MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Manchester leaves UK on South Atlantic deployment

HMS Manchester

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councilor Mavis Smitheman, bid farewell to the sailors of HMS Manchester on Monday as the ship departed on a seven-month deployment to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Lord Mayor sailed from Portsmouth on board HMS Manchester and has been given a full demonstration of the ship's capabilities prior to departing later today.

The Lord Mayor's visit re-affirms HMS Manchester's strong links with the city and provides a fitting send off to the ship as she begins her two ocean odyssey. HMS Manchester is a Type 42 Destroyer and will fulfill multiple roles as she conducts operations from South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to Bermuda. The ship will conduct maritime security patrols to protect busy shipping trade routes while contributing to the United Kingdom's continued military commitment to UK dependencies. The Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Beattie, said: "HMS Manchester is deploying to safeguard British interests by conducting maritime security and the deterrence of illegal activity. Manchester and her ship's company are well trained, fully prepared and capable to carry out this diverse mission in a challenging environment." HMS Manchester's ship's company can also provide far reaching humanitarian aid and assistance when tasked by the UK government, particularly in the face of natural disasters and international emergencies in the South Atlantic, South Pacific and Caribbean regions. The ship will also represent the United Kingdom during diplomacy visits across three continents, including ports in Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Peru and the Caribbean.