HMS Trent joins NATO on operations in the Med

HMS Trent has been busy supporting NATO as she continues operations in the Mediterranean.

Following her first foreign port visit to Gibraltar, the Offshore Patrol Vessel sailed to join Operation Sea Guardian tasked with deterring, detecting and disrupting illegal activity.

For the ship’s company, this involved scanning the horizon for suspicious vessels and reporting anything untoward to NATO for further investigations.

Part of their role is also to provide reassurance to those sailing the Med and how they can support the reporting of suspect activity.

Lieutenant Oliver Bekier, HMS Trent's Executive Officer currently in command of the ship, said: “The immediate success seen during our first period of operational tasking, and the way in which Trent has quickly integrated within the broader NATO construct, demonstrates the utility of the Batch 2 OPV in serving Britain’s interests in this area of the world.”

Trent is one of several NATO units supporting Operation Sea Guardian and while at sea she has worked alongside several maritime patrol aircraft, including one from Spain which conducted a low fly past of the ship to mark the end of their patrol together.

The tasking gave sailors on board the chance to train for any eventuality, continuing on from crucial training they did last month in preparation for the op.

During this time, 17 Officer Cadets from the Royal Naval Reserve’s fast-track officer scheme got to grips with their first time on board a ship as part of their Initial Sea Time.

On completion of the successful patrol, Portsmouth-based Trent returned to Gibraltar to re-stock and recharge ahead of her next tasking.

Their first port visit to the Rock saw the ship hosted His Excellency The Governor of Gibraltar and former Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, along with Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Steve Dainton. This visit aimed to showcase the capabilities the Batch 2 OPVs can bring to the region.