Military

HMS CHATHAM SAILS TO RELIEVE HMS CUMBERLAND

Royal Navy

1/20/2003

HMS Chatham deploys on Monday 13 January to relieve her sister ship HMS Cumberland as part of the UK's commitment to the international fight against terrorism.

Initially the Type 22 frigate will take part in exercises off the UK coast conducting live firings of guns and missiles, prior to deployment to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Seas where HMS Cumberland has been operating since June.

This is HMS Chatham's third operational tour contributing to the "War on Terrorism" since January 2002. The deployment will be the first deployment or extended time away for many of the young Ship's Company.

Commanding Officer of HMS Chatham, Captain The Honourable Michael Cochrane, said: "As Chatham deploys away from the UK once more, her Ship's Company are in good spirits, fully refreshed after the holiday period but most importantly of all we are ready for any operation that may arise."