HMS Portland to support crime-fighting operations in Middle East

Maritime August 24, 2016

View of the River Thames from London Bridge, City of London. Tower Bridge in the background with the naval ships HMS Portland and HMS Belfast moored towards the centre.

Sailors on board HMS Portland are ready to start securing the seas having arrived in the Middle East. The ship’s company of the Devonport-based Type 23 frigate have arrived in Bahrain, six weeks into their nine-month deployment.

Having made the 7,000-mile journey from the UK, they are now ready to begin operations as part of Combined Maritime Forces, a 31-nation partnership charged with improving maritime security in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

On arriving in Bahrain, HMS Portland’s Royal Marine and Royal Navy boarding teams were whisked away for training by a specialist US Coast Guard team. The training covered weapons drills and enhanced search techniques which will help the teams in their efforts to stop illegal trafficking.

Meanwhile, the ship’s command team has been busy with briefings and meetings with representatives of other nations involved in the mission as they prepare to take up their maritime security role.

HMS Portland’s Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Stroude, said: “Around 40% of the world’s trade passes through the Middle East by sea, and my ship’s company is ready to operate with our allies throughout the region to promote stability, counter terrorism and ensure legitimate maritime activity may proceed unhindered.

“We are trained and ready for anything from high-end warfighting, to maritime security operations, to providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief if required. I am immensely proud to lead my highly capable team in support of Combined Maritime Forces.”