HMS CHATHAM, a Royal Navy type 22 batch 3 frigate, yesterday concluded a 4-day visit to Qatar. The British ship, which is specially designed for anti surface warfare, anti submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and boarding operations, was visiting Doha for a well-earned break from operations in the northern Gulf.

Commander Martin Connell and the 262-strong crew of men and women had a busy programme during their visit. On 25 May Qatari Naval officials, Defence Attachés and diplomats attended a reception onboard the ship. The crew also enjoyed visits to Souq Waqif and other points of interest in Doha. On the ship’s departure, the Qatar Amiri Navy participated in a naval exercise with HMS Chatham.

British Defence Attaché Wing Commander Michael Cole welcomed the ship’s visit and thanked the state of Qatar: “We are always grateful to the Qatari authorities for their support and assistance in arranging Royal Navy ships’ visits and we look forward to further co-operation on successful visits in the future.”

Background note on HMS Chatham
Chatham's self-defence weapons include the Sea Wolf missile system, Goalkeeper gun, 20mm guns and General Purpose Machine Guns. She also has a powerful array of weapons designed to neutralise surface threats. These include the 4.5 inch gun, Harpoon, and Sea Skua missiles mounted on the Lynx helicopter.

28 May 2008

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