gale persists....

[Daniel GIB]

Her arrival in Gibraltar on the 21st January

[Francis GIB]

GIBRALTAR - 250111: As predicted, she had to cancel two "outings" on account of the weather. She finally left this afternoon for the training grounds off the East Side...not a very enjoyable start of PWO training! And the forecast is not too bright for the next few days either....she was also one of the ships that broke a mooring line or two due to the swell inside the harbour... I have just realised it before I push the "submit" button - the stern mooring appears rather thick...or is it the photo?????

Taken from the Upper Rock:

[E28]

Hello Francis and your last post and observation re her stern mooring.
If bad weather is forecast she may well have doubled up to allow for such mishaps possibly occuring, and she could have a hurricane hawser or two out as well. That is what it used to be termed.
Cannot be 100%, but is probable.
Maybe a few extra fenders, don't want to scratch the paint.
Thanks. E28

[Francis GIB]

Thanks for that! If I remember correctly, holding-off wires were available on 41 and 42 Berths opposite the Tower. They may have had them on South Mole, but with the lessening of activity they were probably removed. Besides, the South Mole was considered quite sheltered as against the Tower berths which faced the open South Entrance. We tend to get a nearly "perfect storm" from the East every 10-12 years which produces very heavy swell. This will come into the Bay and inside the Harbour. Add the combination of Spring Tides and you are ready to rock! Indeed, in 1990 ( and I must look for the pictures B&W) the sea was coming over the Detached Mole not as spray, but actually rising and rising, solid water overspilling the mole. A few of the [empty by then] Ammunition Barges broke their moorings from the trot and ended up nearby where the RAF used to have their Marine Craft Unit. Even Catalan Bay was on alert to be evacuated as it was expected that with the high tide expected at xxxxhour, on the point of the changeover from high, slack and then to low, a few rogue waves would be created and go over the sea wall. In the event this did not happen, although water did spill onto the road way with great force, smashing the timber planks wedged across the entrances to the beach.... And if we talk about the October 2008 storm... well that's another article on its own!

Regards

Francis

[Francis GIB]

GIBRALTAR - 280111: Returning to Base after PWO training. Left Gibraltar for UK today (30 January)...

[E28]

Daniel and Francis,
The next type 23 you should have call on you, provided she does stop is
HMS Monmouth, if i have done my maths.
Probably this Weds 30th or thereabouts, heading to the usual 23's happy patch.
Thanks. Sean. E28

[Daniel GIB]

HMS PORTLAND F 79 in Gibraltar on the 27th May. She is in Gibraltar for PWO firings.

[Francis GIB]

120611: Various pix covering the period 27/5 to 06/06:

[E28]

More super photos from Gib.

Francis and Daniel, the next 23 you should have stop next is St Albans, imminently i imagine.
So a new St Albans thread for you to start.

Once East of Suez, Iron Duke will return Westwards having done her first stint out there.

[Francis GIB]

Hi Sean, quite right...St Albans did a quick in and out! I missed her completely, but my "apprentice" should have managed to get a pix or two!

Regards

Francis

[Deepol]

A memory of her under construction at Yarrow's.

[Daniel GIB]

In Gibraltar on the 26/01/14

[Daniel GIB]

In Gibraltar on the 24/06/16