HMS Kent left Portsmouth today for a six-month deployment focusing on maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean.
HMS Kent will continue the Royal Navy’s long-term presence East of Suez as she replaces HMS Northumberland currently on station.
Having been through intense training the ship is ready for a challenging deployment as part of the Royal Navy’s standing commitment in the Middle East.
HMS Kent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Andrew Block, said:
HMS Kent will return to the Middle East, a part of the world she knows well, to provide reassurance to the UK’s allies in the region, whilst conducting maritime security, counter narcotics and counter-piracy patrols to protect British trade and wider national interests.
During the six-month deployment the ship expects to visit the African and Asian continents as well as European nations.
On the eve of her departure the Type 23 frigate welcomed on board special guests from key organisations in her namesake county to strengthen the valued links between the organisations.
Visitors including Peter Homewood, Chairman of Kent County Council and Brigadier John Meardon, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent enjoyed a tour of the ship, lunch on board and heard all about the ships deployment.
[mappress mapid=”14130″]
Press release, Image: UK Navy