HMS Scott returns to port after a 12-month mission
The ship surveyed an area of the sea floor equivalent to the size of Spain
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
After 12 months away, HMS Scott of the Atlantic is back in port after a year-long mission.
The survey ship, named after the legendary Atlantic explorer, is reported by the Royal Navy to have scanned more than 500,000 square kilometres of the North Atlantic, thanks to the use of sonar.
She's travelled 45,000 miles in her latest trip, covering an area on the sea floor the size of Spain, in what's been called the most productive period of her 26-year career so far.
During her time away from port, Scott underwent regular crew changed and overseas maintenance at ports, including Gibraltar.
This helps HMS Scott to remain at sea for longer, and is similar to a method used by the five offshore patrol ships deployed by the Navy across the globe.
It’s also allowed for some memorable port visits for the crew including Tenerife, Brazil, St Lucia and most recently New York and Portsmouth in New Hampshire, allowing the UK's crews to work with allies, demonstrate the Royal Navy and fly the flag for the UK.
The Royal Navy say the information she's collected will be used to update charts to the latest and highest standards.
HMS Scott left port back in July 2022, with her efforts earning her - for two years in a row - the Surface Floatilla Excellence Award, and the Efficiency Pennant.
Scott's Commanding Officer, Commander Tom Harrison, said: “Operating at thousands of miles from help, my crew have pulled together and shown remarkable resilience and determination to overcome many challenges, and maximise our operational capability to deliver record-breaking results.
“Each crew member can be hugely proud of their achievements."
On one of the trips made by HMS Scott during her mission, sailors welcomed more than 10,000 New Yorkers aboard when the ship visited the Big Apple for the city’s annual Fleet Week event, parading through the heart of Manhattan, and enjoying privileged access to some top venues.
In between, there have been extended times at sea as Scott’s sonar suite mapped the sea bed, where crew members also got the chance to pass the time with fitness circuits, badminton, table tennis and Friday night quizzes - in a bid to maintain morale and collective spirit.
Able Seaman Bethany Cummings, who looks after the administrative needs of her shipmates, said: "With a small ship’s company, we have the advantage of mess integration, making it a more personable and enjoyable deployment for all,”
“The camaraderie is fantastic and can be a saving grace for the days when you miss home.”
Scott will now undergo some maintenance in her home base over the summer before returning to the Atlantic later this year for further survey work and another year of data gathering ahead of her life extension package in 2024.