Portsmouth-based warship HMS Richmond has sailed for patrol duties in the Persian Gulf.

The Type 23 frigate takes over the routine Armilla Patrol duties from destroyer HMS Cardiff, and is due to spend some five months on station.

She is not part of the Amphibious Task Group which has been gathering in the region – Richmond’s deployment has been in her programme for 12 months.

Her duties will include ensuring the safe passage of British merchant shipping and conducting defence diplomacy exercises and visits with friendly Gulf states.

She will also help with the enforcement of United nations sanctions against Iraq, which often involves the boarding of vessels to ensure they are carrying legitimate cargoes.

Cdr Wayne Keble, Richmond’s Commanding Officer, said that his crew were well-prepared for the deployment: “We have just completed a rigorous sea-training programme and we are in good shape.”