HMS Echo is currently undertaking Military Data Gathering (MDG) Operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf, working in an area that has not been surveyed to modern standards for a long time.

The updated charts, once produced, will benefit both military and commercial shipping, enabling them to navigate safely through the shallow seaways.

At the same time, the ship has gathered both oceanographic and geophysical data that will help give a greater understanding of the marine environment in this complex and interesting area.

Entering the operational area in March, Echo started her MDG work, using both the ships state-of-the-art integrated survey suite and her equally well-equipped survey motor boat, Pathfinder.

Both Echo and Patahfinder have produced high-definition work, finding at least two previously uncharted wrecks.

The ship works using watch rotation, and is therefore able to stay at sea for 30-day periods, going alongside only to conduct watch handovers and maintenance periods.

The ship has visited Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain in recent weeks, and has to date conducted two ‘vertreps’ (vertical replenishment using helicopters) using HMS Grafton’s Lynx to embark stores and mail.

She has also conducted a RAS – a Replenishment at Sea while under way – with the USNS John Ericson.

The total number of ship’s company on board is 48 at any one time.

The ship is also operating in-theatre as part of ongoing maritime operations working with all coalition units in the Northern Arabian Gulf.