Six months of patrolling east of Suez are up for HMS Westminster which has handed over duties to her sister Somerset.
The frigate is now homeward bound for Portsmouth after keeping the sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and, latterly, the Gulf, safe since last autumn.
A weather-worn Westminster (right) berthed alongside Somerset in Fujairah. Pictures: LA(Phot) Dan Rosenbaum, HMS Westminster
HOMEWARD bound after six months keeping piracy and other criminal activity under the knout in the Middle East is HMS Westminster after she handed over duties in the region to HMS Somerset.
The Portsmouth-based frigate formally transferred responsibility for Operation Kipion – codename for the UK’s security mission east of Suez – to her sister in the port of Fujairah.
The brief stop in the emirate allowed Westminster to transfer essential stores and for her ship’s company to pass on vital information and experience to HMS Somerset to allow her to take up the fight against piracy, narcotics smuggling, and terrorism on the high seas where the ‘capital ship’ left off.
“This deployment has been a huge success in every task we’ve undertaken throughout the region – from keeping the sea lanes safe, to etching smiles on the faces of schoolchildren in Tanzania, my ship's company can be extremely proud of what they have achieved,” said Capt Hugh Beard, Westminster’s Commanding Officer.
“Although the ship now leaves the Indian Ocean and the Gulf region, we will continue to provide a commitment to the UK and global, allies providing a security presence whilst continuing home on our return leg.”
CPO(AWW) Jonty Sutton salutes as HMS Westminster passes HMS Somerset for the handover of Kipion duties
Before sailing into Fujairah, Westminster completed the last of 16 replenishments at sea – taking on board supplies – which have sustained her operations in the region since last autumn.
The frigate has relied on British support vessels RFA Fort Austin and Fort Victoria and the American counterpart to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the US Naval Service, and its ships USNS Arctic, Pecos and Alan Shepard, to provide vital stores and fuel.
With the handover complete, thoughts aboard Westminster have turned to what’s been accomplished since arriving in theatre.
“During this deployment we have had many challenges thrown at the marine engineering department, but thanks to our steely determination and can-do attitude, we haven’t missed a day on task,” said Petty Officer Jason Yates.
“Being my last deployment in the Royal Navy, I am very proud to have served in HMS Westminster alongside some great people at the same time.”
Young members of the frigate’s crew have also been impressed by the team effort, such as 19-year-old communications specialist Able Seaman Nancy McGowan, who’s on her very first deployment.
“Although I have only been on board for a short period of time, it is staggering the amount of hard work the ship’s company have put in to be where they are now,” she said.
“The new way of life for me on board, having joined straight from basic training, was a shock to the system, but equally the short time I have had on board in terms of putting my training to good use and meeting new friends has been second to none.”
Westminster is due back in Portsmouth at the end of February, whereas Somerset will be on patrol east of Suez until the summer.
“I am tremendously impressed with what HMS Westminster and her crew have achieved throughout their time in the Middle East and I hope we can continue and build upon the excellent work they have done,” said Cdr Mike Smith, HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer.
“I wish them fair winds and following seas for their return to Portsmouth to be reunited with their loved ones at the end of the month.”
