MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS York en route to the Falklands for South Atlantic patrolling

HMS Gloucester spent six and a half months traveling in three different oceans

HMS Gloucester is expected Monday in Portsmouth in time for Christmas following a very successful six and half month in the South Atlantic. She was replaced early December by HMS York which is already on route to the Falkland Islands.

Her deployment in support of the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands stationed in the Falklands saw HMS Gloucester act as the lead Naval presence in the South Atlantic, supported by both HMS Clyde and RFA Gold Rover.

The Type 42 destroyer undertook Maritime Security Operations, which included the search for Drug Smugglers off the West Coast of Africa following the signing onboard of a new agreement between the UK and Cape Verde; the search for wreckage and potential survivors following the tragic loss of a Trans-Atlantic airliner; numerous military exercises with elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force based in the Falklands; and a very successful visit to South Georgia, one of the UK’s remotest dependant territories.

Other highlights include rounding Cape Horn and transiting the Patagonian Canals. Additionally the Ship’s Company was also put through their paces by FOST during a mid-deployment Operational Assurance Visit.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Gloucester, Commander Iain Lower MA RN, said it has been a very successful deployment, “Our achievements reflect the effort put in by the Ship’s Company in preparing for this deployment. HMS Gloucester’s mission in the South Atlantic was to defend the British South Atlantic Territories, deter aggression and ultimately defeat any opposing force if required. We have also assisted in supporting the Government’s wider diplomatic efforts in Cape Verde, Brazil and Chile. It was a mission that we achieved in style. I would like to thank my Ship’s Company for all their hard work and also our Families and Friends who have supported us whilst we have been away. I think that I speak for all onboard when I say that we are looking forward to being at home with our loved ones for Christmas.”

“This deployment has also raised some interesting statistics.” says the Logistics Officer, Lt Commander Douggie Ward RN, “During this deployment we have traveled over 20,000 miles; sailed on 3 out of 5 oceans - the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Ocean; and visited Europe, Africa, South America and Antarctica. We received over 1000 spare parts (from light bulbs to helicopter spares) and spent nearly half a million pounds in sterling and foreign currency. Our Chefs have cooked over 150,000 individual meals, and the Ship’s Company have munched their way through over 35,000 eggs, 24,000 Kg of potatoes and 2,000 Kg sausages and my shopping bill for all this food came to a grand total of £137,647.95”. (RN).-