28 amazing memories of Royal Navy ship HMS Iron Duke's service
This HMS Iron Duke was launched in March 1991 and commissioned in May 1991. The ship is the third vessel in the Royal Navy to bear the name. There are some wonderful images in this selection, perhaps you can spot yourself or a relative?
HMS Iron Duke intercepted several huge consignments of illegal drugs being sent from the Caribbean to Europe.
Her only combat mission was action off Libya in 2011, destroying a gun battery outside the besieged town of Misrata. She also fired star shells through the night to illuminate pro-Gadaffi positions for NATO aircraft to destroy rocket launchers, fuel dumps, ammo stores, artillery batteries and command and control centres, whilst also confirming that no civilians were in the area.
HMS Iron Duke's drugs bust in 2009
Pictures HMS Iron Duke's successful interdiction of a narcotics trafficking "Go Fast" speed boat in the Caribbean 16 July 2009. Photo: LA (Phot) Stuart Hill
10th January 2011. Crowds of families and friends waved off Portsmouth-based warship HMS Iron Duke on Monday as she sails to the Arabian Gulf for the next six months.
It will be the first time the 4,900 tonne Type 23 frigate has been deployed to the region where she will be patrolling busy shipping lanes and providing security for the region alongside members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and other coalition navies
Her work will include counter-terrorism and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, the protection of Iraq’s oil platforms, exercises and operations with regional naval forces, and wider regional engagement to promote and support the UK’s interests in the area. Photo: LA(PHOT) Arron Hoare
Hampshire sailor helps haul in £30M drug runners. HMS Iron Duke
A young sailor from the Portsmouth area played a vital role in foiling a drug smuggling operation while serving on board Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke in the Caribbean.
Petty Officer (AWT) Nick Stephens, who is from Southsea, was on board the ship when she intercepted a suspect vessel during a routine patrol.
Picture: MOD Photo: -
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