There is an an increase in military activity this week on the River Clyde due to Exercise Saxon Warrior 17.
It started on Tuesday and continues until Thursday August 10. The exercise involves warships, submarines and aircraft from five nations with the maritime and air activity focussed in the airspace, offshore and coastal waters of the whole coast of Scotland.
The USS George HW Bush, a 97,000-tonne Nimitz class aircraft carrier is also taking part in this exercise and will be operating in the waters around Scotland. The aircraft carrier has no less than 46 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets on board along with a number of additional fixed wing and rotary aircraft on board.
A posting on the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team facebook page stated: “In light of ever changing threats, military ships maintain a detailed plot of maritime activity in their vicinity including establishing the identity of small fishing vessels which can be achieved visually from helicopters or by challenges on VHF radio by ships. Mariners are advised warships from various Allied Nations will be conducting such reconnaissance and challenges.
“Mariners are also requested to remain clear of the aircraft carrier during periods of when it is launching and recovering aircraft.”