Fresh from being granted the freedom of the city of Wells, the ship’s company of HMS Somerset have sailed to ensure the freedom of the high seas.

The Type 23 frigate slipped from her home base of Devonport at the beginning of June to begin a tour of duty in the Arabian Gulf, taking over from her sister HMS Grafton.

Her role and responsibilities in the Middle East will be identical to Grafton – assisting the Iraqi oil industry rebuild after years of neglect and the ravages of war by policing the Gulf, ensuring smugglers do not sneak oil out of the country.

“We are committed to the important role we are to play – we are helping to build peace and stability in the area by acting as a force for good,” said Somerset’s Commanding Officer Cdr David Axon.

“This will be a long period of separation from family and friends; their continued support is vital and hugely appreciated to us while we are deployed.”

Somerset is due back in Britain by Christmas.