The Royal Navy minehunter HMS Middleton will call into Gibraltar this weekend to use the Forward Mounting Base facilities before continuing on deployment to the Gulf.

HMS Middleton sailed from her home in Portsmouth on Monday for a three-year deployment to the Gulf where she will protect vital sea lanes and provide wider maritime security to the region.

Although she will be based in Bahrain for three years, the 45 ships company will rotate every six months.

The current crew took charge of the Hunt-class vessel at the beginning of 2015.  Since joining they have put the ship though intensive operational sea training in preparation for deployment, taken part in Exercise Joint Warrior and made visits to London and various ports around Scotland.

Her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Maryla Ingham, said: “Although it is sad to be leaving friends and family for deployment, having completed a substantial work up and training period, we are looking forward to getting out and doing the job we are ready for.”

Four of the Navy's minehunters are a permanent presence in the Gulf demonstrating the UK’s continued commitment to enduring peace and stability in the region.