Libya: Royal Navy destroy shore-based artillery battery

British Royal Navy warship HMS Liverpool destroyed a Libyan shore battery this week which had opened fire on the ship and its helicopter.

Whilst engaged on surveillance operations off the Libyan coast, the ship was tasked to intercept small, high-speed inflatable boats approaching the port of Misurata, suspected of attempting to mine the harbour.

A Libyan artillery battery on the coast fired rockets at HMS Liverpool whereupon she immediately returned fire with her 4.5-inch (11.5cm) gun, silencing the shore-based aggressors. As a result of the prompt action by HMS Liverpool and her fellow NATO vessels, Colonel Gaddafi's boats were forced to abandon their operation.

British submarine officer shot dead

A British Royal Navy officer shot dead on board a nuclear-powered submarine in the British port of Southampton has been formally named by the Ministry of Defence as Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux.

He was killed on board HMS Astute yesterday when another member of the crew opened fire with a SA80 assault rifle.

Lt Cmdr Molyneux was 36 and from Wigan.

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Royal Navy prepare to deploy to Afghanistan

British Royal Navy personnel are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in April. Able and Leading Medical Assistants will provide support for 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines.

The Military Training Unit (MTU) at the Royal Navy base in Torpoint is providing Navy personnel of all ranks and rates, including medical staff, intensive pre-deployment training.

The Royal Navy is playing a key role supporting operations in Afghanistan. Elements of 845, 846, 847 and 857 Naval Air Squadrons are among the units currently deployed as part of Operation HERRICK 13 to provide airborne surveillance, troop movement and control capabilities.

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