Survey ship HMS Echo is making her presence felt in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

The new vessel has been operating in the region for around five months, carrying out surveys in an area that has not been surveyed to modern standards for some time.

Her routine work of mapping the sea bed, conducting oceanographic and meteorological observations, as well as finding two large wrecks previously uncharted, has “proved just how versatile and valuable a platform” the ship is, according to her Commanding Officer Cdr Andy Waddington.

Reporting to the UK Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC), Echo surveyed a commercial and military shipping lane up to Umm Qasr, enabling the Iraqi people to benefit from the revenue generated from its accessibility.

Her extremely sensitive and accurate sensors have been used to search for wrecks and shoals hampering shipping, and she has been used in support of the Iraqi Coastal Defence Force vessels from Bahrain up to the NAG.

So far in the Gulf, she has been quietly going about her business, building an enviable reputation with her Coalition colleagues as well as local merchant traffic whilst conducting vital operational work.

It has not been all work and no play – HMS Echo has visited Bahrain, Dubai and Jebel Ali to conduct watch handovers, allowing the ship’s company to sample Arab culture and giving the ship the opportunity to host official receptions in Doha and Bahrain as part of the UK contribution to defence diplomacy.

Operating in this demanding theatre, where currently the temperatures regularly exceeds 100 degrees F, has proved to be a real challenge.

Having proved that she is more than capable of working in an operational theatre, HMS Echo is now beginning to demonstrate her true capabilities and value to the Fleet.

As Cdr Waddington said: “Operationally, HMS Echo has exceeded expectations and has now shaken off the teething problems that all ‘first of class’ traditionally endure.

“It is a true privilege to be showing the world just how effective and versatile she is. The ship has been made most welcome in every port we have visited, and the hospitality has been first class and very gratefully received.

“We are now reaching the half-way stage of our 15-month deployment, and with two Royal Navy frigates having been and gone, Echo’s real strength is her durability and ability to remain on task for long periods of time.

“I am convinced that Echo represents real value for money”.