MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New South Atlantic Patrol HMS Chatham en route

HMS Chatham is en route to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia for her six months deployment as the South Atlantic Patrol Ship to protect British interests in the South Atlantic region.

On her way south the Devonport based Type 22 Batch 3 Frigate is conducting visits and patrols off West Africa including three days in Sierra Leone at the end of May where members of HMS Chatham ship's company provided training in navigation, boat handling and maintenance management to the Maritime Wing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, as part of an ongoing effort from the Royal Navy.

"My crew and I are very pleased to be able to visit and help Sierra Leone in whatever way we can and be a visible indication of the continued UK support to the country" said Commanding Officer, Captain James Morse.

Captain Morse attended the commissioning by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Alhaji Kabbah, of three newly acquired Patrol Boats. The Patrol Boats actually escorted HMS Chatham to sea when she sailed.

Prior to sailing from Davenport on May 15 the ship worked closely with several charities in the United Kingdom and brought a quantity of aid to Freetown on their behalf. Many of the crew spent part of the visit helping to deliver this aid and working at the King George VI School in the Freetown suburb of Kissy.

HMS Chatham will be taking over from HMS Liverpool in June. Captain Morse is no newcomer to the Falklands' waters where he has been with HMS Sutherland.

Meantime outgoing South Atlantic Patrol HMS Liverpool has been fully involved in several days of defense exercises around the Falklands including simulated air attacks and Sea Dart missiles in a tactical air defence exercise; support for land patrols; facing "hostile" reception at East Cove Military Port, bombing the shoreline and damage control to cope with fires and floods throughout the ship.