A FASLANE-based warship has been involved in an operation to locate and destroy a 1,000lb bomb at the bottom of the Persian Gulf.
The minehunter HMS Penzance joined with French counterparts to find and blow up four pieces of historic ordnance scattered on the seabed.
The ship which, is currently operating from Bahrain, spent a week scanning the search area before pinpointing the bomb 60 metres below the waves.
"The size of this explosion really highlighted what a potential danger this ordnance posed," said Penzance's Operations Officer, Lieutenant Matt Bryers.
"It is clear that our presence in the Gulf is vital, and it makes my job worthwhile to have ensured the safety of shipping in the area."
The ship has just completed Exercise Artemis Trident with US and Frensh ships, which tested the three navies' ability to detect mines and work together to dispose of them, keeping vital sea lanes safe for navigation.
Penzance and her crew then took part in an exercise training with drill mines alongside American and Bahraini ships in the shallow waters off the coast of Bahrain.
During the exercise HMS Penzance's team of specialist divers worked side-by-side with the US Navy's Underwater Unmanned Vehicles.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Blyth, Commanding Officer of HMS Penzance, said: "The last few weeks have really shown what the 21st Century Royal Navy does.
"We worked with coalition partners and key alliances in the Gulf and are committed to a permanent presence in the region. We also helped develop the capacity of local navies and supported peace and freedom of the sea for all."
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