"Black Duke" is on the job..
28 Apr 11
Plymouth-based HMS Monmouth has completed her long transit across the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal and down the Red Sea and now enters her operational area for the first time.
Having bid farewell to families and friends at Devonport Naval Base on the 26th March, the Type 22 frigate and is now hard at work on Operation Calash maritime policing duties.
HMS Monmouth’s deployment involves operating in a wide area (covering the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf), working with other nations to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling and to disrupt and deter piracy. be involved in a number of multi-national exercises and provide support to UK strategic interests in the region.
Moving south down the Red Sea and across the Gulf of Aden, the Royal Navy has taken on responsibility for the UK’s commitment to Operation Calash and is now on her task, engaging in counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Travelling down the Bay of Biscay, the ship, known as the Black Duke said another farewell, to the now de-commissioned HMS Invincible which was being towed on her way to disassembly. With a number of sailors having previously served on Invincible, it was a poignant moment seeing the Falklands veteran at sea for her final voyage.
HMS Monmouth’s first replenishment stop of the deployment was Gibraltar, where sailors took on the challenge of the traditional early morning Rock Race – a gruelling 2.7 mile run to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. Both the ship’s football and rugby teams took on local sides, Gibraltar Combined Services and Gibraltar Barbarians respectively, in their first competitive matches of the deployment. But, despite valiant performances, neither team were able to convert these into victories.
The next stop for HMS Monmouth was in Souda Bay, Crete, where the ship’s radars and sensors underwent a series of rigorous trials at sea. The visit also gave the crew a last chance to stretch their legs on dry land before the operational part of the deployment began.
A couple of days later the ship entered the Suez Canal. Among the crew there was a real sense that they were entering into the operational theatre. This transition was accompanied by a change in mindset onboard, with every sailor focusing on their role in ensuring that their ship can react quickly to any situation encountered or tasks required, often at short notice.
Exiting the Suez Canal and arriving in the Red Sea, HMS Monmouth anchored alongside HMS Cornwall which returned Plymouth yesterday. Stores and valuable lessons learned from operations were handed over.
HMS Monmouth is due back to Plymouth after her patrol in the autumn.
(c) Royal Navy
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