HMS Trent Joins NATO Mediterranean Operations

HMS Trent has joined NATO operations in the Mediterranean to keep the region's waters secure.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel is part of Operation Sea Guardian, which is Trent's first operational deployment, and has been tasked with deterring, detecting and disrupting illegal activity.

The role involves the ship's company checking for suspicious vessels, and reporting anything to NATO requring further investigation, as well as working alongside multinational maritime patrol aircraft.

Trent is also in the Mediterranean to provide reassurance to those sailing in the waters and support the reporting of suspect activity.

Lieutenant Oliver Bekier, Executive Officer on HMS Trent, said: "The immediate success seen during our first period of operational tasking, and the way in which Trent has quickly integrated within the broader NATO construct, demonstrates the utility of the Batch 2 OPV in serving Britain’s interests in this area of the world."

HMS Trent commissioned into the Royal Navy last month in a ceremony held in Portsmouth, setting sail for deployment shortly after.

After leaving the UK, the vessel stopped in Gibraltar for repairs.

Trent's first port visit to The Rock saw the ship host the Governor of Gibraltar, former Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, and Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Steve Dainton.

The River-class patrol ship is the third of five new Offshore Patrol Vessels built to replace the Navy's current fleet of River-class vessels.

Since Trent's commissioning, 17 officer cadets from the Royal Naval Reserve’s fast-track officer scheme were allowed on board to get experience of being on a ship.

Cover image: Royal Navy.