Royal Navy warship crew optimistic about tackling drug running and smuggling in Middle East deployment

HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate, has been deployed east of Suez – one year after her last Gulf patrol.

Setting sail from Plymouth on March 10, the warship will spend seven months tackling drug running and smuggling of other illicit goods and keeping the sea lanes open for merchant vessels.

With Portsmouth sailors forming part of the 200-strong crew, HMS Argyll spent the winter undergoing operational sea training in preparation for another front-line deployment.

The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Andrew Ainsley, said: ‘Less than a year after returning from a nine-month deployment, HMS Argyll is once more in the vanguard of a globally-deployed Royal Navy as we head to the Middle East for a follow-up seven-month deployment.

‘In the interim we have protected UK home waters, represented the Royal Navy at home and abroad, and conducted essential training and maintenance.

‘More than 30 years after her launch, HMS Argyll and her people continue to deliver for global Britain in a rapidly-evolving world.’

This is HMS Argyll’s fifth deployment in the Middle East, with patrols in 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2018-19.

As part of her security mission, she’ll join sister ship HMS Montrose, which is operating out of Bahrain as the pilot for the Royal Navy’s forward presence initiative to station British warships around the globe on long-term patrols.

Engineeing Technician James Pilbeam said: ‘I’ve been in the navy a few years and it’s good to finally deploy after a comprehensive – and busy – build up.

‘It’s an exciting and interesting time to be deployed and I’m glad we are making a positive contribution in the world.

‘We’re all thinking about everyone at home and I miss all my family lots, but I know they are proud of me for what we’re doing.’

The entire ship’s company has also been taking part in the weekly applause for the NHS, taking place at 8pm each Thursday.

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