Warship heads for Libya
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A ROYAL navy frigate with stong Highland links is cutting her way through the Mediterranean en route to Libya.
HMS Sutherland, which docked at Invergordon earlier this year during a high-profile visit to the area, has been tasked with supporting fellow Royal Navy and NATO units off the coast of Libya.
The Type 23 Duke Class Royal Navy Frigate has been re-tasked to NATO to support Operation Unified Protector, the mission to protect the people of Libya and enforce the United Nations embargo.
Commander Roger Readwin Royal Navy, Commanding Officer HMS Sutherland, said, "My ‘fighting clan’ of highly trained and capable sailors has been busy today putting our systems and drills through their paces in preparation for this important mission. We look forward to working with our NATO allies to deliver part of the Royal Navy’s contribution to the Operation.”
He added, “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the families and friends of Sutherland, for their continued loyal support which once again will be very much appreciated.”
Under NATO command, Sutherland will assist in enforcing the current arms embargo, help protect civilians under threat of attack and ultimately support the current mandate given by UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973; she will also guard against threats to the flow of vital humanitarian assistance.
HMS Sutherland, one of the finest examples of the Royal Navy’s multi-purpose warships, is capable of projecting maritime power in support of a wide range of operations including the protection of civilians, territory and trade.
