HMS Trumpeter (P294)

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Trumpeter.

HMS Trumpeter is an Archer-class patrol vessel P2000-type patrol and training vessel of the British Royal Navy.^[1][2] Trumpeter is assigned to Cambridge University Royal Naval Unit, having previously been the training ship of the Bristol University Royal Naval Unit.

HMS Trumpeter, 2012
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Trumpeter
Operator	Royal Navy
Builder	Vosper Thornycroft
Commissioned	1988
Identification	MMSI number: 232002978 Callsign: GAAZ Pennant number: P294
Motto	Vox Victoriae - The Sound of Victory
Status	In active service
General characteristics
Class and type	Archer-class patrol vessel
Displacement	54 tonnes
Length	20.8 m (68 ft)
Beam	5.8 m (19 ft)
Draught	1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Propulsion	2 shafts, Cat C18 ACERT diesels
Speed	25 kn (46 km/h) 45 kn (83 km/h) (Hull design, but limited due to engine fitted)
Range	550 nmi (1,020 km)
Complement	18 (training)[N 1] 12 (operational)
Sensors and processing systems	Decca 1216 navigation radar
Armament	1 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannon on fo'c'sle ("for but not with") 3 × General purpose machine guns[N 2]

Operational history

HMS Trumpeter was commissioned close to her builder's yard in Southampton, early in 1989 at HMS WESSEX the Solent Division RNR Unit based in the former Imperial Flying Boat base in Southampton Docks. As a small, well-equipped navigation training platform her role was introducing Young Officers and newly joined ratings to basic seamanship and life in a small warship whilst giving a first command opportunity to lieutenants who were working towards command of the division's main tender. This is still broadly the role of the P2000 class in all University Royal Naval Units. She then served in the Gibraltar Squadron alongside Ranger commencing 1991. With Ranger she was deployed on the Thames for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant to assist in security and partake in the pageant, then later in the same year Trumpeter assisted in the security for the 2012 London Olympics.^[3]

In the early 2020s, Trumpeter, along with other Archer-class vessels, was given a more operational role as part of the reconstituted Coastal Forces Squadron. In early 2024, Trumpeter and three of her sister ships deployed to northern Norway as part of the NATO exercise "Steadfast Defender".^[4]

See also

• Curriers' Company

Notes

1. 5 ship's company, 1 training officer, 12 URNU students.
2. When operational and not in URNU role.