On its way to a nine-month deployment working on a large operation against terrorism, piracy and drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean, Type 23 anti submarine warfare frigate HMS Richmond stopped off in Gibraltar to re-fuel and carry out general maintenance.

Commanding Officer of the ship Mark Anderson told the press today that although the ship was initially built with the aim of anti submarine warfare in mind, it is also more than capable in anti air warfare and anti surface warfare. With a Lynx helicopter attached to the Frigate, and a nine-man team behind the Flight, Unit Richmond is the first of its kind to use Scan Eagle technology, which is the Royal Navy’s ‘drone’ unit. This makes operations extraordinarily easier.

Operation Kipion, which the vessel will embark on once it departs from the Rock was described by the CO as a ‘hugely expansive mission ranging from left of ark constabulary operations all the way to right of ark contingent demanding situations like humanitarian and disaster relief operations’.

Commander Anderson further added that as time has progressed, so too has the capability of the vessel. During their brief stay in Gibraltar the crew has carried out adventure training and topped up on important aspects including fuel and administration. 

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