HMS Pembroke calling at Malta

HMS Pembroke is to visit Malta over Christmas, arriving in Grand Harbour on Saturday and staying until January 5.

The Royal Navy Sandown Class mine counter-measures ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Simon Wallace. The Sandown Class are specialised mine-hunters that use high definition sonar to search under the sea surface for anti-shipping mines.

During the ship’s stay, the Armed Forces of Malta will be joining the crew in various training programmes including sailing in formation, tactical manoeuvring and communicating in code.

The aim of these exercises is to allow both forces to share ideas, experiences and improve their operational capability. HMS Pembroke will also take senior officers from the Armed Forced of Malta to sea, to further demonstrate her capabilities.

HMS Pembroke is currently en-route to the Arabian Gulf, where she will be part of Operation Telic, the UK’s commitment to a democratic and free Iraq. In the Arabian Gulf, historic mines - many dating back to the Iran-Iraq war - pose such a threat to international shipping that the regional economy is affected. By ensuring key sea lanes of communication are safe to use, the UK seeks to contribute to economic growth and overall stability in Iraq.

Since leaving the UK at the end of October HMS Pembroke has visited Gibraltar, Sicily and Crete.

In Malta, it will be berthed at Pinto Wharf. The ship will not be open to the public during her stay.