Portland joins US warship to prepare for pirates

The crew of the frigate rendezvoused with coalition partners aboard the US Navy destroyer USS Mahan to share their knowledge and expertise and practise vital 'board and search' exercises using each other's vessels.

Being able to share their experiences with a coalition partner was very welcome, as boardings are a core tool for ships' commanders to employ when conducting all manner of maritime security operations. It's considered essential that the highly trained teams continue to adapt and develop their techniques in preparation for any unexpected challenge they may find themselves encountering.

The exercises gave an opportunity for the Royal Naval boarding teams to 'fast rope' from HMS Portland's Lynx onto the foc'sle of USS Mahan, whilst simultaneously embarking by rigid inflatable boats, and to 'secure' the bridge of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer. The US boarding teams then responded in kind by 'boarding and securing' HMS Portland in readiness for a search.

Lieutenant Francis Griffiths, HMS Portland's Boarding Officer, said:

"It is essential to practise our boarding techniques as often as possible and against a variety of vessels. We have to remain current if we are to be ready to respond, at a moment's notice, to any type of mission.

"Observing how our coalition partners conduct their business was a vital part of today's exercise. Every boarding is different and understanding each other's capabilities helps us to improve our own skills.

"Working with the USS Mahan's well-trained team as part of the coalition's efforts to counter piracy in the region is a huge bonus and I hope to be able to train with other coalition partners in the coming months."

HMS Portland and USS Mahan are currently contributing to the newly formed Combined Maritime Forces counter-piracy task force, CTF (Combined Task Force) 151, patrolling the busy sea lanes between Yemen and Somalia conducting counter-piracy operations in their shared goal to create and maintain a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment.

HMS Portland was launched at the shipyard of the then Marconi Marine at Scotstown on the Clyde on 15 May 1999 by Lady Heather Brigstocke and was accepted into service by the Royal Navy on 15 December 2000 before being commissioned on 3 May the following year.

The penultimate in a class of fifteen ships, she achieved a top speed of 30.8 knots during contractor's sea trials in the summer of 2000 and claims this as a record across the entire class.