HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

HMS Monmouth homecoming

HMS Monmouth returns home from deployment The Royal navy warship HMS Monmouth arrived back to its homeport of Plymouth from a successful seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. There was a warm welcome from families and friends of the crew when the ship sailed into HM Naval Base, Devonport, on Friday, May 17th. Joining them for a happy reunion on the jetty was a Royal Marines Band and an impressive flyover by the ship’s ‘Black Knight’ Lynx helicopter. Photos by LPhot Shread

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year's Armed Forces Day - just 50 days away now.The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event's standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. The Armed Forces Day standard – the upper half of the Union Flag – was hoisted on the halyard, held by the frigate’s physical trainer (posing as a superhero) and, courtesy of some trickery from the Black Duke’s photographer LA Will Haigh, ‘reflected’ in the eye of AB(WS) Jeff Howie and on to the face of AB(EW) ‘Dinger’ Bell in the frigate’s operations room. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year's Armed Forces Day - just 50 days away now.The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event's standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. The Armed Forces Day standard – the upper half of the Union Flag – was hoisted on the halyard, held by the frigate’s physical trainer (posing as a superhero) and, courtesy of some trickery from the Black Duke’s photographer LA Will Haigh, ‘reflected’ in the eye of AB(WS) Jeff Howie and on to the face of AB(EW) ‘Dinger’ Bell in the frigate’s operations room. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Standing proud on the forecastle of HMS Monmouth, LPT Danny Card shows his support for Armed Forces Day Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Standing proud on the forecastle of HMS Monmouth, LPT Danny Card shows his support for Armed Forces Day Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Standing proud on the forecastle of HMS Monmouth, LPT Danny Card shows his support for Armed Forces Day Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Monmouth flies the flag for Armed Forces Day with 50 days to go

The crew of HMS Monmouth have been showing their support for this year’s Armed Forces Day – just 50 days away now. The sailors and Royal Marines, who return to Plymouth next Friday after seven months away, have been flying the event’s standard all over the frigate to help raise interest in the June 29 celebration of Servicemen and women past and present. Image taken by L(Phot) Will Haigh

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

Royal Navy reservists help HMS Monmouth return from operations

HMS Monmouth’s medics practice for onboard emergencies

Photgrapher L(Phot) Will Haigh; Pictured from left to right are LMA Tom Usher, Surg Lt Stephen Woolley RN and AB(MA) Pat Bosman

HMS Monmouth’s medics practice for onboard emergencies

Mne Ryan Billington acts as a casualty during the Crash on Deck exercise.

HMS Monmouth’s medics practice for onboard emergencies

Pictured from left to right: LMA Tom Usher, LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu and AB(Chef) Jordan Burnett discuss the best treatment for the casualty.

Black Duke relinquishes gulf patrol duties to Dragon

Photographer L(Phot) Will Haigh; HMS Dragon’s Lynx, Draco, transfers personnel and stores from HMS Monmouth.

Black Duke relinquishes gulf patrol duties to Dragon

Photographer L(Phot) Will Haigh; Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, hands over the task of maintaining maritime security in the Gulf region to Captain­­­­­­­­ Iain Lower RN , Commanding Officer of HMS Dragon. The two Welsh affiliated ships parted ways in the Gulf of Aden.

Black Duke relinquishes gulf patrol duties to Dragon

Photographer L(Phot) Will Haigh; Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, hands over the task of maintaining maritime security in the Gulf region to Captain­­­­­­­­ Iain Lower RN , Commanding Officer of HMS Dragon. The two Welsh affiliated ships parted ways in the Gulf of Aden.

Black Duke relinquishes gulf patrol duties to Dragon

AB(SEA) Lee Tague is among HMS Monmouth Ship’s company who, in keeping with tradition, use firehoses as a ceremonial salute to HMS Dragon during the sail past.

AB(SEA) Lee Tague is among HMS Monmouth Ship’s company who, in keeping with tradition, use firehoses as a ceremonial salute to HMS Dragon during the sail past.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS Having lost heavily in their first encounter back in December the rugby team were also keen for a rematch. Although a much more competitive game than before, the Monmouth team narrowly lost the second game at the Ex-Pat team’s home ground of Bahrain RFC, despite being refereed by Monmouth’s own ‘Doc’, Surgeon Lieutenant Steve Woolley RN. The two sides proved very evenly matched during this tight contest, in a game that was tooth and nail to the final whistle. The Black Duke’s first 15 had plenty of chances throughout the first half, with the Monmouth’s man of the match centre LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu capitalising on a chip through for a score under the posts in a graceful display of Polynesian skill of hand. Bahrain quickly pushed back for a try but missed their conversion and at half time it was with all to play for with HMS Monmouth in the lead 7:5. Early into the second half Bahrain RFC continued to create chances for themselves, and looked to be about to take the lead just as LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu again smashed through the opposition’s midfield to score a second converted try with a great display of solo running. Having their lead strengthened in the last 10 minutes by a penalty kick, the Royal Navy side didn’t expect Bahrain to come back, but come back they did and two late converted tries edged the home team into the lead with just 3 minutes to go. Despite a valiant effort and some great offensive work, HMS Monmouth’s side were narrowly edged out by the hosts 21:17, but they can hold their heads high after an exciting 80 minutes. Both games were played in great spirits, and special thanks are extended to Bahrain RFC for their welcoming hospitality during and after the match. *** Local Caption *** Both teams prepare for the scrum.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS Having lost heavily in their first encounter back in December the rugby team were also keen for a rematch. Although a much more competitive game than before, the Monmouth team narrowly lost the second game at the Ex-Pat team’s home ground of Bahrain RFC, despite being refereed by Monmouth’s own ‘Doc’, Surgeon Lieutenant Steve Woolley RN. The two sides proved very evenly matched during this tight contest, in a game that was tooth and nail to the final whistle. The Black Duke’s first 15 had plenty of chances throughout the first half, with the Monmouth’s man of the match centre LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu capitalising on a chip through for a score under the posts in a graceful display of Polynesian skill of hand. Bahrain quickly pushed back for a try but missed their conversion and at half time it was with all to play for with HMS Monmouth in the lead 7:5. Early into the second half Bahrain RFC continued to create chances for themselves, and looked to be about to take the lead just as LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu again smashed through the opposition’s midfield to score a second converted try with a great display of solo running. Having their lead strengthened in the last 10 minutes by a penalty kick, the Royal Navy side didn’t expect Bahrain to come back, but come back they did and two late converted tries edged the home team into the lead with just 3 minutes to go. Despite a valiant effort and some great offensive work, HMS Monmouth’s side were narrowly edged out by the hosts 21:17, but they can hold their heads high after an exciting 80 minutes. Both games were played in great spirits, and special thanks are extended to Bahrain RFC for their welcoming hospitality during and after the match. *** Local Caption *** AB(CIS) Chris Jones clears the ball from HMS Monmouth's try line. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS Having lost heavily in their first encounter back in December the rugby team were also keen for a rematch. Although a much more competitive game than before, the Monmouth team narrowly lost the second game at the Ex-Pat team’s home ground of Bahrain RFC, despite being refereed by Monmouth’s own ‘Doc’, Surgeon Lieutenant Steve Woolley RN. The two sides proved very evenly matched during this tight contest, in a game that was tooth and nail to the final whistle. The Black Duke’s first 15 had plenty of chances throughout the first half, with the Monmouth’s man of the match centre LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu capitalising on a chip through for a score under the posts in a graceful display of Polynesian skill of hand. Bahrain quickly pushed back for a try but missed their conversion and at half time it was with all to play for with HMS Monmouth in the lead 7:5. Early into the second half Bahrain RFC continued to create chances for themselves, and looked to be about to take the lead just as LOGS(STD) Shawn Mucunabitu again smashed through the opposition’s midfield to score a second converted try with a great display of solo running. Having their lead strengthened in the last 10 minutes by a penalty kick, the Royal Navy side didn’t expect Bahrain to come back, but come back they did and two late converted tries edged the home team into the lead with just 3 minutes to go. Despite a valiant effort and some great offensive work, HMS Monmouth’s side were narrowly edged out by the hosts 21:17, but they can hold their heads high after an exciting 80 minutes. Both games were played in great spirits, and special thanks are extended to Bahrain RFC for their welcoming hospitality during and after the match. *** Local Caption *** PO(EW) Jonny Keiller converts HMS Monmouth's try. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** AB(CIS) Jordan 'Basher' Bates beats his opposite number down the wing. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** LPT Danny Card sprints for the ball. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** LAET Peter 'Ducky' Duckworth shows his skill on the ball to 5 opposing players. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** AB(Chef) Michael Davison sprints down the wing to cross the ball into the box. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** POET(WE) Anthony 'Buck' Taylor takes it round the opposition. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

HMS Monmouths sporting teams narrowly defeated by Bahrain ex-pats

HMS MONMOUTH’S SPORTING TEAMS NARROWLY DEFEATED BY BAHRAIN EX-PATS HMS Monmouth’s football and rugby team narrowly lost competitive re-match fixtures against Ex-Pat teams at the Bahrain Rugby Club during a recent port visit. Returning to Bahrain, HMS Monmouth’s football team were keen to defend their record, having previously won there 8:4 on 28 December. The ‘Black Duke’s’ team got off to a slow start and after heavy pressure from a strong local side in the opening minutes, going 1-0 down through an unfortunate goalkeeping error. This was just the wake up call Monmouth needed, and they responded with several well aimed shots on target. The opposition’s goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well and kept the hosts in front. Unfortunate injuries to both central midfielders forced Monmouth into a re-shuffle and the hosts managed to capitalise on the change to score again just before half time. With the sailors starting to feel the impact of their long Maritime Security patrol the Bahrain side stepped up a gear and started to dominate the second half. Monmouth’s impressive blend of good defending and goalkeeping along with a strong desire not to be beaten held the hosts at bay until the 85th minute. The hosts managed to score a final goal through some good inter passing and a finish right out of the top drawer from their star striker to end the game with a final score of 3-0 to the hosts. *** Local Caption *** AB(CIS) Glen 'Buster' Brown takes on defenders. MoD consent form held by the photographer.

Royal Navy and Kuwaiti Navy exercise together in the Gulf

HMS Monmouth

Royal Navy and Kuwaiti Navy exercise together in the Gulf

Kuwaiti Naval vessel Al-AHMADI conducts manoeuvres with HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Shows Off Royal Navy Capability

A Royal Marine fast ropes from HMS Monmouth's Mk 8 Lynx as the college students watch from the bridge wings.

HMS Monmouth Shows Off Royal Navy Capability

The Operations Officer, Lt Cdr Ian Feasey greets the foreign military students and Officers.

HMS Monmouth Shows Off Royal Navy Capability

Mne Steve Caswell takes up a defensive stance as the other Royal Marines search the Ship and deal with the downed hostile.

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

HMS Monmouth’s operations room in action

HMS Monmouth's Operations room at action. Alarms sound, drills commence, monitors flash, switches are made; it seems a lot to think about all at once, but this is the constant tempo in the beating heart of HMS Monmouth; the Operations room. There are banks of displays each showing unique information which, to the untrained eye, is a jumble of letters, numbers and lines, but to the members of the Warfare department who call the Ops room home, it enables them to fuse information together to allow the Ship to operate effectively and is their way of life throughout a 7 month deployment. Warfare is the word in the Ship’s nerve centre, whether it’s Above Water Warfare, Under Water Warfare or Electronic Warfare The Ops room is vital to the Ship’s defence and safety, enabling the Monmouth to defend herself and others if required, whilst maintaining a watch over other vessels and aircraft in the Arabian Gulf. The Black Duke’s crew are well trained and even better practiced, having been in Defence watches for 4 months as they pass the half way stage in their 7 month deployment. What a deployment it has been; escorting merchant vessels, counter-piracy operations, protecting Mine-hunters and conducting hundreds of Approach and Assist Visits on vessels in the Gulf as the Ship provides stability to the region through their Maritime Security patrols and Wider Regional Engagement. The Ops room is the electronic eyes and ears of the Ship, extending her reach over the horizon and connecting her to the rest of the Task Force enabling her to contribute fully to Coalition operations in the region. The Operations Officer and Head of the Warfare Department Lt Cdr Ian Feasey commented “Having received specific training at FOST for this deployment the guys have worked hard to maintain operational capability, through regular training and a strong team spirit; they remain ready to react to whatever situation we may face in the remainder of our time on deployment” *** Local Caption **

Running on water for charity

A sailor on board HMS Monmouth has completed the staggering feat of running 1000 miles around the upper deck of his warship, raising thousands of pounds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity. Petty Officer James “Dutchy” Van Der Linden completed his marathon of marathons as the Plymouth-based frigate patrolled the Arabian Gulf. 30 year old Petty Officer Van Der Linden from Blackburn, Lancashire, set himself the challenge of completing 1000 miles round the upper deck of his ship as the Black Duke left Plymouth back in October. Attempting to run at least 5 miles each day, Dutchy had to deal with extreme heat, wind, rain and extreme fatigue as his body protested at the task – and occasionally he found himself forced to take unplanned “rest days” simply to let his body recover. “I never really doubted I could do it,” he says, “but sometimes the end really did seem a long way off.” Over the course of the 9000 laps of the 250m long frigate Dutchy has worn through 4 pairs of trainers, 2 iPod arm bands, 2 pairs of headphones and gallons and gallons of water etc. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity exist to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Much of the sponsorship money has still to be collected but is eventually expected to reach over £3000. With 7 laps equating to approximately 1 mile his lap rate was just over 42p every one of the 9,000 times he crossed under the ship’s 4.5” gun on the Foc’s’le and around the flight deck on the back end. It is still possible to donate, anyone wishing to help can do so at the following link: www.virginmoneygiving.com/DutchyVanDerLinden *** Local Caption *** Pictured is PO(CIS) James ‘Dutchy’ Van-Der-Linden completing his final laps. MoD Consent form held by

Running on water for charity

A sailor on board HMS Monmouth has completed the staggering feat of running 1000 miles around the upper deck of his warship, raising thousands of pounds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity. Petty Officer James “Dutchy” Van Der Linden completed his marathon of marathons as the Plymouth-based frigate patrolled the Arabian Gulf. 30 year old Petty Officer Van Der Linden from Blackburn, Lancashire, set himself the challenge of completing 1000 miles round the upper deck of his ship as the Black Duke left Plymouth back in October. Attempting to run at least 5 miles each day, Dutchy had to deal with extreme heat, wind, rain and extreme fatigue as his body protested at the task – and occasionally he found himself forced to take unplanned “rest days” simply to let his body recover. “I never really doubted I could do it,” he says, “but sometimes the end really did seem a long way off.” Over the course of the 9000 laps of the 250m long frigate Dutchy has worn through 4 pairs of trainers, 2 iPod arm bands, 2 pairs of headphones and gallons and gallons of water etc. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity exist to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Much of the sponsorship money has still to be collected but is eventually expected to reach over £3000. With 7 laps equating to approximately 1 mile his lap rate was just over 42p every one of the 9,000 times he crossed under the ship’s 4.5” gun on the Foc’s’le and around the flight deck on the back end. It is still possible to donate, anyone wishing to help can do so at the following link: www.virginmoneygiving.com/DutchyVanDerLinden *** Local Caption *** Pictured is PO(CIS) James ‘Dutchy’ Van-Der-Linden crosses the finishing line. MoD Consent form held b

Running on water for charity

A sailor on board HMS Monmouth has completed the staggering feat of running 1000 miles around the upper deck of his warship, raising thousands of pounds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity. Petty Officer James “Dutchy” Van Der Linden completed his marathon of marathons as the Plymouth-based frigate patrolled the Arabian Gulf. 30 year old Petty Officer Van Der Linden from Blackburn, Lancashire, set himself the challenge of completing 1000 miles round the upper deck of his ship as the Black Duke left Plymouth back in October. Attempting to run at least 5 miles each day, Dutchy had to deal with extreme heat, wind, rain and extreme fatigue as his body protested at the task – and occasionally he found himself forced to take unplanned “rest days” simply to let his body recover. “I never really doubted I could do it,” he says, “but sometimes the end really did seem a long way off.” Over the course of the 9000 laps of the 250m long frigate Dutchy has worn through 4 pairs of trainers, 2 iPod arm bands, 2 pairs of headphones and gallons and gallons of water etc. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity exist to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Much of the sponsorship money has still to be collected but is eventually expected to reach over £3000. With 7 laps equating to approximately 1 mile his lap rate was just over 42p every one of the 9,000 times he crossed under the ship’s 4.5” gun on the Foc’s’le and around the flight deck on the back end. It is still possible to donate, anyone wishing to help can do so at the following link: www.virginmoneygiving.com/DutchyVanDerLinden *** Local Caption *** Pictured is PO(CIS) James ‘Dutchy’ Van-Der-Linden with two of the pairs of trainers he has gone throug

20 years away for Commanding Officer

Commander Graham Ramsay Royal Navy (retired) sits in the Captain's chair next to the current Commanding Officer, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN.

20 years away for Commanding Officer

Back row L to R Lieutenant Commander Steven Gilmore RN, Mrs Vicky Chambers, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, Commander Graham Ramsay Royal Navy (retired), Mrs Theresa Husar, Lieuten

20 years away for Commanding Officer

Back row L to R Lieutenant Commander Steven Gilmore RN, Mrs Vicky Chambers, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, Commander Graham Ramsay Royal Navy (retired), Mrs Theresa Husar, Lieuten

20 years away for Commanding Officer

Commander Graham Ramsay Royal Navy (retired) embarks HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth conducts maritime Approach and Assist operations

HMS Monmouth conducts maritime Approach and Assist operations

HMS Monmouth conducts maritime Approach and Assist operations

HMS Monmouth conducts maritime Approach and Assist operations

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

Rear Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE is saluted on board by Commanding Officer Gordon Ruddock RN

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

AC James Lighten prepares to open the car door for Rear Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE as he disembarks HMS Monmouth

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

Commodore Jake Moores OBE ADC is welcomed on board HMS Monmouth.

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

Commodore Jake Moores OBE ADC is saluted by Commanding Officer Gordon Ruddock RN.

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

Commodore Jake Moores OBE ADC is saluted by Commanding Officer Gordon Ruddock RN.

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

Commodore Jake Moores OBE ADC chats with Junior Ratings in the 26 man mess.

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Commodore Devonport Flotilla visit HMS Monmouth in Bahrain

HMS Monmouth patrolling the Arabian Gulf during her Maritime Security patrol.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, welcomes Commodore Simon Ancona onboard.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Minster for the Middle East, Mr Alastair Burt MP is welcomed onboard by Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Pictured from left to right is Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN; US Vice Admiral Miller USN, Commander US Forces Central Command; Commodore Simon Ancona, Commodore UK Maritime Component Command; Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr Iain Lindsay; Minster for the Middle East, Mr Alastair Burt MP; US Ambassador name tbc; General Olsen USMC

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Members of the ceremonial sunset party.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

LS(AWW) Gary Richardson takes charge of the Ceremonial Sunset Guard.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Dignitaries and guests watch and take pictures of the Ceremonial Sunset Guard.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Ex-pat Jill Allison posing in the Ship’s Lynx Mk 8 helicopter.

HMS Monmouth hosts Middle Eastern Capability Demonstration

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr Iain Lindsay takes the salute from the Ceremonial Sunset Guard before they were marched off by Guard Officer Lt Matthew Taborda RN.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

RFA Fort Victoria is seen in the background during a stores replenishment

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

AET Dave 'Hank' Gorst awaits the return of HMS Monmouth's Lynx Mk 8 while the Flight Deck Officer signals in the background.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

HMS Monmouth's Lynx Mk 8 picks up stores during the Stores replenishment with RFA Fort Victoria.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

HMS Monmouth's Flight Deck Officer signals in the Lynx Mk 8 on return from RFA Fort Victoria.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

A Barge comes alongside to deliver important stores, food and mail to HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

LAET(WE) Greg Jones is passed stores from AB(WS) Alex Bradbury in the human chain whilst transferring stores from the barge.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

ETWE Benn McIlvaney helps 'Store Ship' as PO(CS) Sean 'H' Hetherington checks the inventory.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

A “double headed” replenishment of fuel and ammunition with RFA Fort Victoria.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

RFA Fort Victoria.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

The fuel probe crosses during the “double headed” replenishment of fuel and ammunition with RFA Fort Victoria.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

HMS Monmouth and RFA Fort Victoria get into replenishment distance apart in preparation for the “double headed” Rreplenishment of fuel and ammunition.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

Guard rails are struck in the dump area by AB(SEA) Shane 'Jock' Lorimer in preparation for the “double headed” replenishment of fuel and ammunition.

HMS Monmouth Supply and Demand

HMS Monmouth approaches RFA Fort Victoria in preparation for the “double headed” replenishment of fuel and ammunition.

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

Pictured from left to right is Weapons Engineering Officer Lt Cdr Steve Gilmore, AB(WS) Bruce Wheeler, Lt Stephen Woolley, LOGS(WTR) Tom Ashton, AB(SEA) Alan Rogers, AB(SEA) Joshua Abbott, LPT Danny Card, ETWE Curtis Owst and AB(CIS) Nicholas Flynn

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

Deputy Weapons Engineering Officer Lt Charli Thomas enjoying a Mother's Day cake in her cabin

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

HMS Monmouth's Flight Team with their Mother's Day message

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

Some of the ship's company on the bridge, above the 4.5" Gun, send their Mother's Day greeting home

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

LOGS(WTR) Tom Ashton

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

LPT Danny Card

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

WEO Lt Cdr Steve Gilmore

Mum's the word for Monmouth on Mother's Day

ETWE Curtis Owst

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LPT Danny Card demonstrates the exercises before circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LPT Danny Card demonstrates the exercises before circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LPT Danny Card demonstrates the exercises before circuits Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

The Beaverfit storage and plyometric box fitted to the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

Members of the Ship’s company at functional fitness circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

Members of the Ship’s company at functional fitness circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

Members of the Ship’s company at functional fitness circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LPT Danny Card spots as AB(WS) Patrick Couraca Rodrigues bench presses

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LPT Danny Card spots as Lt Matthew Taborda RN bench presses

HMS Monmouth keeps Functionally Fit during 7 month Deployment

LET(WE) Greg Jones uses the TRX equipment during functional fitness circuits on the Gun Director Platform (GDP)

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Senior component commanders disembark HMS Monmouth, the Black Duke

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE meets Lt Cdr Darren Davies, the Logistics Officer onboard HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lt Cdr Darren Davies, the Logistics Officer onboard HMS Monmouth, briefs Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE meets Lt Ed Barham RN, the Flight Commander onboard HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE Royal Marines meets Lt Cdr Sue Seagrave, the Marine Engineering Officer (MEO) onboard HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE Royal Marines is briefed by Lt Cdr Sue Seagrave, the Marine Engineering Officer (MEO)

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lt Ed Barham, the Flight Commander, briefs Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE next to the ‘Black Knight’, his Mark 8 Lynx.

HMS Monmouth Hosts Chief of Joint Operations

Lieutenant General David Capewell OBE Royal Marines disembarks HMS Monmouth, the Black Duke

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

ETME2 Damian 'Subo' Boyle holds the waterwall while ETWE Benn McIlvaney is passed down the firefighter hose with FB5X attached

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

The re-entry teams wait for a brief and take on fluids prior to tackling the compartment

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

PO(UW) Lee Ellis fills the compartment with fake smoke to set off the smoke alarms and ensure the scenario is as real as can be

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

CPO(UW) David Coleman and PO(UW Lee Ellis discuss how the scenario is progressing and compare notes

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

LLOGS(SC) Villiame Moceica documents the exercise on the Incident Board

HMS Monmouth Fire Exercise on Patrol

LLOGS(Chef) shaun 'Bruce' Willis and AB(STD) Kevin 'Topsy' Turner treat the casualty as the duty first aiders whilst receiving guidance from the medical staff onboard

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB is saluted at the gangway position by Commanding Officer HMS Monmouth, Commander Gordon Ruddock

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB chats to junior rates

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB presents the Fleet efficiency trophy for EW Electronic Warfare award to PO(EW) Jonny Keiller

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB presents the LSGC to POET (WE) Lee Marriot

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB presents the clasp to a LSGC medal to WO1 Kevan Stoddard MBE

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Pictured from left to right are POET (WE) Lee Marriot and WO1 Kevan Stoddard MBE

HMS Monmouth Hosts Fleet Commander

Vice Admiral P A Jones CB disembarks HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her CrewIn the middle of a 7 month. Low light photography of Dubai showing the Burj Kalifa, the World's tallest building.

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her Crew In the middle of a 7 month Gulf deployment HMS Monmouth. ETME Jamie 'Wooly' Scarff checks the Navigation lights aloft whilst alongside in Dubai.

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her CrewIn the middle of a 7 month. Low light photography of Dubai showing the Burj Kalifa, the World's tallest building.

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her CrewIn the middle of a 7 month. Low light photography of Dubai showing the Burj Kalifa, the World's tallest building.

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her CrewIn the middle of a 7 month. A view from the viewing platform of the World's tallest building.

HMS Monmouth in Dubai

HMS Monmouth and her Crew In the middle of a 7 month. HMS Monmouth leaves the Dubai skyline behind and sails for maritime security patrols.

Welsh Sailors Celebrate National Day In The Gulf

Top left to right are LS(Sea) David 'Roger' Whittaker and AB(WS) Craig 'Sounders' Pound. Bottom left to right are AB(Chef) Jordan 'Taff' Burnett and ETME Osian 'Osh' Amos.

Welsh Sailors Celebrate National Day In The Gulf

Top left to right are LS(Sea) David 'Roger' Whittaker and AB(WS) Craig 'Sounders' Pound. Bottom left to right are AB(Chef) Jordan 'Taff' Burnett and ETME Osian 'Osh' Amos.

Welsh Sailors Celebrate National Day In The Gulf

AB(Chef) Jordan 'Taff' Burnett from Barry, Cardiff.

Welsh Sailors Celebrate National Day In The Gulf

AB(Chef) Jordan 'Taff' Burnett from Barry, Cardiff.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Ship's Comapny of HMS Monmouth giving a message of love to their partners thousands of miles away from home.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Image shows members of 40 Commando Royal Marines preparing for Valentines Day by sending Cards and messages of love to their Wives and Girlfriends. Images were taken at MOB Price, Central Helmand, Afghanistan on the 12th Feb 13.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Image shows members of 40 Commando Royal Marines preparing for Valentines Day by sending Cards and messages of love to their Wives and Girlfriends. Images were taken at MOB Price, Central Helmand, Afghanistan on the 12th Feb 13.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Image shows members of 40 Commando Royal Marines preparing for Valentines Day by sending Cards and messages of love to their Wives and Girlfriends. Images were taken at MOB Price, Central Helmand, Afghanistan on the 12th Feb 13.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Ship's Comapny of HMS Monmouth giving a message of love to their partners thousands of miles away from home.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Ship's Comapny of HMS Monmouth giving a message of love to their partners thousands of miles away from home.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

Ship's Comapny of HMS Monmouth giving a message of love to their partners thousands of miles away from home.

The Royal Navy and Valetines Day

LLOGS(SC) James Oakley passes mail sacks to RPO Ian Peacock as they work to getting onboard the large amount of post the Ship received.

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to QatarThe Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

The Black Duke pays a star studded sports visit to Qatar

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Sir John Stanley embarks HMS Monmouth as part of the NATO Delegation.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

The Ship's Senior Rates and Officers host the NATO Delegates during refreshments.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Commander Gordon Ruddock RN answers questions after a ships capability brief.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Commander Gordon Ruddock RN and Sir John Stanley host a question and answer session after a ships capability brief.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Commander Gordon Ruddock RN and Sir John Stanley host a question and answer session.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Lt Ed Barham RN (Flight Commander) gives a Flight capability brief to the NATO Delegates.Consent held with the photographer.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Members of the NATO Delegation receive a brief on the Royal Marines Capability onboard.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Lt Edward Phillips RN (Navigating Officer) host Sir John Stanley and other NATO Delegates on the bridge for a capability brief.Consent held (for Lt Edward Phillips) by the photographer.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

All 25 Nato Delegates gather with their hosts on the flight deck of HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

Sir John Stanley is ceremonially saluted on leaving HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Hosts NATO Delegates

The Captain, Commander Gordon Ruddock RN, welcomes the NATO delegates onboard.Consent held by the photographer.

Monmouth’s marines unleash pedal power on patrol

Royal Marines onboard HMS Monmouth have given themselves a challenge the Corps will be proud of. They intend to cycle the distance between Dubai and Faslne in just 10 days.

Monmouth’s marines unleash pedal power on patrol

Royal Marines onboard HMS Monmouth have given themselves a challenge the Corps will be proud of. They intend to cycle the distance between Dubai and Faslne in just 10 days.

Monmouth’s marines unleash pedal power on patrol

Royal Marines onboard HMS Monmouth have given themselves a challenge the Corps will be proud of. They intend to cycle the distance between Dubai and Faslne in just 10 days.

HMS Monmouth Sailor's 1000 Mile Run

PO(CIS) James' Dutchy' Van-Der-Linden

HMS Monmouth Sailor's 1000 Mile Run

PO(CIS) James 'Dutchy' Van-Der-Linden

HMS Monmouth Sailor's 1000 Mile Run

PO(CIS) James ‘Dutchy’ Van-Der-Linden completes mile 500 of his 1000 mile challenge

HMS Monmouth Sailor's 1000 Mile Run

PO(CIS) James ‘Dutchy’ Van-Der-Linden completes mile 500 of his 1000 mile challenge

HMS Monmouth visit USS John C Stennis

HMS Monmouth visit USS John C Stennis

HMS Monmouth visit USS John C Stennis

HMS Monmouth visit USS John C Stennis

HMS Monmouth visit USS John C Stennis

A Lynx helicopter fires flares over HMS Monmouth

A Lynx helicopter fires multiple flares over HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth's Lynx airlifts a man

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of ëThe Black Dukeí are provided by ëThe Black Knightí, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthís 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.

HMS Monmouth's Lynx directed on to the ship

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of ëThe Black Dukeí are provided by ëThe Black Knightí, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthís 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.

Fast-roping from a Lynx on to HMS Monmouth

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of ëThe Black Dukeí are provided by ëThe Black Knightí, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthís 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 aircraftís callsign is 'Black Knight' but also goes by the coalition callsign Firebird in the Gulf. Consent held by the photographer.

The flight control crew of HMS Monmouth's Lynx

Charges of the Black Knight The long range eyes, ears and claws of ëThe Black Dukeí are provided by ëThe Black Knightí, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouthís 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 aircraftís 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 ‘Ducky’ 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 aircraft’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 ‘The Black Duke’ are provided by ‘The Black Knight’, a Mk8 Maritime Attack Helicopter of 215 Flight from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). The Flight is embarked for the duration of HMS Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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 Monmouth’s 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.

The 30mm gunnery crew check the cannon during a stoppage drill

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

LS(Sea) Matthew Ashcroft inspects the 30mm cannon during a stoppage drill

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

The 30mm gunnery crew check the cannon during a stoppage drill

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Letting rip with the 30mm cannon

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

30mm gun shoot

4.5 & 30mm Gunnery serial

Brrrrrrt! Brrrrrt! Brrrrrrt!

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Some of the spent 30mm shell cartridges

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Three 30mm rounds fall short of the killer tomato

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has sailed from Bahrain for a Christmas patrol crucial for the security of the Gulf, having left the UK back in October to join a multinational force keeping the shipping lanes open in the Gulf region. While distant from UK shores, the security of these potentially troubled waters is vital for the UK economy, as a quarter of the world's oil production and most of the United Kingdoms trade with the Far East pass through the choke points of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandib Straits respectively.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has sailed from Bahrain for a Christmas patrol crucial for the security of the Gulf, having left the UK back in October to join a multinational force keeping the shipping lanes open in the Gulf region. While distant from UK shores, the security of these potentially troubled waters is vital for the UK economy, as a quarter of the world's oil production and most of the United Kingdoms trade with the Far East pass through the choke points of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandib Straits respectively.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has sailed from Bahrain for a Christmas patrol crucial for the security of the Gulf, having left the UK back in October to join a multinational force keeping the shipping lanes open in the Gulf region. While distant from UK shores, the security of these potentially troubled waters is vital for the UK economy, as a quarter of the world's oil production and most of the United Kingdoms trade with the Far East pass through the choke points of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandib Straits respectively.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has sailed from Bahrain for a Christmas patrol crucial for the security of the Gulf, having left the UK back in October to join a multinational force keeping the shipping lanes open in the Gulf region. While distant from UK shores, the security of these potentially troubled waters is vital for the UK economy, as a quarter of the world's oil production and most of the United Kingdoms trade with the Far East pass through the choke points of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandib Straits respectively.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has sailed from Bahrain for a Christmas patrol crucial for the security of the Gulf, having left the UK back in October to join a multinational force keeping the shipping lanes open in the Gulf region. While distant from UK shores, the security of these potentially troubled waters is vital for the UK economy, as a quarter of the world's oil production and most of the United Kingdoms trade with the Far East pass through the choke points of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandib Straits respectively.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

While Boxing Day for many might mean re-heating the turkey or finding lost batteries, for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth it meant a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf in the age-old Naval tradition of “Hands to Bathe”. With the ship stopped in the water for over two hours and a marksman keeping a lookout for sharks, diving, jumping and the more-than-occasional bellyflop were the order of the day. As the last swimmer clambered out of the water up the scrambling-net HMS Monmouth resumed her duties. Having deployed to the Gulf region in October the Type 23 frigate is tasked with protecting merchant shipping from piracy and similar illegal activity.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth has returned to Bahrain over the New Year period after a busy time at sea. This has given the Ship’s company time to recharge batteries and ready themselves for the challenges of the New Year in the Gulf. Among the crew of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of 9 Royal Marines, whose skills as an amphibious force are second to none and are vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles performed by the Marines is to conduct boarding missions against possible pirates and smugglers and they used their time alongside to visit the ‘Ship in a Box’ facility owned by the U.S Coast Guard, to hone these skills. The idea of the facility is to recreate a portion of a ship in which ‘room clearance’ drills may be practiced and perfected with a great sense of realism. The weapons used in the facility are high powered air soft and range from rifles, shotguns and pistols…and they really pack a punch. So much so that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when magazines are fitted and rounds are flying.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game.The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4.LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games”HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game. The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4. LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games” HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

HMS MONMOUTH MOVES INTO 2013 WITH BANGS APLENTY IN THE GULF

As the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth prepare to celebrate Christmas in the distant warmth of the Arabian Gulf, one of their number has let slip his special Christmas connections. Holsworthy boy Leading Seaman (UW) Steve Sheppard has served on board the Plymouth-based frigate for a whole decade and this year will celebrate his last Christmas with the ship. As his duties involve watches in the ship’s “Ops” (Operations) Room, Steve is bracing himself for the obvious puns: “While Sheppard watches Ops by night,” he grimaces good-naturedly. But the family’s Christmas tale becomes even more involved when he reveals that one of his sisters, Holly, was born on Christmas Day to his stepmother Mary. And the family’s Christmas connections don’t end there, with brother Chris in the Royal Artillery being a Sheppard out with the sheep in the Falkland Islands this year. “Only my sister Amy gets a normal Christmas!” rues the sailor. While Steve has served in the Royal Navy for eleven years he still has some way to go to catch up with his father, Graham, who retired after twenty-two years’ service.

A pre-match team talk for the Black Dukes

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game.The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4.LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games”HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

POET(ME) Alexandros 'Stavs' Mitsiaras makes a run on goal

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game.The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4.LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games”HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

Look mum, I scored... PO(UW) Lee Ellis celebrates his first goal in two years

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game.The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4.LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games”HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

An ex-pat defender handles the ball in an attempt to stop Monmouth scoring

HMS Monmouth’s football team secure a win over local rivals in a fast paced, goal filled game.The Ship’s company of HMS Monmouth are football crazy, they’re football mad and with a total of 8 goals for the RN side they’re not half bad! Lead by LPT Danny Card, the squad made the trip to Bahrain Rugby club to take on the local Ex Pats and secured a victory of 8-4.LPT Danny Card said “We thoroughly deserved our victory this evening against a good Ex-Pat side, we are beginning to play like a team again and I hope that we can build on this in our next few games”HMS Monmouth have now won 2 of their last 3 games on the deployment and aim to keep up the winning form, even with a few regular team members absent. “The players who are missing won’t walk back into the side, the team is working well and it’s great to have healthy competition for places, it’s a great incentive for the Ship’s company to stay fit”.

Bang... Pt1

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Bang... Pt3

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Bang... Pt2

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

White hot Kryten... a white-hot 4.5in shell leaves the barrel

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

I love the smell of cordite in the morning... and in the afternoon...

HMS Monmouth took some time over the Christmas period to conduct a live fire gunnery shoot at sea. Included was a 4.5" & 30mm Gunnery serial.

Some of the 4.5in shells in their storage racks beneath the gun

4.5 & 30mm Gunnery serial

L/Cpl Alex Askew is backed up by Mne Steve Caswell and Capt Will Hall

RM Ship in a box

Capt Will Hall leads a walk-through of the 'ship in a box' facility

RM Ship in a box

Red-eye-spy... Mne Ryan Billington goes low while Mne Jack Brent provides top cover

RM Ship in a box

Capt Will Hall debriefs his team

RM Ship in a box

Capt Will Hall briefs his team on the training exercise

RM Ship in a box

Mne Alex White receives back-up from fellow green beret Mne Jack Brent

RM Ship in a box

Mne Steve Caswell and Capt Will Hall carry out a room clearance

RM Ship in a box

One of the team holsters a high-powered soft air Sig Sauer pistol

RM Ship in a box

Mne Ryan Billington receives encouragement from Mne Alex White

RM Ship in a box

Some of the simulated ammunition weapons used

RM Ship in a box

A commando loads his weapon with simulated ammunition

RM Ship in a box

Mne Ryan Billington and Mne Alex White clear the 'upper deck' of the 'ship in a box' facility

RM Ship in a box

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. After the Christmas morning church service – which included the smallest nativity scene most people had ever seen – the hungry sailors sat down to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In time-honoured fashion the officers were the last to eat having served everyone else first. Also a long standing tradition, members of each messdeck took turns to rib and be ribbed as the contents of each person’s “Secret Santa” was revealed to much good-natured teasing. *** Local Caption *** The tables are laid in preparation for the Ship’s company Christmas dinner.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. After the Christmas morning church service – which included the smallest nativity scene most people had ever seen – the hungry sailors sat down to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In time-honoured fashion the officers were the last to eat having served everyone else first. Also a long standing tradition, members of each messdeck took turns to rib and be ribbed as the contents of each person’s “Secret Santa” was revealed to much good-natured teasing. *** Local Caption *** The Christmas menu being prepared in the Galley.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. After the Christmas morning church service – which included the smallest nativity scene most people had ever seen – the hungry sailors sat down to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In time-honoured fashion the officers were the last to eat having served everyone else first. Also a long standing tradition, members of each messdeck took turns to rib and be ribbed as the contents of each person’s “Secret Santa” was revealed to much good-natured teasing. *** Local Caption *** The Operations (OPS) Officer Lt Cdr Ian Feasey is in full festive waiter mode as he prepares to serve Christmas dinner in the Junior Rates Dining Hall. Consent held by the photographer.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. After the Christmas morning church service – which included the smallest nativity scene most people had ever seen – the hungry sailors sat down to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In time-honoured fashion the officers were the last to eat having served everyone else first. Also a long standing tradition, members of each messdeck took turns to rib and be ribbed as the contents of each person’s “Secret Santa” was revealed to much good-natured teasing. *** Local Caption *** The members of the 26 Man Mess enjoy their Christmas dinner.

Christmas On board HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** LS(EW) James ‘Dixie’ Dixon jumps to catch a pass for the 26 man mess. Consent held by the photographer.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** AB(WS) Jack ‘Tomo’ Thomson launches a shot. Consent held by the photographer.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** A Bucket is scored as the EWO WO1 Kevan “Jan” Stoddard MBE looks on.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** Marine Steve Caswell confirms the bucket is full of a Christmas goal! Consent held by the photographer.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** LPT Danny Card gives rules and instructions to the waiting teams.

Christmas Onboard HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Kicking-off the festivities on Christmas Eve was an afternoon of sport on the sun-drenched flight deck as the traditional deployment game of bucket-ball got a seasonal makeover to become “bucket-Christmas-pudding-ball”. *** Local Caption *** Members of the Ship’s company in good cheer as the Flight deck Bucketball is about to commence.

Christmas On board HMS Monmouth

Carols, Turkey, Santa and Sunshine: welcome to Christmas on board HMS Monmouth, the Royal Navy’s presence in the Arabian Gulf over the Christmas period. Over two months into her seven month deployment to the Gulf region, the Ship’s Company of the Plymouth-based frigate were able to find time in their busy programme to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. *** Local Caption *** LET(ME) Andrew ‘Springy’ Coyle in festive cheer as he receives his UK4U gift from Father Christmas AKA the EWO, WO1 Kevan “Jan” Stoddard MBE. Consent held by the photographer.

Lts Richard Dobson and Andy Warwick on the lookout for Santa with LPT Danny Card at thr wheel

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the run up to the festive season, the Bridge watch team onboard HMS Monmouth keep on the lookout for Father Christmas.

The supply department fill the stockings: LS James Oakley, PO(SC) Paul Statham, LS Viliame Moceica and AB Craig Dearie

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the run up to the festive season, HMS Monmouth's stores department are excited to find out what's in their stockings.

LCH Shaun Willis shows off one of his decorated puds

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the Galley, festivities are in abundance.

LCH Shaun Willis shows off one of his decorated puds

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the Galley, festivities are in abundance.

LS(UW) Stephen Sheppard (in the Santa hat) on duty in the ops room

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the Galley, festivities are in abundance.

Happy Noel...from Noel, AB(WS) Noel Binding that is

No white Christmas for the “Black Duke” There won’t be deep, crisp or even snow for the Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth as they celebrate Christmas this year. In fact, it will probably be rather warm. The Type 23 frigate – often known as the “Black Duke” after her traitor namesake – will be spending the festive season engaged in countering piracy, smuggling and similar illegal activity as part of a coalition naval force policing the Arabian Gulf. In the Galley, festivities are in abundance.

HMS Monmouth (left), USS Winston S Churchill (centre) and two supertankers. Picture: US Navy

HMS Monmouth, Black Duke, Royal Navy, Gulf 121211-N-YF306-755 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 11, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and a coalition naval vessel escort commercial shipping during exercise Lucky Mariner 13. Lucky Mariner is an annual U.S. Navy, coalition, and commercial shipping Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility designed to integrate the civil-military response to a global shipping threat.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase/Released)

Monmouth's Royal Marines Commandos rapid rope on to tanker Arcturus Voyager

Monmouth's Royal Marines Commandos rapid rope on to tanker Arcturus Voyager

HMS Monmouth escorts the Arcturus Voyager

HMS Monmouth leads USS Winston S Churchill

HMS Monmouth leads the USS Winston S Churchill as they escort the merchantmen with other vessels in the Lucky Mariner force

Gulf Rendezvous for 2 Welsh Ships

HM Submarine Trenchant Crosspol personnell.

Gulf Rendezvous for 2 Welsh Ships

HMS Trenchant crosspoll. HMS Monmouth, HM Submarine Trenchant and a MK 8 Lynx of 815 Squadron.

Gulf Rendezvous for 2 Welsh Ships

HMS Trenchant crosspoll HMS Monmouth and HM submarine Trenchant.

Dorset Boys To Spend Christmas Hunting Pirates At Sea

Weymouth sailor Dean O’Callaghan

Dorset Boys To Spend Christmas Hunting Pirates At Sea

Dorchester sailor Jack Bleasdale

HMS Monmouth Ship's Company support Movember

Winning moustache sported by POWTR Kev “Sherlock” McHugh

HMS Monmouth Ship's Company support Movember

Finalists in the Black Duke’s Movember competition proudly display their facial growth.

Capt William Hall RM clocks up the best time of the day

Pictured: Captain William Hall RM on his way to setting the fastest time for rowing the Suez. 29/11/2012 Taken by LA(Phot) Shread SHIP’S COMPANY RACE THEIR OWN SHIP THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL. The Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth have taken up the traditional challenge of racing their own ship through the 162 kilometres of the Suez Canal. On 22 November 81 volunteers from the Type 23 frigate were challenged with rowing 2000 metres each. Setting their best times on rowing machines strapped to the flight deck, everyone hoped to beat the actual transit time through the Suez and the whole race was completed in a combined time of 10 hours, 21 minutes and 20 seconds. Leading Physical Trainer Danny Card expressed his delight as the Ship’s Company beat the actual time of the ship by over two hours with the average time for 2000 metres being an impressive 7 minutes and 40 seconds: He said: “I’m very proud, not just of the time, but of the significant dedication and commitment of all who took part.” As if that were not a tough enough challenge, the nine embarked Royal Marines decided to do the whole thing themselves - meaning each one tackling a full 18 kilometres. Captain William Hall Royal Marines – who also set the best time overall for 2000 metres of 6 minutes 43 seconds – said: “Having only been with the ship since we sailed in October, this challenge was a key part of the unit’s integration with the Ship’s Company.” Lieutenant Alison Hall Royal Navy, the ship’s Gunnery Officer achieved a highly commendable 7 minutes 41, and like many of the participants she has vowed to beat her own time during the return passage at the end of the deployment. On passing through the Suez Canal HMS Monmouth became the Royal Navy’s latest ship tasked with keeping merchant traffic safe in the Arabian Sea, the northern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

AB(CIS) Jones rows in full action rig

Pictured: An unidentified member of ship’s company (AB CIS Jones) rowing the Suez in full action working dress. 29/11/2012 Taken by LA(Phot) Shread SHIP’S COMPANY RACE THEIR OWN SHIP THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL. The Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth have taken up the traditional challenge of racing their own ship through the 162 kilometres of the Suez Canal. On 22 November 81 volunteers from the Type 23 frigate were challenged with rowing 2000 metres each. Setting their best times on rowing machines strapped to the flight deck, everyone hoped to beat the actual transit time through the Suez and the whole race was completed in a combined time of 10 hours, 21 minutes and 20 seconds. Leading Physical Trainer Danny Card expressed his delight as the Ship’s Company beat the actual time of the ship by over two hours with the average time for 2000 metres being an impressive 7 minutes and 40 seconds: He said: “I’m very proud, not just of the time, but of the significant dedication and commitment of all who took part.” As if that were not a tough enough challenge, the nine embarked Royal Marines decided to do the whole thing themselves - meaning each one tackling a full 18 kilometres. Captain William Hall Royal Marines – who also set the best time overall for 2000 metres of 6 minutes 43 seconds – said: “Having only been with the ship since we sailed in October, this challenge was a key part of the unit’s integration with the Ship’s Company.” Lieutenant Alison Hall Royal Navy, the ship’s Gunnery Officer achieved a highly commendable 7 minutes 41, and like many of the participants she has vowed to beat her own time during the return passage at the end of the deployment. On passing through the Suez Canal HMS Monmouth became the Royal Navy’s latest ship tasked with keeping merchant traffic safe in the Arabian Sea, the northern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

Wish it was time for dinner, dinner, dinner, dinner, dinner Batman...

Pictured: Even Batman (AB(UW) Perkin) flew onboard to help row the Suez! 29/11/2012 Taken by LA(Phot) Shread SHIP’S COMPANY RACE THEIR OWN SHIP THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL. The Ship’s Company of HMS Monmouth have taken up the traditional challenge of racing their own ship through the 162 kilometres of the Suez Canal. On 22 November 81 volunteers from the Type 23 frigate were challenged with rowing 2000 metres each. Setting their best times on rowing machines strapped to the flight deck, everyone hoped to beat the actual transit time through the Suez and the whole race was completed in a combined time of 10 hours, 21 minutes and 20 seconds. Leading Physical Trainer Danny Card expressed his delight as the Ship’s Company beat the actual time of the ship by over two hours with the average time for 2000 metres being an impressive 7 minutes and 40 seconds: He said: “I’m very proud, not just of the time, but of the significant dedication and commitment of all who took part.” As if that were not a tough enough challenge, the nine embarked Royal Marines decided to do the whole thing themselves - meaning each one tackling a full 18 kilometres. Captain William Hall Royal Marines – who also set the best time overall for 2000 metres of 6 minutes 43 seconds – said: “Having only been with the ship since we sailed in October, this challenge was a key part of the unit’s integration with the Ship’s Company.” Lieutenant Alison Hall Royal Navy, the ship’s Gunnery Officer achieved a highly commendable 7 minutes 41, and like many of the participants she has vowed to beat her own time during the return passage at the end of the deployment. On passing through the Suez Canal HMS Monmouth became the Royal Navy’s latest ship tasked with keeping merchant traffic safe in the Arabian Sea, the northern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

The leading physical training instructor puts a few members of HMS Monmouth's ships company through their paces with a boxing circuit on the flight deck whilst the ship transits the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. Pictured; ET Macilveny and AB(CIS) Bates. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

The leading physical training instructor puts a few members of HMS Monmouth's ships company through their paces with a boxing circuit on the flight deck whilst the ship transits the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. Pictured; RPO Peacock, LPT Card. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping.Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth’s Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects.

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

HMS Monmouth Boarding Team Fast Roping. Pictured here are members of HMS Monmouth's Royal Marine boarding team during a fast roping exercise from a MK8 Lynx of 815 squadron on to the flight deck of HMS Monmouth, The ship is currently transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. for further operations where the ship will be involved in boarding searches where all types of boarding must be drilled to make sure when the time comes the teams are ready in all respects. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

The leading physical training instructor puts a few members of HMS Monmouth's ships company through their paces with a boxing circuit on the flight deck whilst the ship transits the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. Pictured; RPO Peacock, LPT Card. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

A continuation shoot on board HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf for continued operations. Members of the Royal Marine and Royal Navy boardingteams keeping up to date with live firing of small arms from the flight deck of HMS Monmouth. Pictured here MNE White. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

A continuation shoot on board HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf for continued operations. Members of the Royal Marine and Royal Navy boardingteams keeping up to date with live firing of small arms from the flight deck of HMS Monmouth. Pictured here MNE White. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

A leading Chef next to the replica HMS Victory he built from chocolate for Trafalgar night on board HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf for continuing operations. The impressive ship took over 20 hours of preparation and is exact down to the last detail including the famous flag hoist (England expects that every man will do his duty) in this case he certainly has! Pictured here is Leading Chef Pete Vowels. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

Royal Naval Warship Training Ahead Of Patrol

The leading physical training instructor puts a few members of HMS Monmouth's ships company through their paces with a boxing circuit on the flight deck whilst the ship transits the Mediterranean on its way to the Gulf. Pictured; Capt RM Hall. Image taken by: LA(Phot) Ben Shread

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured Chaplain Allcock.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured is AB Warfare specialist Perkin member of the ships guard.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured is CO CDR Ruddock and Executive Officer LT CDR Kohn giving the general salute.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured is the Executive Warrant Officer Warrant officer Stoddard.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured here is LT Dixon guard commander with members of the ships guard.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured here is LT Dixon guard commander with members of the ships guard.Pictured is the Guard commander giving the order for the general salute.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.Pictured here is LT Dixon guard commander with members of the ships guard.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

HMS Monmouth Remembers

Remembrance Parade HMS MonmouthMembers of the ships company join in remembrance at a ceremony held onboard HMS Monmouth.

Monmouth awards

L2R LH James Oakley, CPO Chris Nutbean, PO Darryl Franke

HMS Monmouth Leaving HMNB Devonport

HMS Monmouth, aka "the Black Duke" as she sails from Devonport Dockyard, past the historic figurehead "King Billy", out into Plymouth Sound and onward to her deployment.

HMS Monmouth Leaving HMNB Devonport

HMS Monmouth, aka "the Black Duke" as she sails from Devonport Dockyard out into Plymouth Sound and onward to her deployment

HMS Monmouth Leaving HMNB Devonport

Family members watch as the ship sails towards the sun.

HMS Monmouth Prepares for Operations

HMS Monmouth Prepares for Operations

HMS Monmouth CO Cdr Dean Bassett hands command to Cdr Gordon Ruddock

HMS Monmnouth new CO Cdr Gordon Ruddock takes command

HMS Monmouth CO Cdr Dean Bassett farewell to ship's company

HMS Monmouth departing CO Cdr Dean Bassett farewell sail-past

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth (F235) came to the aid of the MV Caravos Horizon who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea

MANAMA - HMS MONMOUTH (F235), operating under the Combined Maritime Forces, came to the aid of the MV CARAVOS HORIZON who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea. The Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned MV CARAVOS HORIZON, a 63,000 ton bulk carrier, was on passage south through the Red Sea when boarded by six armed men. The 24 Filipino crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel (a secure room within the ship). MONMOUTH, known as the “Black Duke”, was patrolling 90 miles to the South when alerted to the situation. The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 Commander, Captain James Gilmour of the Royal New Zealand Navy tasked MONMOUTH to respond to the distress call and the warship immediately diverted, accelerating to top speed to intercept the vessel. MONMOUTH launched her Lynx helicopter from 60 miles away to assess the situation. A team of Royal Marine Commandos, backed up by a Royal Navy Boarding Team, embarked on MV CARAVOS HORIZON by helicopter and boats. They systematically worked their way through the vessel ensuring it was clear of intruders. As soon as it became clear that the attackers had fled, the boarding team freed the crew from their refuge and handed control of the vessel back to the Master.

HMS Monmouth (F235) came to the aid of the MV Caravos Horizon who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea

MANAMA - HMS MONMOUTH (F235), operating under the Combined Maritime Forces, came to the aid of the MV CARAVOS HORIZON who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea. The Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned MV CARAVOS HORIZON, a 63,000 ton bulk carrier, was on passage south through the Red Sea when boarded by six armed men. The 24 Filipino crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel (a secure room within the ship). MONMOUTH, known as the “Black Duke”, was patrolling 90 miles to the South when alerted to the situation. The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 Commander, Captain James Gilmour of the Royal New Zealand Navy tasked MONMOUTH to respond to the distress call and the warship immediately diverted, accelerating to top speed to intercept the vessel. MONMOUTH launched her Lynx helicopter from 60 miles away to assess the situation. A team of Royal Marine Commandos, backed up by a Royal Navy Boarding Team, embarked on MV CARAVOS HORIZON by helicopter and boats. They systematically worked their way through the vessel ensuring it was clear of intruders. As soon as it became clear that the attackers had fled, the boarding team freed the crew from their refuge and handed control of the vessel back to the Master.

HMS Monmouth (F235) came to the aid of the MV Caravos Horizon who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea

MANAMA - HMS MONMOUTH (F235), operating under the Combined Maritime Forces, came to the aid of the MV CARAVOS HORIZON who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea. The Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned MV CARAVOS HORIZON, a 63,000 ton bulk carrier, was on passage south through the Red Sea when boarded by six armed men. The 24 Filipino crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel (a secure room within the ship). MONMOUTH, known as the “Black Duke”, was patrolling 90 miles to the South when alerted to the situation. The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 Commander, Captain James Gilmour of the Royal New Zealand Navy tasked MONMOUTH to respond to the distress call and the warship immediately diverted, accelerating to top speed to intercept the vessel. MONMOUTH launched her Lynx helicopter from 60 miles away to assess the situation. A team of Royal Marine Commandos, backed up by a Royal Navy Boarding Team, embarked on MV CARAVOS HORIZON by helicopter and boats. They systematically worked their way through the vessel ensuring it was clear of intruders. As soon as it became clear that the attackers had fled, the boarding team freed the crew from their refuge and handed control of the vessel back to the Master.

HMS Monmouth (F235) came to the aid of the MV Caravos Horizon who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea

MANAMA - HMS MONMOUTH (F235), operating under the Combined Maritime Forces, came to the aid of the MV CARAVOS HORIZON who had come under attack in the Southern Red Sea. The Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned MV CARAVOS HORIZON, a 63,000 ton bulk carrier, was on passage south through the Red Sea when boarded by six armed men. The 24 Filipino crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel (a secure room within the ship). MONMOUTH, known as the “Black Duke”, was patrolling 90 miles to the South when alerted to the situation. The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 Commander, Captain James Gilmour of the Royal New Zealand Navy tasked MONMOUTH to respond to the distress call and the warship immediately diverted, accelerating to top speed to intercept the vessel. MONMOUTH launched her Lynx helicopter from 60 miles away to assess the situation. A team of Royal Marine Commandos, backed up by a Royal Navy Boarding Team, embarked on MV CARAVOS HORIZON by helicopter and boats. They systematically worked their way through the vessel ensuring it was clear of intruders. As soon as it became clear that the attackers had fled, the boarding team freed the crew from their refuge and handed control of the vessel back to the Master.

HMS Monmouth and two Kenyan Patrol Boats manoeuvre together

HMS Monmouth and two Kenyan Patrol Boats manoeuvre together

HMS Monmouth and two Kenyan Patrol Boats manoeuvre together

Cdre John Clink, head of Combined Task Force 150

Monmouth on Operations in the Middle East

HMS MONMOUTH Continues Support to Counter Piracy Royal Marines provide protection during Assurance visits to Local fishermen. HMS MONMOUTH continues to support Counter Piracy in the Red Sea by gathering vital information from Local fishermen while she actively searches for pirates. Images by LA(Phot) Stuart Hill/MOD - CROWN COPYRIGHT

Monmouth on Operations in the Middle East

HMS MONMOUTH Continues Support to Counter Piracy A Royal Navy Sailor keeps watch as the Boarding Officer gather vital information from the Local Fishermen. HMS MONMOUTH continues to support Counter Piracy in the Red Sea by gathering vital information from Local fishermen while she actively searches for pirates. Images by LA(Phot) Stuart Hill/MOD - CROWN COPYRIGHT

Monmouth on Operations in the Middle East

HMS MONMOUTH Continues Support to Counter PiracyHMS MONMOUTH continues to support Counter Piracy in the Red Sea by gathering vital information from Local fishermen while she actively searches for pirates. Images by LA(Phot) Stuart Hill/MOD - CROWN COPYRIGHT

Monmouth on Operations in the Middle East

HMS MONMOUTH Continues Support to Counter PiracyHMS MONMOUTH continues to support Counter Piracy in the Red Sea by gathering vital information from Local fishermen while she actively searches for pirates. Images by LA(Phot) Stuart Hill/MOD - CROWN COPYRIGHT

HMS Somerset as she prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS Monmouth.

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured is HMS SOMERSET as she Prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

HMS Somerset's seaboats as she prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS Monmouth.

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured is one of HMS SOMERSET's seaboats as she Prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

HMS Monmouth's Commanding Officer and HMS Somerset's Commanding Officer together on HMS Monmouth as they conduct there handover.

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured is HMS MONMOUTH's Commading Officer and HMS SOMERSET's Commanding Officer together on HMS MONMOUTH as they conduct there hand over. HMS SOMERSET prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

CPO(AWW) "Jan" Cocking as he lines up members of HMS Monmouth's Ships Company for the handover sail past with HMS Somerset

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured is CPO(AWW) "Jan" Cocking as he lines up members of HMS MONMOUTH's Ships Company for the handover sail past with HMS SOMERSET. HMS SOMERSET as she Prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

HMS Monmouth Conducts Handover.

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured is HMS SOMERSET as she Prepares to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

HMS Monmouth's Ships Company lining the upper deck as HMS Somerset sails past, as part of her handover.

HMS MONMOUTH Conducts HandoverPictured are members of HMS MONMOUTH's Ships Company lining the upper deck as HMS SOMERSET sails past, as part of her handover. HMS SOMERSET to take over Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Operations from HMS MONMOUTH. The handover took place in Jordan, using boat MONMOUTHS & SOMERSETS sea boat to cross deck personnel.

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth returns home to Plymouth in October 2011

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth Deploys The Type 23 frigate HMS Monmouth sailed from Devonport Naval Base this week for a seven-month deployment to the Gulf on maritime security and counter-terrorism operations. Image shows HMS Monmouth, aka "the Black Duke" as she sails from Devonport Dockyard out into Plymouth Sound and onward to her deployment.

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

HMS Monmouth

mk 8 Lynxof 815 squadron conducting secondary roles flying serials with HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Medditerranean on it's way the Gulf as part of OP Kipion

Flying serials secondary role pictured here a mk 8 Lynxof 815 squadron conducting secondary roles flying serials with HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Medditerranean on it's way the Gulf as part of OP Kipion. The exercise included winching injured casualties from the flight deck.

HMS Monmouth arriving alongside Souda Bay

HMS Monmouth arriving alongside Souda Bay. HMS Monmouth arriving alongside in Souda Bay for a port visit. Pictured: Ab Thompson and the other part of ship hands wait to bring a tug alongside.

MK8 Lynx from 815 Squadron conducting a day to night flying exercise with HMS Monmouth whilst they are transiting the Mediterranean sea to the Gulf to carry on further operations

HMS Monmouth and HMS Diamond

Black Duke Takes the Reigns. HMS Monmouth menacingly nicknamed the Black Duke has officially taken over the reigns from HMS Diamond as the patrol vessel in the Gulf. After sailing from Devonport a month ago the Black Duke has arrived in the Gulf after transiting the Suez Canal and the strait of Bab el-Mandab which is a key chokepoint between the horn of Africa and the Middle East, and a strategic link between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. It is located between Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, and connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Three to four billion barrels of oil per day are shipped through the strait , making it a vital waterway for the global economy. HMS Monmouth is joined in Gulf with the type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland who recently took over duties from the fighting Clan HMS Sutherland. Whilst in the Gulf The Black Duke will be part of Combined Maritime Forces ensuring the safety of the international transit corridor in the Middle East. During her time on patrol in the region HMS Monmouth will be expected to conduct boarding operations on suspect vessels, to build relations with local mariners and monitor pattern of life in the area. Whilst deployed she will also be carrying out security patrols and exercises with coalition forces in the region to strengthen inter force relations and operability.

HMS Monmouth

Black Duke Takes the Reigns. HMS Monmouth menacingly nicknamed the Black Duke has officially taken over the reigns from HMS Diamond as the patrol vessel in the Gulf. After sailing from Devonport a month ago the Black Duke has arrived in the Gulf after transiting the Suez Canal and the strait of Bab el-Mandab which is a key chokepoint between the horn of Africa and the Middle East, and a strategic link between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. It is located between Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, and connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Three to four billion barrels of oil per day are shipped through the strait , making it a vital waterway for the global economy. HMS Monmouth is joined in Gulf with the type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland who recently took over duties from the fighting Clan HMS Sutherland. Whilst in the Gulf The Black Duke will be part of Combined Maritime Forces ensuring the safety of the international transit corridor in the Middle East. During her time on patrol in the region HMS Monmouth will be expected to conduct boarding operations on suspect vessels, to build relations with local mariners and monitor pattern of life in the area. Whilst deployed she will also be carrying out security patrols and exercises with coalition forces in the region to strengthen inter force relations and operability.

Movember - From left to right Po (Logs) McHugh, PO (We) Squeaky Colleen, Ab(EW) Andy Parnell, LT (NO)Ed Phillips, AB(Logs) Paul Pope

Movember entrants. *** Local Caption *** From left to right Po (Logs) McHugh, PO (We) Squeaky Colleen, Ab(EW) Andy Parnell, LT (NO)Ed Phillips, AB(Logs) Paul Pope.

HMS Diamond hands over to HMS Monmouth

HMS Diamond hands over to HMS Monmouth After 6 months of Operational Duties in the Middle East, HMS Diamond today handed over to her relieve HMS Monmouth.

HMS Diamond hands over to HMS Monmouth

HMS Diamond hands over to HMS Monmouth After 6 months of Operational Duties in the Middle East, HMS Diamond today handed over to her relieve HMS Monmouth.

mk 8 Lynxof 815 squadron conducting secondary roles flying serials with HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Medditerranean on it's way the Gulf as part of OP Kipion. The exercise included winching injured casualties from the flight deck.

Flying serials secondary role pictured here a mk 8 Lynxof 815 squadron conducting secondary roles flying serials with HMS Monmouth whilst transiting the Medditerranean on it's way the Gulf as part of OP Kipion. The exercise included winching injured casualties from the flight deck.