UK: HMS Iron Duke Gets Two Awards

Portsmouth-based Warship HMS Iron Duke has scooped two awards for her efficiency and effectiveness on operations, marking her contribution to maritime security operations in the Gulf and operations off Libya.

HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Frigate, returned on a high from operations in July 2011 having spent almost seven months east of the Suez Canal.

On leaving Portsmouth in January her duties included working with other navies to combat smuggling and human trafficking in support of counter-terrorism.

She then sailed to the Gulf on maritime security operations where she patrolled the Al Basrah oil terminal.

The last part of her deployment saw her providing Naval Gunfire Support to operations off the coast of Libya.

For three consecutive nights HMS Iron Duke used her awesome firepower capabilities to destroy a gun battery outside the besieged town of Misrata and fired star shells into the night sky to illuminate pro-Gadaffi positions for NATO aircraft to destroy rocket launchers, fuel dumps, ammo stores, artillery batteries and command and control centres.

HMS Iron Duke’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Cooke-Priest, said:

“This award reflects the dedication, pride and professionalism of a ship’s company who gave everything to every one of many tasks, from training to combat operations, and who achieved total success in 2011.

“This award is testament to the exceptional performance of the officers and the men who served in HMS Iron Duke last year.”

Recipients of the annual award get to fly the The Surface Flotilla Efficiency Flag when entering and leaving harbour and whilst alongside in UK and foreign ports.

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Naval Today Staff , March 07, 2012; Image: royalnavy