HMS Atherstone

Royal Navy sharing expertise with US Navy

HMS Brocklesby, one of the Royal Navy’s Mine Counter-Measures Vessels, has destroyed a mine laid by pro-Qadhafi forces in the port of Mistrata on the Libyan coast. Image shows a mine tethered to the inflatable boat that was sunk to act as a “quick set” mooring for the mine. HMS Brocklesby is the fifth of the Royal Navy's eleven Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMVs) and is a member of the Second Mine Countermeasures Squadron based at Portsmouth. HMS Brocklesby’s primary role is mine-hunting. Her hull and most of the superstructure are constructed from GRP that is both non-magnetic and strong enough to withstand the explosive shocks likely to be encountered in a mine environment. The ship's noise signature has also been reduced to a minimum by tuning and matching all the main machinery and by taking great care with all resilient mountings.

Royal Navy sharing expertise with US Navy

Royal Navy sharing expertise with US Navy

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.

HMS Middleton meets up with HMS Monmouth off Kuwait in 2009

Thank You Kuwait' festival. HMS Monmouth, in company with HMS Chiddingfold, HMS Atherstone, RFA Lyme Bay and Kuwaiti defence forces, delivered a Maritime Security and Capability Demonstration. This involved number evolutions including Fast Roping, Formation Manoeuvring, and Apache and F18 fly-bys. 'Thank You Kuwait' Festival was in celebration of the strong bi-lateral relationship between the UK/US and the State of Kuwait. Kuwait has been crucial as a rear operating base for operations in the region for the last 15 years. This support reached its pinnacle during the recent Iraq campaign. This event also honours the joint Maritime Operations within the region, particularly in curbing International Terrorist Organisations and combating maritime crime.

One of HMS Atherstone's divers returns to the surface of the Gulf

Images taken on HMS ATHERSTONE while she conducted EX Shamal in The Gulf from the 17-19 November 2009. HMS Atherstone is a Hunt class Mine Counter Measure Vessel that has been based in the Arabian Gulf for the last 3 years. The ship is manned by Crews who are traditionally based in the slightly cooler climes of Portsmouth, and who deploy on a rotational basis, normally for stints of 6 months each. Each of the Crews is part of the wider command of the 2nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron, currently headed by Commander John Craig. Please Credit LA (Phot) Stuart Hill / MOD

HMS Shoreham leads American minehunters USS Dextrous and Sentry through the Strait of Hormuz with HMS Diamond providing escort. Picture: PO(MTO) Chris Weissenborn, RNZN

Navy, IMCMEX 12, International Mine Counter Measures Exercise, Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Dive Team in the Gulf, Transitting through the Straits of Hurmuz Militaries from more than 27 nations spanning four continents will came together September 16-27, 2012 and participated in a defensive exercise to preserve freedom of navigation in the international waterways.

HMS Shoreham silhouetted against the Gulf sky with RFA Cardigan Bay in the distance

HMS Shoreham passes through the hot morning sun with RFA Cardigan Bay in the background. Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary units are participating in the International Mine Counter Measures Exercise (IMCMEX) 2012. As one of over 30 nations participating in this exercise the RN uses this as one of many training opportunities that take place in the region to exchange best practice and improve interoperability with other countries.

The dark outline of HMS Pembroke silhouetted against the Dubai skyline in January 2010

HMS Pembroke prepares for an early alongside visit to Dubai for New Year. Here Pembroke can be seen with the skyline of Dubai.

HMS Pembroke arriving in Dubai

HMS Pembroke prepares for an early alongside visit to Dubai for New Year. Here Pembroke can be seen with the skyline of Dubai.

Dive team with the 'bomb'. (L-r) PO(D) ‘Daz’ Carvell, AB(D)s Long and Barham and XO Lt Pete Davis

Plume with a view

The bang (in the middle...) with Cardigan Bay (l) and Atherstone (r)

Atherstone silhouetted against the Gulf sky

Iron men help charity

The crew onboard HMS Atherstone and their American counterparts on USS Gladiator have undertaken a charity Iron Man 70.3 event in Bahrain to raise money for charity.

Iron men help charity

The crew onboard HMS Atherstone and their American counterparts on USS Gladiator have undertaken a charity Iron Man 70.3 event in Bahrain to raise money for charity.

Crown Prince Of Bahrain Visits HMS Atherstone In The Middle East

Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa being piped ashore after his visit to HMS Atherstone

Crown Prince Of Bahrain Visits HMS Atherstone In The Middle East

Crown Prince Salam Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa being shown the Operations room on-board HMS Atherstone by Lt Cdr Justin Hains RN.

Crown Prince Of Bahrain Visits HMS Atherstone In The Middle East

His Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain signs the HMS Atherston Visitors book watched by Lt Cdr Justin Hains RN Commanding Officer HMS Atherstone.

Crown Prince Of Bahrain Visits HMS Atherstone In The Middle East

His Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain is greeted by Lt Cdr Justin Hains RN Commanding Officer HMS Atherstone.

HMS Atherstone ironman team

Bird of Prey on HMS Atherstone’s Port Mk44 Minigun.

Lt Cdr Hains (CO HMS ATHERSTONE) receives a Ship’s Plaque from Lt Cdr Toyota (JS URAGA)

MCM2 Crew 6 (HMS Atherstone) win the First Annual IMCMEX Sports Trophy

HMS Atherstone leads HMS Shoreham and HMS Diamond

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

HMS Atherstone from the Round Tower. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton.

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Jessica Brook (fiancee), Verity Beale, Jill Beale, Kevin Beale, Mark Beale, Family and Fiancee seeing off Able Seaman Joshua Beale. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton.

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Pictured is Helen Wise, Jessica Chambers, Ethan Chambers and Jane Chambers, Family seeeing off Chief Petty Officer Gary Chambers. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Atherstone sets sail for a three year deployment to the Gulf. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Atherstone sets sail for a three year deployment to the Gulf. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Atherstone sets sail for a three year deployment to the Gulf. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton

Athertson sets sail for a 3 year deployment.

Pictured is Carl Mullens, Paula Mullens and Marcus Mullens, Family seeing off Able Seaman Diver Daniel Mullens. Image taken by LA(PHOT) Ben Sutton

Atherstone

Pictured: HMS ATHERSTONE and behind HMS BLYTH.Focused Operation Ardent Remedy 'Operation Tecate' taking place in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway. 13/04/08Released by PRO Lt Ashwood RN CMF Bahrain

Atherstone Gunner

Pictured: Force Protection onboard HMS CHIDDINGFOLD with HMS ATHERSTONE in the distance.Focused Operation Ardent Remedy 'Operation Tecate' taking place in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway. 13/04/08Released by PRO Lt Ashwood RN CMF Bahrain

HMS Atherstone

Hunt Class

HMS Atherstone

HMS Atherstone