MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Gloucester deploys to the South Atlantic.

Yesterday the Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Gloucester deployed to the South Atlantic and Falkland Islands, from her Base Port in Portsmouth.

As the 'Fighting G' left her berth in the Naval Base at 0930 precisely, the Ship's Company proudly lined the upper-deck in a ceremonial formation known as 'Procedure Alpha'.

As the Gloucester passed the mouth to Portsmouth Harbour, families and friends gathered on the 'Round-Tower' and 'Hot-Walls' of the old harbour to wave the ship off as she commenced her 4-month deployment. The shouts and cheers from the shore were clearly audible from onboard the ship, making it a moving moment as loved ones were left behind for Christmas. The Ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Russ Tuppen said, "It's always hard to be apart from loved ones at Christmas but we're a highly trained, flexible and professional service and current commitments dictate that sometimes, some of us will be away. Nevertheless, within our operational limitations, we will do the best to enjoy the festivities onboard"

The forthcoming deployment will see Gloucester visit Sierra Leone, Brazil, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Canaries before returning to UK in Mar 05. As 'The Fighting G' will take a few weeks to reach Sierra Leone, she will be conducting a number of training serials during her passage South, in preparation for her tasking to the South Atlantic, including a firing of her main missile system.

Following the Ship's defence diplomacy visit to Sierra Leone, Gloucester will cross the Atlantic Ocean to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ship is due to arrive in the Falkland Islands in early Jan 05, where she will conduct maritime patrols of the waters surrounding the Islands and South Georgia. In addition, she will participate in a number of exercises with other British Army and RAF units also located in the Falkland Islands. (NN)