Frigate sets off for sea patrol

HMS Somerset is off on a six-month deployment Enlarge Image

Devon-based warship HMS Somerset has been deployed for a six-month security patrol in the Mediterranean.

The Type 23 frigate, which left Devonport on Monday, will be part of a multi-national Nato force to combat the illegal use of international waters.

The ship, as part of Operation Active Endeavour, will police shipping and board selected vessels.

The force will also gather intelligence on merchant shipping movements to detect suspicious activity.

Proud company

HMS Somerset has undergone a multi-million pound refit, and her 180-strong crew completed an eight-week training regime in December to prepare the vessel for its deployment.

The Nato operation in the Mediterranean has been ongoing since October 2001 and has been bolstered by non-Nato nations, including the Ukraine, Georgia and Albania.

Commanding officer, Cdr Rob Wilson, said: "This deployment is the culmination of everything we worked towards last year.

"I am immensely proud of my ship's company. They have brought HMS Somerset out from refit and proven both the ship and themselves in a gruelling training programme to prepare the team for operational tasking.

"Whilst our thoughts are with the loved ones we will leave behind, we are a professional team, ready in all respects to deliver."