Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

16/01/2013

Personnel on board Portsmouth-based HMS Atherstone have put aside their minehunting skills to instead imitate pirates as part of an exercise with HMS Monmouth in the Gulf. The joint operations come as the Devonport-based frigate builds up to operational patrols policing international trade routes in the Middle East.

The process supports the RN’s enduring ethos of ‘all of one company’ which has long underwritten the flexibility of the Naval Service and its ability to deal with the ever changing threat to security in the maritime environment.

Lieutenant Peter Davis

HMS Atherstone, based in the Gulf as part of routine mine countermeasure operations, supported HMS Monmouth’s counter-piracy training by acting as a suspected pirate vessel.

She was boarded by Monmouth’s embarked Royal Marine boarding team, with sniper cover provided from the air in the ship’s Lynx helicopter.

The sailors onboard HMS Atherstone provided realistic resistance as mock pirates, giving the Royal Marines a chance to practise their man-handling and small arms skills to secure the ‘pirate ship’. HMS Monmouth’s second boarding team of skilled sailors then followed to search the vessel and her personnel.

Lieutenant Commander Ben Vickery, captain of HMS Atherstone, said:

“Operating with HMS Monmouth has been a fantastic opportunity for the crew of HMS Atherstone to show their professionalism as well as the capabilities of a mine countermeasures vessel when working with a Type 23 frigate, particularly in the operational environment of the Gulf.

“The UK’s mine countermeasure vessels often have to work in difficult and dangerous circumstances, both here in the Gulf and on operations as shown during the Libyan conflict.

"With this in mind, the value of training with a Type 23 frigate really comes to the fore.”

A further highlight for HMS Atherstone was the opportunity for her guns crews to practise their self-defence techniques when coming under attack from fast patrol craft simulated by seaboats.

Following the exercise the ships swapped personnel to learn about each other’s roles. Lieutenant Peter Davis, second in command of HMS Atherstone, said:

“The transfer of personnel of varied specialisations between ships at sea is a brilliant way to allow the cross-pollination of ideas and working practices.

“The process supports the RN’s enduring ethos of ‘all of one company’ which has long underwritten the flexibility of the Naval Service and its ability to deal with the ever changing threat to security in the maritime environment.”

Commander Gordon Ruddock, Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, has previously commanded HMS Atherstone through two Gulf tours. He said:

“As commanding officer you develop a great sense of pride and ownership over your ship, which is something that never leaves you.

"The UK’s mine counter measure vessels make a very important contribution to the coalition presence in the Gulf, and it has been particularly enjoyable working so closely with my old ship.“

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Image Gallery

Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** RPO Ian Peacock guides the aircraft as a newly qualified Flight Deck Officer. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** The WAFU's on the flight deck prove the strops are off leaving the aircraft free to fly. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** AET Si Pellow (215 Flight Winchman) conducts winch training off the flight deck. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** The winchman, flight deck engineer and aircraft during a load lifting training serial. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** LAET Peter âDuckyâ Duckworth assists AET Si Pellow (215 Flight Winchman) in securing the casualty before he can be lifted to the aircraft. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** AET Si Pellow (215 Flight Winchman) conducts winch training off the flight deck. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** AET Si Pellow (215 Flight Winchman) conducts winch training off the flight deck. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** Pictured is Flight Commander Ed Barham in the open door of HMS Monmouth's Lynx Mk8, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth Boarding teams in action. The Royal Marines practiced Fast Roping onto both HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth Boarding teams in action. The Royal Marines practiced Fast Roping onto both HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth Boarding teams in action. The Royal Marines practiced Fast Roping onto both HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate. *** Local Caption *** Royal Marines from HMS Monmouth clear the sweep deck of HMS Atherstone. Pictured left to right is Sgt Ian 'Max' Maxwell and Mne Ryan Billington.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate. *** Local Caption *** Mne Steve Caswell guards his captive,
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate. *** Local Caption *** Mne Ryan Billington guards his captive, AB(MW) 'Sea' Bass.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate. *** Local Caption *** Royal Marines from HMS Monmouth return to Mother after the boarding serial with HMS Atherstone.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** Mne Alex White fast ropes from HMS Monmouth's Mk 8 Lynx, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircrafts callsign is 'Black Knight'.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** Lt Jonny Oakley fast ropes from HMS Monmouth's Mk 8 Lynx, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircrafts callsign is 'Black Knight'.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** The aircrew prepare to drop the rope in readiness for fast roping. Pictured is Pilot Lt Rob Dixon RN. Consent held by the photographer.The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** A Royal Marine fast ropes from HMS Monmouth's Mk 8 Lynx, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircraftâs callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** L/cpl Alex Askew fast ropes from HMS Monmouth's Mk 8 Lynx, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircrafts callsign is 'Black Knight'.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of âThe Black Dukeâ are provided by âThe Black Knightâ, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthâs middle east deployment, and consists of a small group of Aircrew and Engineers, also known as WAFUs, lead by the Flight Commander (Flt Cdr), Lt Ed Barham RN. His team consists of a Pilot, Lt Rob Dixon RN and 8 Engineering Ratings to assist him in providing the required operational effect. With an airframe which has been in service for over 33 years, the engineers have their work cut out for them keeping the Black Knight operating at its peak performance; particularly when you consider the average age of the Flight is only 29 and the ship herself is entering her 20th year of service! *** Local Caption *** AET Si Pellow (215 Flight Winchman) recovers Royal Marines to HMS Monmouth's Lynx Mk8, 215 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The aircrafts callsign is 'Black Knight'. Also pictured is HMS Atherstone, a Hunt class MCMV. Consent held by the photographer.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate.
Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf

HMS Monmouth and HMS Atherstone conduct joint training in the gulf. Over the past week, HM Ships Atherstone (a Hunt class MCMV) and Monmouth (a Type 23 Frigate) have been conducting joint training in the Gulf. The fortunate pairing came about as a result of HMS Monmouthâs role in providing force protection, while HMS Atherstone was engaged in routine tasking. The week saw numerous sorties conducted including a level 2 piracy takedown. During this serial the HMS Atherstone played the role of a pirated ship with armed rogues having taken control. HMS Monmouth was dispatched to retake the vessel using her embarked Royal Marine boarding team as well as sniper cover from her Lynx Mk 8 SRU helicopter, not to mention the formidable weaponry she carries as a Type 23 frigate.

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Royal Navy Ships Join Forces In The Gulf