Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent has set sail to the Gulf of Guinea as she heads for security patrols and a mission to support allies in West Africa.
The River-class patrol ship will visit Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia and Cape Verde, and will take part in French-led multinational training exercises that will bring together international partners in the region, known as Exercise Grand African Nemo.
These were contained in a release issued by the British High Commission in Accra and copied the Ghana News Agency.
HMS Trent, which is the first Royal Navy vessel to operate in the region for three years, will conduct maritime security patrols as well as support partner navies by helping them to develop key maritime skills and develop plans for future operations in the region.
This deployment is a clear signal of the UK’s commitment to being more persistently engaged in the region, through which more than £6 billion of UK trade passes every year.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said: “This deployment shows the Integrated Review in action. It demonstrates how a truly Global Britain is stepping up on the world stage to tackle shared international security challenges.
“Working hand-in-hand with our allies we are utilising our forward deployed Armed Forces to tackle threats at the source, making the world a safer place for all.”
HMS Trent carries on board a contingent of Royal Marines from 42 Commando, which will train partner forces across the region in skills like boarding and searching of suspicious vessels, as well as evidence handling and medical skills.
"As well delivering training to partner nations, 42 Commando are experts in boarding operations helping fight against illegal activity like piracy, drugs-smuggling and terrorism."
HMS Trent will attend the Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) G7++ conference in Dakar, which the UK is co-chairing with hosts Senegal.
Britain established the group in 2013 as part of the then G8 to coordinate regional maritime security efforts.
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Thomas Knott, said:
“Continuing a year of forward deployed operations in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, this deployment marks an important return to the region for the Royal Navy demonstrating our commitment to improving Maritime Security in the area.
“We are extremely proud and excited to commence this deployment to what is an exciting new region for HMS Trent. We are looking forward to working with regional partners and also engaging with local communities in an effort to strengthen security.”
HMS Trent is one of five Royal Navy patrol ships which are currently operating around the world in areas of critical importance to the UK – from the Indo-Pacific, South Atlantic to the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
This is part of the Royal Navy’s Forward Presence programme that seeks to put patrol ships in positions around the globe ready to respond to global events.
HMS Trent finished preparations for her patrol to West Africa this week in the waters close to Gibraltar, refreshing skills following a period of maintenance and a rotation of crew.
Latest Stories
-
Financing assurance secured from bilateral creditors to aid 2nd review funding for Ghana – IMF Africa head
8 seconds -
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump’s Manhattan hush money trial dies
15 mins -
Fuel purchase issues have nothing to do with personal interest – Egypa Mercer
20 mins -
ISRQ2024: Theorose School wins Championship with 0.5 points, heads to Canada
26 mins -
Use your voice, talents, skills to advocate for positive change – UniMAC VC tells graduates
31 mins -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses ‘dumsor’, Ex-MASLOC CEO jail and Election 2024
44 mins -
Otumfuo STEM Festival launched to find problem-solvers, promote science education
55 mins -
Irene Logan ties the knot in colourful ceremony
1 hour -
Alliance with other parties, not a merger – Alan Kyerematen
2 hours -
Ghana’s Mohammed Fuseini scores in Randers 2-2 draw Odense BK
2 hours -
We are behind schedule on flood control programme – Oppong Nkrumah
2 hours -
Jennifer Kankam scores five against Tala’ea El Gaish in ZED FC’s big win in Egyptian league
2 hours -
You won’t start at Hearts of Oak – Charles Taylor tells Erling Haaland
2 hours -
People have lost patriotism, passion for the nation – Sulemana Braimah
2 hours -
You can’t use context of past elections to determine what happens in 2024 polls- Alan
3 hours