Page 17 - The Cormorant Issue 14

Marine Commandos, supported by simulated naval fire support and helicopter resupply. It was a formidable sight to be on the receiving end of such a potent and well orchestrated demonstra- tion. In particular, the whole gamut of amphibious craft were on display and landed everything from a Challenger tank to a sec- tion of commandos, some of whom had only finished training the week before.
The overall success of the MCPV relies on the impressions cre- ated amongst the ACSC audience during both shore and sea programmes and I am sure everyone left with an accurate view of 15 life on the ocean wave and just how much power can be
projected from afloat. To bring together a significant part of the active fleet for this purpose, at this specific time, was a substan- tial achievement - some of it at very short notice. Although some of the capabilities shown will not now be seen for some years, the 2 days certainly highlighted the flexibility of maritime power and exactly what it can deliver. With UK Defence scheduled to return to contingency operations in the not too distant future, the MCPV was undoubtedly a timely reminder of enduring and adaptable sea power.
Photos by courtesy of Cdr Simon Turnbull RN
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