Ports and docks in Glasgow, Leith and Orkney have been paid visits by huge NATO warships following a two-week major military exercise.
The Clyde recently had multiple NATO Warships going up the river last month as part of the Royal Navy’s Joint Warrior Exercise. The annual operation seen multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft from ten nations congregate and use the maritime training grounds off the coast of Scotland to hone their military skills.
Now after the two-week ‘multinational war exercise’ some of the ships have been departing Scotland, but not without taking in the views at some of the country’s ports.
READ MORE: NATO warships spotted on River Clyde ahead of major military exercise
The Port of Leith hosted three NATO vessels on Saturday, October 2, including Portuguese vessel NRP Corte Real.
Meanwhile, Glasgow’s King George V Docks seen the Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate, HMS Lancaster, visit. Whilst in Glasgow it opened up for visitors with Scotland’s Police and Maritime services being given a tour.
Commander of HMS Lancaster Will Blackett said the visit to Glasgow was ‘delightful’ as he was joined by the Lord Provost, Philip Braat – an honorary Captain in the Royal Navy.
He said: “After being at the heart of Exercise Joint Warrior 21 alongside 19 other NATO warships, I am delighted that HMS Lancaster now has the opportunity to visit Glasgow and be so close to the ship-building home of our next generation of Type 26 Frigates.”
Elsewhere on the West Coast of Scotland, Greenock also played its part with two Dutch ships using the port to offload Commando Forces.
The Island of Orkney was also visited by French Navy ships FS Normandie and FS Cassiopee who were at Kirkwall for five days from October 1.
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Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “It was fantastic to see so many NATO vessels visit multiple ports in and around Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"It has been a productive and exciting time for the Royal Navy and allied navies and a busy period for those who coordinate and oversee this effort.
“Over the last fortnight or so my team has assisted in some seven Scottish port visits comprising 13 individual ships, all demonstrating the Royal Navy’s continuous commitment to longstanding international relationships and our place at the heart of NATO.”
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