HMS Gloucester returns home for Christmas

The ship's deployment in support of the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands saw Gloucester ('the Fighting G') act as the lead Naval presence in the South Atlantic, supported by both HMS Clyde and RFA Gold Rover.

Whilst deployed 'the Fighting G' undertook Maritime Security Operations, which included the search for drug smugglers off the west coast of Africa following the signing onboard of a new agreement between the UK and Cape Verde; the search for wreckage and potential survivors following the tragic loss of a trans-Atlantic airliner; numerous military exercises with elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force based in the Falklands; and a very successful visit to South Georgia, one of the UK's remotest dependant territories.

Other highlights include rounding Cape Horn and transiting the Patagonian canals. Additionally the ship's company were also put through their paces by FOST (Flag Officer Sea Training) during a mid-deployment operational assurance visit.

Each port visit also allowed for the ship's company to engage in charitable work, whether that was cleaning British war graves, painting local schools, or conducting building works for underprivileged children in the slums that are an unfortunate fact of life in some parts of the world.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Gloucester, Commander Iain Lower, who hands over his command to Commander D George in January 2010 said:

"This has been a very successful deployment. Our achievements reflect the effort put in by the ship's company in preparing for this deployment.

"HMS Gloucester's mission in the South Atlantic was to defend the British South Atlantic Territories, deter aggression and ultimately defeat any opposing force if required.

"We have also assisted in supporting the Government's wider diplomatic efforts in Cape Verde, Brazil and Chile. It was a mission that we achieved in style.

"I would like to thank my ship's company for all their hard work and also our families and friends who have supported us whilst we have been away. I think that I speak for all onboard when I say that we are looking forward to being at home with our loved ones for Christmas."

Reflecting on the deployment, Logistics Officer, Lieutenant Commander Douggie Ward said:

"This deployment has raised some interesting statistics.

"During this deployment we have travelled over 20,000 miles [32,187km]; sailed on three out of five oceans - the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Ocean; and visited Europe, Africa, South America and Antarctica.

"We have received over 1,000 spare parts (from light bulbs to helicopter spares) and spent nearly half a million pounds in Sterling and foreign currency.

"Our Chefs have cooked over 150,000 individual meals, the ship's company have munched their way through over 35,000 eggs, 24,000 kg of potatoes and 2,000 kg sausages and my shopping bill for all this food came to a grand total of £137,647.95."

HMS Gloucester handed over to HMS York at sea on 11 December 2009, who is now on her way to the South Atlantic.

HMS Gloucester's ship's company will now enjoy some well earned leave, before hitting the deck running in the New Year in preparation for Gloucester's next deployment in the early autumn of 2010.

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