RFA Mounts Bay is one of four LSD (A) Class, Amphibious Support Platforms. Mounts Bay was constructed by BAE (Naval Ships) at Govan on the River Clyde, Launched by Lady Sarah Band, in April 2004, she became the first ‘Bay’ class vessel to achieve completion and following extensive sea trials was first to be accepted in to service in July of 2006.
A formal service of dedication took place in September of that year to mark the Transfer of Operational Command to Fleet, with the ship honoured by the attendance of the‘Sponsor’ Lady Sarah, and her husband, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band KCB ADC, First Sea Lord.
She is seen here being launched into the Clyde in April 2004
After hitting her stern on the far wall she is seen here being brought on to the fitting out berth
A close up of her damage
As she came on to the fitting out berth she again hit the side, this time she broke a fence and as the rope handler was pulling in the rope his fingers got caught on the bollard and three of his fingers were sliced off.
Finally alongside without and further disaster
She is seen here in Leith 25th August 2007.
The tug Fidra getting a bit to close the bulbous bow - CAREFUL FIDRA!!
During her stay in Leith I was lucky enough to get a guided tour of her, here are the images..
A look down her well deck
A view of the bridge
The Captains table
The Captains seat
The galley
The sleeping areas
The following image shows what was taken from the safe of RFA Sir Tristam after the ship was hit by an Exocet missile during the Falklands War in 1982, it shows (believe it or not!) a lot of coinage that was melted with the heat of the explosion, the ship subsequently sank.
The Officer's mess
The ship's Gym
The Amphibious Squadron's badge on the ship's funnel
The ship's life ring
Looking aft towards the flight deck
Flight deck looking towards the super structure
Looking over the Ocean Terminal
