TWO Royal Navy ships have arrived in Bahrain to provide a continued, permanent presence in the region.
HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Penzance arrived at the UK Naval Support Facility, where they will be based for the next three years. The Royal Navy works with regional and international partners to provide a permanent presence in the Gulf to deter illicit activity on the high seas in order to maintain maritime security and stability of the region.
The region is home to some of the world’s most important strategic choke points for international trade, including the Bab Al Mandeb, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, and the presence of Anti-Ship Missiles and Water-borne Improvised Explosive Devices has been well documented over recent years.
As mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), the two ships are integral to ensuring sea lanes in these areas are kept safe for international shipping.
Integral
“Ensuring the sea lanes are safe and clear from mining is vitally important to maintain the freedom of navigation and international free flow of shipping and commerce in the region,” said Commander of the UK Mine Countermeasure Vessel Forces, Commander Talbot.
The Royal Navy has four MCMVs permanently based in the region at all times.
Meanwhile, HMS Blyth and HMS Ledbury have left the region.
While HMS Shoreham and HMS Brocklesby have changed their crews in recent weeks, the ships remain in the region to provide a continued presence to deter illicit activity on the high seas.
A Royal Navy Type-23 Frigate is also permanently based in the region.
HMS Montrose accompanied the four MCMVs through the region’s strategic choke points.
The ship has also recently patrolled the area of the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, operating in support of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) and Combined Task Force 150 and 151 of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), two international coalitions based in Bahrain.
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