JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.

For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.

Atlantic Patrol Tasking South

South Atlantic

The South Atlantic covers an area of more than 15 million square miles. The Royal Navy’s Atlantic Patrol Tasking ships patrol this enormous stretch of ocean to prevent crime and protect British interests.

The Royal Navy also has a standing commitment to the Falkland Islands. Its aim is twofold: to maintain a sovereign presence around the disputed island chain, and to provide security and reassurance to its residents.

What are we doing?

The Royal Navy's permanent presence in the region - typically in the form of a patrol vessel and a frigate, supported by tankers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary - undertake a range of maritime security operations.

The deployment also provides opportunities to work with other navies, strengthening international ties and demonstrating the Royal Navy’s commitment to the region.

That means our job is to safeguard not only the islands and their residents, but also Britain’s access to local natural resources, such as gas and oil.

Despite a decisive referendum result in favour of British rule, the Falkland Islands are still subject to competing sovereignty claims from the United Kingdom and Argentina. The Royal Navy’s constant presence in the region serves as a potent reminder of the island chain’s status a British Overseas Territory.

Why are we there?

Stretching from South America to West Africa and at a distance of almost 8,000 nautical miles from the UK, the South Atlantic Overseas Territory presents one of the harshest working environments.

The South Atlantic is home to a number of British interests, including the British Overseas Territories Saint Helena, Ascension and Trista da Cunha, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands, and the Falkland Islands.

Royal Navy vessels on Atlantic Patrol Tasking South maintain a constant patrol around these challenging waters in high winds and high sea states, conducting routine visits to Overseas Territories as well as offering protection and reassurance to British interests in the region including British commercial ships.

They also act as a maritime police force, thwarting drug smugglers, keeping global shipping open and enforcing regulations on fishing and the use of natural resources.

Lt Cdr Smith was also asked to present awards to some of the cadets at Evening Colours and give a presentation to the Ship’s Company on the role of the Maritime Reserves.

HMS Portland

See all 10 images

Related news

View all related news

Flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York

The Royal Navy’s flagship is tonight at anchor in the shadow of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline on a...

25 September 2022

British and American forces obliterate former US warship during impressive test of firepower

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force put on a formidable display of firepower with United...

23 September 2022

Topic:Fighting arms Surface Fleet

Storyline: HMS Westminster

HMS Forth's proud role in Falklands peace and reassurance mission

Today’s naval guardians of the Falklands have spoken of their pride of patrolling the...

14 June 2022

Topic:Operational activity Security at Sea

Storyline: HMS Forth

Navy's head visits new NATO command ahead of its toughest test yet

Britain’s most senior sailor visited NATO’s newest operational headquarters ahead of its...

10 May 2021

HMS Forth hosts service of Remembrance off Falklands

HMS Forth hosted a wreath-laying ceremony in the Falkland Islands during a remembrance...

12 March 2020

Topic:Operational activity Security at Sea