Naval Exercises between Royal Navy and AFM Maritime Squadron

The Armed Forces of Malta, Maritime Squadron, have just concluded a two-day training programme with units of the Royal Navy's 3rd (Mine Counter Measures) Squadron, which have just returned from a 6 month Tour-of-Duty in the Persian Gulf.

HMS Bridport, HMS Sandown and HMS Inverness, accompanied by RFA Diligence were in Malta on an informal visit and entered Grand Harbour on June 5 1998.

On Monday June 8, a very interesting presentation on the functions and roles of Mine Counter Measure Vessels was delivered by Commander Richard M. Simmonds, RN, the Squadron's Commander, at Maritime Squadron Base, Haywharf. This was followed by an organised visit on board the HMS Bridport and HMS Sandown, for members of the AFM Maritime Squadron.

On Tuesday June 9, AFM Patrol Boat, P31, commanded by Lieutenant W. Camilleri AFM, participated in a naval exercise with HMS Inverness and HMS Bridport. The exercise consisted of formation manoeuvres and mail bag transfers, and also included the deployment of the remote controlled MCM MIOGET unmanned submarine, which is used to track down mines. AFM Maritime Squadron personnel were on board the British vessels during the exercise. The British vessels left Malta on their way back to the United Kingdom on Wednesday morning.