While halfway through her eight-month deployment to the Middle East HMS Northumberland arrived in Bahrain for her first port visit to the kingdom.
As part of her role supporting the Combined Task Force 152 along with partner navies, the Type-23 frigate has been conducting maritime security patrols to ensure the stability and security of the Gulf waterways.
While alongside they welcomed onboard the UKMCC Commodore Simon Ancona who has dual responsibility as Deputy Commander of the 27 nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and Brigadier General Ahmed Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force.
Cdre Ancona said:
“HMS Northumberland has come alongside fresh from providing valuable and direct support to Combined Maritime Forces.
“She is operating in a challenging environment and it’s obvious the ship’s company have risen to the challenge.”
No port visit is complete without the opportunity to get kitted out for a game of Rugby and the Bahrain Rugby Club were very willing to test their skills against the Northumberland team.
It was an impressive performance but HMS Northumberland sadly lost 21-12 to the local side.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 20, 2013; Image: Royal Navy