It has recently been confirmed on GOV.UK that HMS Trent – a Royal Navy ship – has set sail to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea in a mission to support allies in West Africa.
Set to visit Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia and Cape Verde, the River-class patrol ship will take part in French-led multinational training exercises that will bring together international partners in the region, known as Exercise Grand African Nemo.
The first Royal Navy vessel to operate in the region for three years, HMS Trent will conduct maritime security patrols as well as support partner navies by helping them to develop key maritime skills and develop plans for future operations in the region. The deployment is a signal of the UK’s commitment to being more engaged in a region which more than £6 billion worth of UK trade passes through each year.
Armed Forces Minister, James Heappey, remarked: “This deployment shows the Integrated Review in action. It demonstrates how a truly Global Britain is stepping up on the world stage to tackle shared international security challenges.
“Working hand-in-hand with our allies we are utilising our forward deployed Armed Forces to tackle threats at the source, making the world a safer place for all.”
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Thomas Knott, added: “Continuing a year of forward deployed operations in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, this deployment marks an important return to the region for the Royal Navy demonstrating our commitment to improving Maritime Security in the area.
“We are extremely proud and excited to commence this deployment to what is an exciting new region for HMS Trent. We are looking forward to working with regional partners and also engaging with local communities in an effort to strengthen security.”