Northumberland Departs For 6 Month Mission
On a distinctly grey morning (classic British summer’s day), with the ship’s company lining the decks, HMS Northumberland today left port for a 6 month mission which will see us carry out Maritime Security duties in the Middle East as well as carrying out patrols in the South Atlantic. The departure was given a true ‘Northumberland’ feel with the distinctive sound of the Northumberland pipes as a lone piper from the Morpeth Pipe Band played on the bridge roof. For many crew members, and their families, this will be their first long deployment and there was the normal mix of emotion - sadness at leaving but excitement at what promises to be an interesting 6 months away from the UK. As family members waved us goodbye from the traditional locations of Devil’s Point and Plymouth Hoe (see photos), the ship slipped slowly out into a gloomy, but nonetheless calm sea.
The ship’s many missions will involve us operating around the horn of Africa and the Gulf of Oman, with other coalition vessels, to carrying out vital security patrols to deter the increasing problem of piracy in that area, illegal activity such as people and drug trafficking, as well as the ever present threat from international terrorism. At other times in the deployment, the ship will be supporting the UK presence in the South Atlantic, around the Falkland Islands and other UK dependencies.
The ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Martin Simpson, stated “HMS Northumberland will today leave to carry out essential duties across a wide area of the world. With over 90% of the world’s trade being transported by sea, the issue of Maritime Security remains of vital interest to all nations. The Royal Navy has operated in these areas for decades and our role in providing a safe passage to all legal vessels, and deterring those that aren’t, remains as important and relevant today as it was 100 years ago. With over 6 months away from home, I and my crew will of course miss the loved ones we leave behind, but we also know that we are leaving to fulfil duties that are important to the UK and all countries who use the seas.”
In total, the ship will sail through 3 oceans (Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific), pass through the Suez and Panama canals, as well as rounding both Cape Hope and Cape Horn. An impressive journey, even by today’s standards. You will be able to follow the ship’s progress as we complete each task and visit, but that’s for the future…
More pictures in the Photo Gallery