HMS Sutherland arrives home following Gulf deployment
21 Jun 07
HMS Sutherland returned to her home port of Plymouth yesterday, Wednesday 20 June 2007, following a nine-month deployment to the Gulf.
HMS Sutherland returns to Plymouth
[Picture: LA (Phot) Emily Chambers]
The ship deployed in September 2006 to act as the United Kingdom's naval unit in the Arabian Gulf helping to protect the Iraqi oil platforms.
In addition to these duties the ship also took part in two multi-national maritime exercises with the Royal Navy of Oman and the Pakistan Navy in Karachi which included a Fleet review by President Musharraf.
The frigate's busy deployment saw her working alongside several other nations, including several days with the French aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle conducting flying operations in support of British and coalition troops in Afghanistan, as well as deterring piracy and smuggling in the Middle East region.
After nine months apart, Chef McFetridge proposes to his girlfriend on the jetty, watched by his sister and mother
[Picture: LA (Phot) Emily Chambers]
One incident that highlights the work carried out in the region saw the ship investigating a fishing dhow that had strayed into restricted waters and was not answering calls, only to discover the crew had been drifting for seven days with engine problems, little food, no water and had been unable to catch fish. HMS Sutherland was able to offer assistance.
Speaking about Sutherland's the deployment her Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Romney said:
"HMS Sutherland has worked hard and made a very valuable contribution to the coalition effort in the Gulf region aimed at maintaining a stable peaceful environment.
"We have been involved in a wide range of activities from operational tasks in the Northern Arabian Gulf, through engagement with local authorities to the hosting of a royal visit. The ship's company have performed to the highest standards and thoroughly enjoyed what has been a challenging deployment."
Friends and families welcome their loved ones home
[Picture: LA (Phot) Emily Chambers]
The ship was also proud to host His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to Bahrain. His Highness, the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa accompanied the Royal couple during their visit.
During her time in the Gulf HMS Sutherland, along with other ships, played a key part in a manning trial conducted by the Navy. The manning trial, Sea Swap, examined ways of maximising the time ships spend on deployment.
In Sutherland's case the ship's deployment was extended from six to nine months and senior rate and officers from other ships were sent to HMS Sutherland for three to four weeks to allow the ship's own personnel a short break at home.