HMS Quorn

In November 1995, the Rosyth Naval Base closed after many years. As a result HMS Quorn and the First Mine countermeasures Squadron have relocated to Portsmouth. With a due sense of occasion to commemorate the closure, the Royal Navy organised a huge ceremonial exit. All the ships based there that could be spared from duties at sea were recalled for a final formation departure. There was widespread media interest and the event made both national and regional television and newspapers.

After cleaning the Forth, the three squadrons split up and went their own ways In company with five other ships from the squadron. QUORN crossed the North Sea to Antwerp for a visit over the Remembrance weekend. Having all the ships together made an excellent impression on the locals with whom we attended a number of functions and services. In addition, the ships' companies were able to have an excellent "run ashore". Once we left Antwerp, we came back across the North Sea and down the Dover Straits for a somewhat smaller ceremonial entry to our new home port.

Since arriving in Portsmouth we have hosted a mine warfare training week and spent a significant time in maintenance in preparation for a very intensive New Year. At the time of writing, the ship is deployed to the Clyde for three weeks. Up to our refit, which starts in the middle of the year our operating tempo will remain high with three further deployments to the Clyde, a month in the Baltic, another training week as well as conducting a Fleet Trial on some new equipment.