Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon got underway from her Portsmouth homeport on September 17 after a short, unspecified, delay.
Dragon is now headed for the Persian Gulf where it is expected to spend several months an operational deployment.
The destroyer is scheduled to work alongside coalition and regional partners throughout her time away. She will be focused on providing regional maritime security, including counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling activities.
“Today’s departure on operations has been achieved through the hard work and support of my ship’s company, their families and the wider defence enterprise in ensuring that we are materially and mentally ready to meet any of the challenges that we may face over the coming months,” Commander Michael Carter-Quinn, commanding officer of HMS Dragon, said.
“We look forward to the opportunities that will present themselves over this deployment to promote the United Kingdom’s commitment to regional security, working with partner nation navies to maintain and develop relationships and common capabilities.”
In preparation for the deployment, the crew has undergone extensive training, culminating in a 7-week Operational Sea Training (OST) package.