Abu Dhabi:
Mark Hammon, commanding officer, HMS Shoreham, told the Gulf News that there are four mine hunter vessels and two frigates to ensure stability and security in the region.
This follows Philip Dunne, UK minister of defence, equipment and technology’s statement at Idex that British troops and strike aircraft will be based in the Gulf as part of the redeployment of UK armed forces within a couple of years after pulling out from Afghanistan,
“We are here to ensure security and stability in the Gulf region and since our existence as Royal Navy in the Gulf since 1980, we have worked on attaining peace,” said Commander Hammon.
“The Royal Navy bolsters UK ties with other countries and develops bilateral relations, particularly with Gulf countries. We have very good cooperation with the UAE to ensure maritime security.
The task of these vessels is to hone Royal Navy’s capabilities to find mines in seas and to strengthen its ties with regional navies and patrolling the Gulf, and to ensure these waters are safe and secure for all mariners as this region is quite vital.
The vessels are HMS Ramsey, HMS Shoreham, HMS Atherstone and HMS Quorn, which are all hunt class ships, said Comander Hammon, adding that the vessels stay in the region for three to five years before being rotated.
Commander Hammon said that the UK navy force in the Gulf comprise up to 1,200 personnel who work on enhancing military cooperation with UK’s partners in the region.
