RN embarks on experimental deployment of Littoral Response Group

An RN task group, led by the landing platform dock ship HMS Albion, has departed the UK for a three-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

The Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) deployment also includes the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and the amphibious support ship RFA Lyme Bay.

This task group, including Royal Marine Commando and intelligence units as well as AW159 Wildcat helicopters from the Commando Helicopter Force RNAS Yeovilton, will test the Littoral Strike Group concept.

It will also shape the Future Commando Force as ‘the evolution of the Royal Marines into a hi-tech raiding and strike force’,  the RN announced in a 14 September statement.

On its deployment, the task group will support the NATO Sea Guardian Mediterranean security operation Sea Guardian and conduct exercises in Cyprus.

Backing up the recently sealed training support agreement between the UK and Ukraine, the task group will additionally enter the Black Sea to conduct ‘training exercises and port visits to demonstrate the UK’s support for regional security and freedom of movement’, the RN noted.

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Albion Class