Destroyer to sail to South Atlantic to protect Falklands
A Royal Navy destroyer will set sail for the Falkland Islands from Portsmouth to maintain Britain's interests in the South Atlantic.
HMS Gloucester will leave on Friday for the next seven months.
She will spend the majority of her deployment patrolling the British South Atlantic Isles including the Falklands and South Georgia.
The Type 42 destroyer will take over from Devonport-based HMS Portland. She will also make official visits to various South American countries such as Brazil and Chile, represent the UK at an exhibition of defence technology and take part in maritime security patrols.
Gloucester's Commanding Officer, Commander David George, said: 'Gloucester will be providing British citizens in the South Atlantic with the reassurance of knowing that the Royal Navy is looking out for their interests.
'But while we are down there, we are also policing the seas and ensuring that they are safe for all to use and pass through.'
With the ship away until March next year many families are making alternative arrangements for celebrations such as birthdays and Christmas. Some have even celebrated Christmas already.
Commander George added: 'We have all been making the most of precious time with them in the last few weeks.'
HMS Gloucester will be sailing past the Round Tower at Old Portsmouth at approximately 9.45am on Friday.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
