HMS Roebuck (H130)

HMS "Roebuck" (H130) is a coastal survey vessel of the Royal Navy (RN). She was commissioned in 1986, and was the last traditional survey ship to join the fleet. Although nominally used for surveying along the United Kingdom continental shelf, with the downsizing of the survey fleet, "Roebuck" has been enhanced to enable her to operate overseas. She is fitted with a full suite of hydrographic sensors, and a Survey Motor Boat for inshore work. In addition, as with the other vessels of the survey squadron, she can also operate as a support ship for mine warfare vessels. "Roebuck" was due to be decommissioned in 2003 following the entry into service of the "Echo" class. However, the decision has since been taken to keep the ship in service until 2014.

"Roebuck" was the first RN ship into Umm Qasr following the second Gulf War. The work she carried out prior to, and during, the war proved invaluable, allowing coalition ships to operate closer to shore than previously thought possible, and reducing helicopter flying time by ten minutes per sortie during the landings. "Roebuck" completed a Ship Life Extension Period (refit) towards the end of 2005, and then deployed to the Mediterranean, returning to the UK in April 2006. Roebuck then deployed to East Africa in June 2006, returning on Monday 21st August.

Upon arrival in August, the crew had barely a few hours notice before the ship was placed on display at HMNB Devonport Navy Days 2006 as the representative of the Hydrographic Squadron after HMS "Enterprise" could not attend.

During 2008 HMS "Roebuck" acted as the Command Platform for the NATO minehunting group SNMCMG1.