Innovation, partnership and technology transfer are the main themes as the UK is showing a strong commitment to the UK/Chilean defence relationship by sending two Royal Navy ships to Exponaval 2016 in Valparaiso, Chile. The Type 23 Frigate HMS Portland is making its first visit to Chile along with Royal Fleet Auxiliary RFA Gold Rover.
Three South African Navy ships have joined two British Royal Navy vessels and welcomed them to Simon’s Town. The frigate HMS Lancaster and Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker, Gold Rover, on Atlantic Patrol Tasking have both spent 19 days travelling 4,000 miles across the cold South Atlantic, calling at the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.