HMS Argyll Leaves For Asia Pacific Deployment

HMS Argyll has left Plymouth to begin a nine-month deployment to the Gulf and Pacific.

The Type 23 frigate will first deploy to the Gulf and then move on to Japan and South Korea.

Joining the Royal Navy vessel are 200 of the ship's company, Royal Marines, a Wildcat aircrew and a US exchange officer.

Personnel who will be part of the deployment have been undergoing sea trials and training in preparation for the nine months away.

Australia and New Zealand will also be visited during the deployment.

The deployment was announced by the Prime Minister last year, in response to a series of missile launches by North Korea.

While in Japan, the Duke-class vessel will exercise with Japanese troops – believed to be a first for non-US military personnel on Japanese soil.

Commander Toby Shaughnessy, commanding officer of HMS Argyll, said:

"This deployment, sharing the Royal Navy’s expertise and experience with our partners and allies right across the world, emphasises the UK’s commitment to promoting international security and stability."

During the deployment to the Asia Pacific, HMS Argyll will be the first ship to carry the Sea Ceptor missile system, following the completion of trials and a test-firing campaign last year.

Argyll and her crew will return to the UK in the spring of 2019.