Portsmouth's HMS Chiddingfold welcomes her new crew

Chiddingfold’s ship’s company have now joined the Portsmouth-based minehunter in support of the navy’s minehunting operations in the Gulf.

The four-strong force of vessels are based in Bahrain, with Crew 3 being the latest to take the helm of the ‘Cheery Chid’.

Lieutenant Commander James Baker, Chiddingfold’s commanding officer, said: ‘Many of my sailors have deployed to the Gulf before but for many others it is a new and exciting experience.’

The first task for the new team was to test Chid’s sensors and weapons in preparation for exercises and patrols later this year.