East of Suez – in a timely reminder of the deployed fleet at this time of year news comes of three of our warships “East of Suez”.    The Type 23 Frigate NORTHUMBERLAND is starting a five month stint in the Indian Ocean.   Embarked on the NORTHUMBERLAND is a MERLIN HM1 Helicopter, Boarding Teams from 43 Commando RM who will use the frigates two 40 kt Sea Boats to advantage The ship has just completed her first port visit spending east of Suez, three days in the Omani capital of Muscat.   The NORTHUMBERLAND has relieved sister ship SUTHERLAND and one of the “two” Destroyers/Frigates based “east”.

With a touch of Nelson comes news that the Fleet Submarine TRENCHANT and a Type 23 Frigate MONMOUTH met up at sea for a day east of Suez as they temporarily broke off from their respective patrols to give their crews a taste of life ‘on the other side’.

All three will be about their duty over the festive period.