HAMPSHIRE troops sprang into action after a ship laden with Army equipment from Iraq pulled into port.
Soldiers from 17 Port and Maritime Regiment were called into service after the ship Anvil Point docked at Marchwood Military Port in the early hours of yesterday, carrying six Mastiff armoured vehicles, the Merlin helicopter pictured above and more than 200 containers.
It was the fourth of six ships returning from operations in Iraq to dock at the port for unloading by the regiment, part of the Royal Logistic Corps.
Regimental adjutant Captain Andy Gartside said: “Essentially what has arrived at Marchwood is the kit and equipment we are bringing back as part of the drawdown from Operation Telic in Iraq.
“It’s our job to discharge this vessel and the equipment that’s on it so it can all go back into the chain.
“We’ve had a massive variety of vehicles coming off the ship from the new Mastiff armoured vehicles to Land Rovers to fuel tankers to plant machinery and equipment plus a load of containers.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to work with various bits of equipment returning from theatre.”
Some of the equipment will now be refurbished and sent out to troops in Afghanistan.
