MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands ready to receive HMS Iron Duke

HMS <i>Iron Duke</i> will be at Mare Harbour during the present month

BRITISH Type 23 frigate, HMS Iron Duke, who was recently involved in anti &ndash; drug smuggling work in the Caribbean, has officially taken over the South Atlantic Patrol Task

A British forces spokesperson confirmed that the vessel is undertaking routine duties as she continues South and is due to put into port in the Falkland Islands around October 20. HMS Iron Duke, who recently hosted His Royal Highness Prince William, takes over duties from HMS Liverpool. In September HMS Iron Duke landed a mobile command team ashore in the hurricane devastated island of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. A field headquarters with which to coordinate the relief efforts and act a communications link between the shore party and Iron Duke was set up. HMS Iron Duke was deployed to the Caribbean region in late June and was involved in counter drugs work with the US Coastguard alongside providing re-assurance to the UK Overseas Territories. Britain's 13 Type 23 frigates form fifty percent of the total frigate/destroyer force in the Royal Navy. Originally designed for the principal task of anti-submarine warfare, they have evolved into powerful and versatile multi purpose ships with the capability to operate anywhere in the world. The effectiveness of these ships is enhanced by their stealth design, which reduces their radar signature significantly. In addition to the war fighting roles, the ship is trained to conduct a wide range of other tasks. These include embargo operations using boarding teams inserted from the ship's boats or helicopter, disaster relief work and surveillance operations. (RN)