During their tour the Ships participated in several multi-national exercises and undertook a number of high profile visits, including the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition, showcasing the Royal Navy’s cutting edge mine countermeasures capability and engaging with international partners in the region.
Based in Bahrain the Royal Navy maintains four mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) in the Gulf as part of the UK Mine Counter Measures Force. This Expeditionary capability provides a permanent Maritime Security presence in the region, and allows the crews to progress a warm water Mine Countermeasure capability which was used to good effect during Operations off Libya.
For logistical reasons MCMV’s are based in the Gulf for up to three years while their crews are rotated on a six – eight month basis, ensuring the lessons learnt are shared across the mine warfare cadre.
Crew 4’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Simon Rogers , said:
“The last seven months have been both challenging and rewarding for the crew, it has given us the chance to hone our unique skills in the often difficult environment of the Gulf” . Crew 4 will now spend some time with their families before returning to HMS Brocklesby and undertaking Maritime Security duties in UK waters.
Crew 6’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Paul Ottewell stated:
“I am really proud of the contribution my crew has made to the Royal Navy’s presence in the Middle East, we have been engaged in a number of rewarding initiatives which have contributed to protecting the UK’s interests in the region.”
Both crews will now undertake a well earned period of leave prior to re-commencing their duties back home.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: Royal Navy