Type 23 frigate HMS Norfolk has left Devonport for a six-month deployment to the Gulf, relieving sister ship HMS Sutherland.

As part of her Armilla Patrol duties, Norfolk will work with other friendly navies to monitor shipping in the region, carrying out boardings where there is a suspicion of smuggling – the loss of oil to Iraq is a particular concern.

She will also carry out a number of visits to Gulf states in her defence diplomacy role.

The Commanding Officer of the frigate, Cdr Tony Radakin, said: “My ship’s company has been training intensively to ensure we are ready for Armilla Patrol.

“This training culminated last month in a two-week exercise with the Danish Navy in the Baltic Sea.

“HMS Norfolk’s presence in the Gulf will help increase security and stability in the region as part of the UK’s long-standing commitment to the area.”

Many sailors from HMS Norfolk were involved in Operation Fresco earlier this year, providing emergency firefighting cover during industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union.

By the summer the ship and her personnel were back in more familiar activities – she underwent operational sea training, then made a visit to her affiliated namesake county.

The frigate also had the honour of firing the 21-gun salute to the Queen during the presentation of a new Queen’s Colour to the Fleet in Plymouth Sound in July.

Danex 03, a NATO exercise run by the Danes, gave Norfolk plenty of opportunities to put her training into practice as she was tested against threats from the air, on the surface and from submarines.

The challenging series ended with a couple of port visits – one to Copenhagen and the other for the ‘Ship Ahoy’ festival and Danish Navy Days in Aarhus.

Her preparations for the Armilla Patrol were completed back in Devonport with a package of maintenance.

Norfolk was the first of the Type 23 or Duke-class frigates to be built, being launched at Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde by Princess Margaret on July 11 1987. She officially entered service in November 1989.