Type 23 Frigate HMS Sutherland conducted a ‘Sovereignty Patrol’ as part of her entry into Gibraltar.

Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic, the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates have proven their versatility peace-keeping and maritime security operations. Thirteen Type 23 frigates remain in service with the Royal Navy, with three vessels having been sold to Chile and handed over to the Chilean Navy.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, said:

“Gibraltar is of great importance to the UK, our Armed Forces and our allies. It has provided vital assistance to operations and exercises over the years, perhaps best demonstrated by the recent support to the UK’s hurricane relief effort in the Caribbean.

We are absolutely steadfast in our support of Gibraltar, its people and its economy and will fully involve Gibraltar as we prepare to exit the European Union.”

This comes as HMS Sutherland sailed on a deployment to Australia, the Far East and the Gulf region. In a ‘period of ongoing tension in the Korean peninsula’, the Type 23 Frigate will be available to ‘work closely with our regional partners, including US, Japanese and South Korean, and participate in joint training and exercises’ say the MoD.

Speaking during a visit to the Devonport Naval Base, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“Our already strong defence ties with allies in the Asia Pacific area will be deepened further by this deployment. At a time when North Korea’s illegal weapons programme is causing global concern, the deployment of these two Royal Navy ships is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the peace and prosperity of the region.”

Commander Andrew Canale, the ship’s captain, said:

“This is an opportunity for HMS Sutherland to demonstrate the global reach of the Royal Navy as well as the UK’s commitment to building relationships and maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. A deployment of this nature means that we must be prepared to respond to any eventuality.

I am very proud of the Ship’s Company and the many support organisations who have assisted HMS Sutherland to deploy two months ahead of her planned departure date. Having just returned from Christmas leave, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices that our families are also making and I am grateful for their support as we embark on this period away from home.” 

Avatar photo
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

12 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago

How did it do that? Sail a pre determined course around the edge?

And did it really do that or just sail into port like any other RN ship and they have done a bit of PR spin?

All in agreement with this if true but I would love to see the RN do this when the Spanish really are playing games.

andy reeves
andy reeves
6 years ago

one or two of the type 31’s should be based in gibraltar, the next type 26 ship should be h.m.s gibraltar

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago
Reply to  andy reeves

Like that name actually.

Would it be a saving for the RN forward basing assets?

BlueDabbaDee
BlueDabbaDee
6 years ago

Quite possibly, the cost of fuel could be a major economy saving. Additionally it provides a quick response to Mediterranean incidents

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago
Reply to  BlueDabbaDee

Oh I’m quite in agreement to the idea.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
6 years ago

So visits to the
Mad Monk and Donkeys Flip flop
JCs drunk in abundance and a rock race with a hangover…
Standard Gib run ashore then!

mac
mac
6 years ago

I really don’t see the point of this, the cowardly Spaniards will just keep out of sight until the big hitting ships are gone, then come out to play their usual gutless antics.

Tim
Tim
6 years ago

And what are the rules of engagement against the Spanish?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago

As I have said before the antics of the Spanish change nothing.

Gibraltar was ceded to the UK and is a vital installation in a strategic location and the Spanish can huff all they like. They are not in possession.

SimonP
6 years ago

Daniele: RN ships do this every visit, deliberately and slowly processing through The Rock’s territorial waters. If nothing else it informs us Gibraltarian Rock Apes that the UK still cares about us. And yes, it changes nothing but the sight is important nevertheless.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
6 years ago
Reply to  SimonP

Thank you SimonP. Understood.

That is good to hear.

aa
aa
6 years ago

A ver que hacen vuestros HMS frente a obuses del 155 con proyectiles dirigidos…http://www.defensa.gob.es/Galerias/gabinete/red/2017/red-335-racta.pdf