MoD Information

Naval taskforce bound for Gulf

Sun, December 15, 2002

Source: Ananova

A Royal Navy task force is to visit the Gulf early next year amid growing expectations that Britain could soon be involved in armed conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Naval taskforce bound for Gulf in New Year

A Royal Navy task force is to visit the Gulf early next year amid growing expectations that Britain could soon be involved in armed conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence says the mission, which will involve six vessels including the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, is part of a routine, long planned exercise which will end in the Asia-Pacific region.  But the expedition, which will also involve a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, could easily be diverted to take part in any US-led military action against Saddam's regime.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, some 2,600 military personnel will sail within the next few weeks.  The newspaper quotes one un-named senior official as saying: "It is true this has been planned for some time but it is a very convenient cover." 

A Ministry of Defence spokesman says the exercise has been long planned.  It is, the spokesman said, a routine exercise which happens roughly every three years. This year's exercise will involve six vessels travelling to the Gulf and the Asia-Pacific regions between February and August.  The objective is to demonstrate the Navy's ability to operate around the world to protect British interests and will also provide an opportunity to exercise alongside allies in the region such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.