HMS Albion, Flagship of the Royal Navy, visited Valetta, Malta, between 25 and 27 July 2011 for a short operational stand down following a period East of Suez. The 18,500 tonne assault ship has had a busy few months undertaking amphibious exercises in the Mediterranean in May, supporting NATO maritime operations off Libya in June and, most recently, strengthening the UK’s relationships in the Middle East.

HMS Albion is the lead ship of the Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group, a maritime quick reaction force designed to provide a range of capabilities at short notice in response to unforeseen events. These tasks could include evacuating civilians from trouble spots, providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, and undertaking amphibious operations.