HMS Cumberland ready for embargo operations in Libya
HMS Cumberland is ready to move into the next phase of operations in Libya by enforcing the arms embargo under UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
HMS Cumberland with the ship's Lynx helicopter flying overhead [Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Sean Clee, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
The Royal Navy Type 22 frigate has been a key part of the UK’s response to the crisis in Libya since the beginning of the troubles in February.
One way she is able to enforce the arms embargo is through her embarked Lynx helicopter which can search a wide area of the sea quickly to assess the activities of Libyan forces and search out any vessels which are in breach of the UN-sanctioned arms embargo on Libya.
The ship’s Royal Marines and Royal Navy boarding parties have been honing their skills recently so they are ready to be deployed at minutes’ notice if needed to conduct searches of suspect vessels stopped by the Type 22 frigate under the embargo.
The boarding teams can be deployed rapidly by sea boat or by fast-roping onto the deck of a suspect vessel from Cumberland’s Lynx helicopter.
HMS Cumberland’s Commanding Officer, Captain Steve Dainton, said:
HMS Cumberland's Lynx helicopter transfers essential stores and ammunition to HMS Westminster. HMS Cumberland can be seen in the distance [Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Sean Clee, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
“Cumberland is demonstrating her capability as a highly flexible asset, capable of enforcing the will of the international community. Over the last month, we have conducted three evacuation operations from Benghazi, conducted patrols off the coast and acted as an effective deterrent to Gaddafi’s naval forces.
“Now we are ready to be involved in the next phase of the international operation to protect the civilians of Libya from further oppression. We, along with our NATO and international colleagues, will form a ring of steel around the Libyan coast to make sure that no embargoed goods are supplied to the Gaddafi regime by sea.
“We will also help to make sure that any aid shipments for victims of the regime’s oppression do successfully make it through to their intended destination.”