Portland Naval Base, Harbour & Helicopters

Portland has a long and distinguished military history. During the second world war Weymouth and Portland were the main staging points for the Normandy landings. Now there is no military presence apart from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. RMS Brambleleaf is a regular visitor. Royal Navy ships are often moored in the harbour, it is as if they have forgotten that they now live in Plymouth! Portland is also home to a very busy Coastguard helicopter, the picture below is of the previous helicopter which sadly crashed in Poole.
The pictures below are modern day views.

Click on the images to see them full size

	Portland Harbour from the Verne showing the Crystal moored near the breakwater.
	An excellent aerial shot showing the the size of the harbour.
	Another aerial shot taken from a naval helicopter showing navy ships at anchor.
	An aerial shot of RNAS Osprey the naval air station. The air station is now industrial units and the national sailing academy. The fuel storage tanks are still there although the six at the northern end (bottom of picture) have recently been removed.
	One of the derelict buildings on the old Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) site. This area is now derelict and now showing signs of investment. The site has so many possibilities but has stood empty for eight years.
	Portland harbour from below the Verne showing the prison ship HMP Weare.
	The harbour from High Angle Batteries.
	This Russian drilling rig was moored in the harbour during 1996, it broke its moorings during a storm and nearly made it out of the harbour. It just missed the entrance and crashed into the breakwater.
	Three views taken at the HMS Osprey open day just before it closed. This is a Westland Dragonfly.
	A Westland Lynx during a fire training exercise.
	A row of Lynx.
	The Coastguard helicopter (HL) taken from west cliff. The sister helicopter to this one (HM) was destroyed when it caught fire, the crew made an emergency landing in Poole. Thankfully no one was injured.
	Portland Castle seen from Boscawen.
	A view of Boscawen sports centre and the ex naval accommodation block. Kindly donated by Jo Solomon.
	A view of Portland Castle on a glorious summers day. Kindly donated by Jo Solomon.
	Another view of Portland Castle.