Type 23 Frigate HMS Montrose has been operating out of the Royal Navy’s Middle East headquarters in Bahrain.

This ‘forward basing’ sees UK warships deployed for extended periods in key parts of the world and the crews rotated by being flown back and forward to the UK.

“Basing a frigate long-term in the Gulf spares the vessels the 6,000-mile journey each way from and back to the UK, making it available more frequently for operations in the Middle East. It also exposes the vessel to extended periods for the punishing heat and sandy, dusty conditions, and means any maintenance work is carried out in yards in the region.

The port at Duqm proved earlier this year it can support a complex, modern warship having completed Montrose’s winter overhaul. Duqm benefits from enjoying the newest facilities in the Middle East – it’s a port/town which has been created from nothing over the past decade and is becoming a key hub for Royal Navy operations in the region.”

The Royal Navy say that the frigate’s spring revamp following four months of patrols – including three large drugs busts and a major exercise with the Omani Navy – was a complex affair.

Duqm Naval Dockyard completes double engine replacement

You can read more on this here.

 

Tom has spent the last 13 years working in the defence industry, specifically military and commercial shipbuilding. His work has taken him around Europe and the Far East, he is currently based in Scotland.
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Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago

What…a fine photo.

Paul.P
Paul.P
2 years ago

Pictured with MN Languedoc I think.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Paul.P

Ta. I didn’t recognise the other receiver.

Airborne
Airborne
2 years ago

Good positive news, but wonder on the numbers? 60-80 have been banded about I believe? Alas not enough, especially as every single modern, high end armoured vehicle platform should really have one mate.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Airborne

No idea as to numbers mate. Agree, should be standard in an ideal world. I read on Twitter the Army Board was meeting today regards new ORBAT for the 72K. Guess we will know by autumn.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Airborne

According to Gab, 60 sets. All 148 Ch3 to be FFBNW.

Marked
Marked
2 years ago

Ffbnw, the motto of 21st century British forces. War fighters without war fighting capability. Its a sick joke and should be a national embarrassment.

The Artist Formerly Known As Los Pollos Chicken
The Artist Formerly Known As Los Pollos Chicken
2 years ago

The Jewel of the RN ,👍🏻

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇬🇧