The Portsmouth-based destroyer has broken away from the UK’s amphibious task group currently operating in the Mediterranean to patrol the Black Sea, working with Britain’s allies and partners in the region to guarantee freedom of movement.
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She sailed through the Dardanelles and Bosporus bound for the historic Black Sea port of Odessa, home of the Ukrainian Navy, for a high-profile visit focused on diplomacy and combined training, before paying their respects to the city’s WW2 dead.
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5. HMS Dragon in Odessa
HMS Dragon conducts maritime manoeuvres with a Ukrainian Navy Flotilla in the Black Sea off the coast of Odessa. Photo: LPhot Hutchins
6. HMS Dragon in Odessa
Ship’s Company of HMS Dragon paid their respects to the Ukrainian War memorial of the unknown sailor, in Odessa. Laying a wreath and pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made in days past. Photo: LPhot Hutchins
7. HMS Dragon in Odessa
RAF Typhoons conduct air maritime integration manoeuvres in the Black Sea linking up with HMS Dragon. Photo: LPhot Hutchins
8. HMS Dragon in Odessa
Ship’s Company of HMS Dragon paid their respects to the Ukrainian War memorial of the unknown sailor, in Odessa. Laying a wreath and pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made in days past. Photo: LPhot Hutchins