Gibraltar – 28th March 2015 – Pictured HMS Richmond's helicopter pilot speaking to the media. The British Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Richmond has called into Gibraltar where during the past week it has continued its year long preparations before continuing on her nine month deployment to the Middle East. Portsmouth-based HMS Richmond will continue the work of sister ship HMS Kent, currently on station, as part of the Royal Navy's long term presence East of Suez. Credit: Stephen Ignacio/Alamy Live News
Gibraltar – 28th March 2015 – Pictured HMS Richmond's helicopter pilot speaking to the media. The British Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Richmond has called into Gibraltar where during the past week it has continued its year long preparations before continuing on her nine month deployment to the Middle East. Portsmouth-based HMS Richmond will continue the work of sister ship HMS Kent, currently on station, as part of the Royal Navy’s long term presence East of Suez. Speaking to the press Commander Mark Anderson stated that “The entire ship’s company has worked hard to ensure that we are ready to take on this important work.” Further adding that the vessel would conduct maritime security, counter narcotics and counter-piracy patrols to protect British trade and wider national interests in the region. HMS Richmond has also conducted a training exercise with the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron which was described as “beneficial to both”. The nine month deployment is and extended deployment, in the past having been only six months. The extra three months has been described as a way of providing quality time for personnel to be longer with families on their return as it affords extra months at home. Personnel welcomed the change. HMS Richmond is one of thirteen Type 28 Duke Class frigates. The ship is fitted with the vertical launch Seawolf system; this is the ship’s first line of defence against aircraft and incoming missiles attack. The Harpoon missile system is relied upon for long range surface to surface targets. The frigate is capable of defending against underwater threats with her magazine Torpedo Launch Systems (MTLS) and Surface Ship Torpedo Decoy System (SSTD). The vessel also carries a helicopter which is used for surveillance, and attack. The helicopter is of primary importance during its operations in the Middle East and will act as a forward line of operation. HMS Richmond’s engineering crew and supplies make the vessel self suffic
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Keywords: 23, anderson, british, commander, counter, counter-piracy, east, frigate, gibraltar, hms, maritime, mark, middle, narcotics, navy, patrols, protect, richmond, royal, security, squadron, suez, trade, type, warship
