Defence Ministers Andrew Robathan and Philip Dunne, plus one of the UK’s most senior military commanders, saw the RN’s Gulf mission first-hand on a visit to Bahrain.
Armed Forces Minister Mr Robathan and Mr Dunne, who’s responsible for defence equipment, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Commander Joint Forces Command, visited Royal Navy vessels operating from the kingdom, as well as the senior naval headquarters in the region, the UK Maritime Component Command, which directs their operations.
Bahrain is the hub for Operation Kipion, the Royal Navy’s east of Suez mission to safeguard the seas, from four minehunters permanently stationed in the small kingdom (currently HM Ships Ramsey, Shoreham, Quorn and Atherstone), to vessels on patrol in the region for several months at a time such HMS Monmouth, Northumberland and submarine Trenchant.
The VIP visit aimed to provide a better understanding of the area in which the UK has provided an enduring naval commitment for more than 30 years.
During their time at UKMCC, the visitors heard first-hand how the Royal Navy’s presence in the Middle East reassures our allies and protects both UK interests and those of the wider international community.
Following this, they called upon the ship’s company of first Ramsey, then HMS Monmouth.
Speaking about the RN’s contribution in the Gulf, Mr Robathan said:
“I was pleased to meet the Commanding Officers and Ships’ Companies of HMS Ramsey and HMS Monmouth and to see for myself the excellent work they are doing in the region, protecting not only the UK’s interests but also those of the global maritime community.”
The UK is committed to a standing presence in the Gulf to ensure freedom of navigation in international waters.
The RN has constantly operated, trained and exercised a number of its minehunters in the Gulf region for more than six years.
They are currently supported by RFA Cardigan Bay which serves as a ‘mother ship’ providing fuel and other supplies, and is home to a Royal Navy mine warfare battle staff.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 14, 2013; Image: Royal Navy