Royal Navy HMS Kent and HMS Defender deploy on operations.

Portsmouth-based warships HMS Kent and HMS Defender today left their homeport to embark on operations to the Gulf and Asia Pacific respectively.

HMS Defender leaving for the Asia Pacific theatre of operations (Picture source: Royal Navy)

Type 23 frigate HMS Kent will relieve HMS Duncan of her duties in the Gulf and is scheduled to work alongside US partners as part of the newly-formed International Maritime Security Construct. She will be focused on providing regional maritime security, including counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling activities. She will also work alongside HMS Montrose to escort British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Commander Andy Brown, Commanding Officer of HMS Kent, said: “Today’s departure on operations has been achieved through the hard work and support of the ship’s company, their families and the wider defence enterprise. Our focus in the Gulf remains firmly one of de-escalating the current tensions. But we are committed to upholding freedom of navigation and reassuring international shipping, which this deployment on operations aims to do.”