Portsmouth-based warship HMS Iron Duke bade a loud farewell to her affiliated island of Jersey as she officially began her six-month operational deployment of the South Atlantic.
The Type 23 frigate fired a 15-gun salute to the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey His Excellency General Sir John Chalmers McColl as she sailed to meet her commitments.
HMS Iron Duke will work to promote the nation’s capabilities abroad, and will collaborate with partner nations to develop their armed forces training to defend their own waters.
She may be called upon to lend assistance for humanitarian disasters or tackle piracy on the high seas.
Taking the salute during the 15-gun salute, Sir John Chalmers said in his address to the ship: “HMS Iron Duke was a magnificent sight off La Corbiere as I stood taking the salute flanked by the Bailiff and the Chief Minister.
“I know that the people of Jersey will want me to pass on our very best wishes to; the Captain, and ship’s company, for a successful deployment.
“The next six months will take you through the Northern hemisphere, and the Southern hemisphere, experiencing all seasons and extremes of climate.
“As the Royal Navy has done over the centuries, you will project British presence across the globe, protecting British interests. You will also develop partner nations ability to police their own waters, and stand ready for any contingencies.
“The unexpected may include counter-piracy operations, humanitarian relief, and reaction to hostile forces, and anything else that may arise in this unstable world.”
[mappress] Press Release, June 24, 2014; Image: UK Navy