HMS Gloucester Leaves On 7 Month Deployment

Portsmouth-based warship HMS Gloucester has set sail for the South Atlantic for the next seven months where she will take part in maritime security patrols and exercise with South American navies.

The Type 42 destroyer will take over from Devonport-based HMS Portland and is to spend the majority of her deployment patrolling the British South Atlantic Isles including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

She will also make official visits to various South American countries, including Brazil and Chile.

A highlight of the deployment will be the chance to represent the UK at an exhibition of defence technology in Chile in November called the Expo Navale, but HMS Gloucester’s main concern will be delivering security and assurance to the people of the various South Atlantic islands.

Families waved goodbye to the ship from the Round Tower in Portsmouth this morning. Some of the crew celebrated Christmas early because they'll be away for so long.