MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Northumberland scheduled to visit Falkland Islands

HMS Northumberland

The Royal Navy HMS Northumberland arrived in Gibraltar on Thursday after leaving Plymouth last week. The next six months will see the ship carrying out Maritime Security duties in the Middle East as well as carrying out patrols in the South Atlantic and the Falkland Islands, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle

The departure from Plymouth was given a true 'Northumberland' feel with the distinctive sound of the Northumberland pipes as a lone piper from the Morpeth Pipe Band played on the bridge roof. For many crew members, and their families, this will be their first long deployment and there was the normal mix of emotion - sadness at leaving but excitement at what promises to be an interesting 6 months away from the UK. Family members waved goodbye from the traditional locations of Devil's Point and Plymouth Hoe as the ship slipped slowly out into a gloomy, but calm sea. The ship's many missions will involve it operating around the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Oman, carrying out vital security patrols to deter the increasing problem of piracy. The crew will also be alert to other illegal activity, such as people and drug trafficking, as well as being aware of the ever-present threat from international terrorism. At other times in the deployment, the ship will be supporting the UK presence in the South Atlantic, around the Falkland Islands and other UK dependencies. "With over 90% of the world's trade being transported by sea, the issue of Maritime Security remains of vital interest to all nations," said the ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Martin Simpson. "The Royal Navy has operated in these areas for decades and our role in providing a safe passage to all legal vessels, and deterring those that aren't, remains as important and relevant today as it was 100 years ago. With over 6 months away from home, I and my crew will of course miss the loved ones we leave behind, but we also know that we are leaving to fulfill duties that are important to the UK and all countries who use the seas." In total, the ship will sail through 3 oceans (Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific), pass through the Suez and Panama canals, as well as rounding both Cape Hope and Cape Horn.