IN PICTURES: HMS Gloucester in the South Atlantic
19 Nov 09
Sailors on board HMS Gloucester were given the royal seal of approval by curious wildlife as they approached South Georgia as part of their ongoing mission.
The snow-covered upper deck of HMS Gloucester as she sails to South Georgia
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The Portsmouth-based Type 42 destroyer sailed past wary groups of King penguins and sleepy elephant seals while providing a military presence and reassurance for people who live and work on the British Forces South Atlantic Islands.
Click here to see more pictures from the journey
While in South Georgia the ship's company will be helping scientists assessing glacial retreat and environmental changes and will assist in planning military exercises with the Government of South Georgia.
Another key part of their mission is to form part of the island's Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal team which is made up of personnel from all three Services and is based at Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
This specialist team locates and safely detonates hundreds of devices such as mines and bullets which were left over from the 1982 Falklands conflict, creating several no-go areas for residents.
Two fur seals relax on the beach at Grytviken, South Georgia
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
So far the team has disposed of 15 devices in South Georgia, with HMS Gloucester's Medical Assistant, Tom Powlesland, providing first aid cover.
Commander Iain Lower, Commanding Officer of HMS Gloucester, said:
"Along with conducting a deterrence patrol to counter any would-be illegal fishing vessels, we have been able to enhance the search and rescue capability of the Government of South Georgia, whilst also sending out a very clear statement of the British Government's intent in the region.
"Additionally, this patrol has been a unique opportunity for my ship's company, many of which are on their first deployment with the Royal Navy, to experience the stunning and unique scenery of our most remote British overseas dependent territory."
The ship's visit to the snow-covered islands comes a month before she is due to head back home to Portsmouth following a seven-month deployment.