RFA Mounts Bay resumes arms trafficking patrol

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) has resumed its duties of patrolling the Mediterranean to combat illegal arms trafficking.

The RFA has taken over from HMS Diamond, which covered the task while Mounts Bay underwent planned maintenance.

The Type 45 Destroyer has conducted wide-area maritime surveillance to establish operating patterns in the area and when identified, boarded vessels suspected of supporting the illegal importation of weapons and ammunition.

This duties are part of Operation Sophia, focused on tackling human smugglers and arms traffickers who endanger the lives of migrants who seek to travel to Europe.

During the ship’s two months in the role, Diamond deployed combined Royal Navy and Royal Marine boarding teams, while its Wildcat helicopter provided critical over watch; the first time the helicopter has been utilised in a live operation from a Type 45.

Commander Marcus Hember, Commanding Officer of HMS Diamond, commented: “Diamond has made an important contribution to the effort in the Mediterranean, showing that the Royal Navy continues to commit to important tasks in support of UK interests.”