Royal Navy team takes the helm of key security mission defending Gulf shipping from Iranian attack

ROYAL Navy sailors have taken over a critical security mission to protect billions of pounds of shipping in the Gulf.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 31st Jan 2020, 11:30 BST
Updated 31st Jan 2020, 21:08 BST
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A team led by Commodore James Parkin, of Hampshire, has taken charge of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) at its Bahrain-based HQ.

It’s the first time British sailors have been at the helm since the international alliance was launched in November.

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The military coalition was set up to counter Iranian naval aggression in the Straits of Hormuz, where four tankers and British-flagged oiler Stena Impero was seized last summer.

HMS Montrose escorting the container ship Brighton in the Gulf. Photo: LPhot Rory Arnold Pictured here is HMS MONTROSE escorting the container ship ''BRIGHTON'' in the Gulf. Nearly six million tonnes of British shipping has been safeguarded by the Royal Navy in the first two months of protecting vessels from Iranian aggression. Nearly 90 British merchant ships were safely shepherded through the Strait of Hormuz by frigate HMS Montrose and destroyer HMS Duncan during a hectic two months responding to threats by Teheran. Montrose passed through the narrow gateway to the Gulf 38 times – each time harassed by Iranian forces, from radio taunts and drones watching every move overhead through to Revolutionary Guards wielding rocket launchers and fast missile boats racing up menacingly.HMS Montrose escorting the container ship Brighton in the Gulf. Photo: LPhot Rory Arnold Pictured here is HMS MONTROSE escorting the container ship ''BRIGHTON'' in the Gulf. Nearly six million tonnes of British shipping has been safeguarded by the Royal Navy in the first two months of protecting vessels from Iranian aggression. Nearly 90 British merchant ships were safely shepherded through the Strait of Hormuz by frigate HMS Montrose and destroyer HMS Duncan during a hectic two months responding to threats by Teheran. Montrose passed through the narrow gateway to the Gulf 38 times – each time harassed by Iranian forces, from radio taunts and drones watching every move overhead through to Revolutionary Guards wielding rocket launchers and fast missile boats racing up menacingly.
HMS Montrose escorting the container ship Brighton in the Gulf. Photo: LPhot Rory Arnold Pictured here is HMS MONTROSE escorting the container ship ''BRIGHTON'' in the Gulf. Nearly six million tonnes of British shipping has been safeguarded by the Royal Navy in the first two months of protecting vessels from Iranian aggression. Nearly 90 British merchant ships were safely shepherded through the Strait of Hormuz by frigate HMS Montrose and destroyer HMS Duncan during a hectic two months responding to threats by Teheran. Montrose passed through the narrow gateway to the Gulf 38 times – each time harassed by Iranian forces, from radio taunts and drones watching every move overhead through to Revolutionary Guards wielding rocket launchers and fast missile boats racing up menacingly.

Commodore Parkin, commander of the UK’s amphibious force the littoral strike group, took over from US Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey.

Cdre Parkin said: ‘The UK is committed to ensuring the safety of shipping in the Gulf region, which contains some of the most important choke points in the world. We recognise the importance of freedom of navigation and will ensure it is upheld.’

The Senior Service increased its presence in the Gulf last year where forward-deployed frigate HMS Montrose has been shepherding British ships safely through the Gulf, supported by sister ship, HMS Kent and Portsmouth-based destroyers, HMS Duncan and Defender.

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On an average day, two British-flagged container ships or tankers are passing through the Strait of Hormuz and each day their journey is delayed costs their owners an estimated £230,000.

Royal Navy Commodore James Parkin (right) during a change of command ceremony for the IMSC. Pictured with US Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey. Photo: U.S. Naval Forces Central CommandRoyal Navy Commodore James Parkin (right) during a change of command ceremony for the IMSC. Pictured with US Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey. Photo: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
Royal Navy Commodore James Parkin (right) during a change of command ceremony for the IMSC. Pictured with US Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey. Photo: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

Beyond that, there are around 2,200 merchant vessels in the region daily.

The News attended the opening of IMSC’s HQ, which operates from inside an air-conditioned tent on the American military base in Bahrain.

The military mission to monitor shipping and guard choke points, codenamed Operation Sentinel, involves seven nations – the USA, UK, Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Albania.

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Vice Admiral James Malloy, commander of the US Navy’s fifth fleet and the most senior naval officer in the region, welcomed Cdre Parkins.

The Royal Navy team who helped in the setting up of IMSC in Bahrain, pictured on the official opening of the military HQ in November. Photo: LPhot Rory ArnoldThe Royal Navy team who helped in the setting up of IMSC in Bahrain, pictured on the official opening of the military HQ in November. Photo: LPhot Rory Arnold
The Royal Navy team who helped in the setting up of IMSC in Bahrain, pictured on the official opening of the military HQ in November. Photo: LPhot Rory Arnold

‘Sitting in my office two months back, the First Sea Lord promised he would send the very best, a seasoned, combat experienced officer with significant regional tours under his belt – and he was true to his word,’ he added.

The Royal Navy will lead the IMSC for four months.

Related topics:Royal NavyHampshire

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