Ahead of the Royal Navy’s flagship annual deployment, Operation Cougar, Naval vessels HMS Bulwark, RFA Wave Knight and RFA Lyme Bay are spending 48 hours in Gibraltar. Cougar is an amphibious deployment to areas of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region.

HMS Bulwark is at the forefront of the deployment, carrying Royal Marines, aircraft and vehicles. She is an assault ship with the primary role of projecting Royal Marines across the beach in an amphibious operation.

Talking to YGTV today Commander of the UK Task Force, Commodore Jerry Kyd explained that the operation also involved support shipping in terms of fuel carriers, to refuel aircraft and ships and supply the over 1000 strong company with food and supplies.

Later in the Operation the force will be joined by further escorts and frigates to protect them. ‘We’re a balanced force ready for anything,’ the Commodore claimed. The force also includes members of the Army and Air Force. 

‘We all really enjoy coming into Gibraltar,’ the Commodore insisted, answering questions on the Force’s time on the Rock. ‘For us of course we’ve got a real soft spot and emotional attachment to Gibraltar, it is a home away from home. It’s a bit of rest and recuperation for a few days before we start a very demanding exercise in the Mediterranean. Of course it always gives the ship time to do some stores on board and to fix the machinery. 

Commenting on their arrival this morning, the Commodore noted that there were no incidents with the Guardia Civil and everything ran smoothly. ‘As always we’re very grateful to Gibraltar and the Government for the support and facilities out here, it’s brilliant.’

The Operation could last anywhere from 4 months to an undisclosed period of time. Captain of the HMS Bulwark, Dean Bassett told YGTV that his ship carries his own staff, the Commodore and his staff and the Brigadier and his staff who are responsible for the land force at shore.