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HMS Middleton opens ship to visitors during Abu Dhabi event
27 February 2025
Minehunter HMS Middleton showed off its specialist kit and systems for clearing mines during a visit to Abu Dhabi.
The Royal Navy Hunt-class mine countermeasure vessel visited the Gulf city for the bi-annual International Defence Exhibition and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition.
Both events gave the ship’s company the chance to share the important role Middleton plays while deployed to the Middle East and how the UK contributes to the region’s security and stability.
The events, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, brings together 65 countries and more than 100,000 visitors to display the latest technologies.
And among them, Middleton opened her gangway to visitors as well as esteemed guests – giving guided tours of the ship’s key capabilities including clearance diving equipment, the Seafox mine disposal system and her kit for tackling emergencies like floods and fires.
Some members of the ship’s company were hosted for an evening reception at Ambassador Edward Hobart’s residence with ET (ME) Charlie ‘Mel’ Brooks saying: “It was a brilliant evening. One of those really rare, special moments the Royal Navy can give you.”
HMS Middleton also did their fair share of formal hosting with a reception onboard, with her chefs enjoying the opportunity to display their culinary talents.
I am incredibly proud of my ship’s company for their efforts in supporting a successful event here in Abu Dhabi.
The ship’s attendance to the International Defence Exhibition and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition supported the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade and also gave her sailors the chance to engage with UK defence representatives and strengthen relationships with key partners and allies in the Gulf region.
They were able to walk around the exhibition spaces and browse the technology and stands, meeting the companies behind them.
But it was not all work with sailors also able to see Abu Dhabi’s sights including the Formula 1 track at Yas Marina (with some cycling around the circuit), the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World.
Lieutenant Commander Tom Loxton, Middleton’s commanding officer, said: “I am incredibly proud of my ship’s company for their efforts in supporting a successful event here in Abu Dhabi.
“The visit comes at the end of Crew 6’s last four-month deployment to the region in HMS Middleton and I couldn’t think of a better way to end.”
HMS Middleton is deployed on Operation Kipion and is permanently based at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain. Her 48-strong ship’s company are experts in mine warfare and using her sonar, SeaFox, and clearance diving team she us able to find, identify and neutralise mines.
After being relieved by Crew 8, Crew 6 will return to the UK for a period of post-deployment leave.