After five years of dedicated service safeguarding the Falkland Islands and the wider South Atlantic, HMS Forth has handed over to HMS Medway and is now returning to the UK. The second-generation River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) has been a cornerstone of British Forces South Atlantic Islands operations since her arrival in January 2020, following an initial 9,000-mile journey from Portsmouth.
During her tenure, HMS Forth has covered more than 155,000 nautical miles, conducting extensive patrols across the Joint Operations Area (JOA). Operational highlights include:
COVID-19 Vaccine Mission (2021): Forth delivered life-saving vaccines to Tristan da Cunha, completing a 5,000-mile round trip under challenging conditions to beat winter storms.
International Engagement: In 2022, Forth represented the Royal Navy in Exercise UNITAS off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, joining 16 nations to strengthen maritime security and cooperation.
Community Integration: The ship and her crew became an integral part of Falklands life, participating in commemorations, Remembrance Day parades, and Liberation Day celebrations.
South Atlantic Maritime Security: Over the last 5 years, Forth has completed multiple patrols throughout the area, from fishery protection with partner forces through to maritime security operations. Most recently seen in December 2025, Forth visited South Georgia as part of Operation Southern Sovereignty, demonstrating UK interoperability in one of the most remote regions of the world.
Whilst sustaining continuous operations, HMS Forth also undertook maintenance in Gibraltar in 2023, including a dry-docking before returning to the South Atlantic later that year. Her resilience and adaptability ensured uninterrupted support to UK interests in the region. As HMS Forth departs the Falklands and South Atlantic, she now embarks on the long journey to the UK, returning for the first time since deploying in 2019 where she will complete a maintenance period in preparation for future missions.
“Throughout our time in the South Atlantic, HMS Forth has been deployed at range on operations, working with the Army, RAF & other government partners as part of the British Forces South Atlantic Islands. Now handing over to HMS Medway, we begin our transit back to the UK in preparation for future tasking. Our thanks to all those that have supported our time here”
Commander Graham-Flint RN, Commanding Officer HMS FORTH.
HMS Forth’s departure marks the beginning of a new chapter as HMS Medway assumes the role of South Atlantic Patrol Vessel. Medway takes over the mission to secure the Falkland Islands and sustain the UK’s operational footprint in the South Atlantic, delivering a seamless transition and enduring maritime security.
