Royal Navy type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has achieved another milestone in her navigational history by maneuvering her way thorough the the Panama Canal for the first time.
Bound for maritime security patrols in the Caribbean, with this passage HMS Richmond joined numerous other Royal Navy warships to cross the canal.
“Despite being Richmond’s first transit through the Panama Canal, it is a well trodden route by Royal Navy Warships. Nonetheless, as a Navigator it was certainly one of my highlights of this deployment,“ said HMS Richmond’s Navigator, Lieutenant Chris Daly.
The Panama Canal is celebrating its centenary in 2014 and recently had the passage of its 1 millionth vessel.
Previously, HMS Richmond visited the port of Balboa, Panama for replenishment on her way back from a seven month deployment to Atlantic Patrol Tasking (South) via the Pacific Ocean.
The Portsmouth based warship sailed on August 5, 2013 for a routine seven-month Atlantic Patrol Tasking, which saw Richmond undertake maritime security operations, including counter narcotics and anti piracy patrols, as well as partnering up with a number of other navies to further strengthen mutual ties.
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Naval Today Staff, January 27, 2014; Image: Royal Navy