Ship to shore
RFA Lyme Bay arrived in Darwin, Australia ready to engage in Exercise Predators Run. Aiming to enhance joint combat capabilities, the exercise brought together 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Australian Army’s 1 Brigade, the US Marine Corps, and regional partners from the Philippines and Timor.
The exercise examined how the UK’s Commandos could function ahead of the main allied force—operating far from established supply lines in small raiding teams to create maximum disruption for the enemy.
Carrying out simulated raids ‘deep behind enemy lines,’ the Commandos were covertly deployed by helicopter and raiding craft from RFA Lyme Bay under the cover of darkness.
RFA Lyme Bay served as a launchpad for both amphibious and helicopter assaults, with three Commando Merlin helicopters from the Commando Helicopter Force’s 845 Naval Air Squadron flying marines into action.
Durable asset
The Rubb NV structure—initially fitted to the RFA Lyme Bay in 2015 and refurbished in 2018—boasts a 15m span and extends 18m in length with a sidewall height of 5m. Designed to meet the demanding requirements of harsh maritime conditions, the structure features:
- Galvanized roof and leg lattice steelwork with a 3m modular construction
- PVC-coated polyester structural fabric cladding on the roof and sidewalls, providing robust weather resistance
- Main and auxiliary wind bracing cables in the end modules, ensuring stability in challenging conditions
- A manually operated roller shutter door in the front gable, with three fire/access doors for safety and convenience
- A steel foundation ring beam, providing a stable and secure base
The structure offers a multifunctional space that can be rapidly reconfigured, whether for vehicle or aircraft maintenance, equipment storage, or operational planning—key factors in supporting the complex logistics of Predators Run.
Bulit to last
As the Royal Navy and Royal Marines continue to enhance their capabilities alongside global partners, our structures remain a testament to what can be achieved when engineering meets the demands of operational excellence.