RFA Mounts Bay (L3008)
Picture supplied by George Mortimore
RFA Mounts Bay (L3008) is one of the four planned amphibious assault vessels of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Intended to replace the Sir boats, this ship design was based on the Dutch Rotterdam class ships.
...Mounts Bay sustained minor damage after a collision ....
RFA Mounts Bay was ordered on the 19th of November 2001, and built by BAE Systems. She was launched in Govan, Glasgow on April 9th 2004. She sustained minor damage after a collision during the launch.
Capable of carrying more than 350 troops, 1200 linear meters of vehicles. (e.g. 150 light trucks or 24 Challenger “2” Main Battle Tanks), twelve 40ft or twenty four 24ft containers, 2 Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP) and 1 Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and two Mexefloats (powered rafts).
“The landing ships dock (auxiliary) project continues to make progress towards the completion of the four bay class vessels. RFA Mounts Bay, the first ship built by BAE Systems in Glasgow and accepted off contract in December 2005, is undergoing her capability trials in readiness for meeting her in-service date in late 2006. RFA Largs Bay, the first Swan Hunter-built ship, is undergoing final preparations for contractor sea trials, which are scheduled to start next month. Build and testing continues on the remaining two ships.” Quote by Mr Adam Ingram The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence on the 27th February 2006.
RFA Mounts Bay’s sponsor is Lady Band, wife of Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Jonathon Band
In early May of 2006 RFA Mounts Bay visited Guernsey where she had front row seats for the local power boat racing.
RFA Mounts Bay ship details.
Length: 176.6 metres
Breadth: 26.4 metres
Draught: 5.1 metres
Displacement: 16,190 tonnes
Speed: 18 knots
Propulsion: Diesel electric, with bow and stern thrusters.
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