Black Duke Deploys – The Type 23 Frigate MONMOUTH has started a seven month deployment to the Gulf, the ship carries the handle “Black Duke” a reference the dissolution of the title and the blacking out of the Coat of Arms of the Duke of Monmouth in 1685 following the Monmouth Rebellion against King James II of England.   The 'Black Duke' is the only ship in service with the Royal Navy that has its name painted in black and flies a plain black flag in addition to the ensign.

The MONMOUTH has deployed with 210 personnel, including Royal Marines, not the usual 185 for which the ship’s were originally designed for.   The frigate has been conducting intensive training in preparation for her deployment, covering the full range of operations from test firing weapons to providing humanitarian relief.