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HMS Sutherland, affectionately known as the Fighting Clan, sailed into Gibraltar for a logistic stop before heading east. The warship left Devonport on Tuesday and will head to Australia, the Far East and the Persian Gulf region over the next seven months. It is one of two vessels being deployed to the Pacific amid escalating tensions with North Korea. In August, Theresa May promised Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe she would send HMS Argyll to the region to join British allies already stationed there following a series of provocative missile launches.

GETTY•DONOVAN TORRES The HMS Sutherland is affectionately known as the Fighting Clan

The following month, the Prime Minister confirmed HMS Sutherland would be joining HMS Argyll in the region. Last month, Britain’s new defence sectary Gavin Williamson spoke of his pride that the two British vessels - both equipped with SeaCeptor missile defence systems - will be deployed in the region in the battle to rein in North Korea’s threatening behaviour. Mr Williamson said: ”We have got HMS Argyll, HMS Sutherland going up to the region to do operations with our allies. “That is something I am very proud that we are doing and we are going to continue to do.”

DONOVAN TORRES The ship is only in Gibraltar for a brief logistic stop

The Royal Navy says HMS Sutherland will conduct operations and exercises with a wide range of allies and partners during the tour. Commander Andrew Canale, the ship’s captain, said: “This is an opportunity for HMS Sutherland to demonstrate the global reach of the Royal Navy as well as the UK’s commitment to building relationships and maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. “A deployment of this nature means that we must be prepared to respond to any eventuality. I am very proud of the Ship’s Company and the many support organisations who have assisted HMS Sutherland to deploy two months ahead of her planned departure date. "Having just returned from Christmas leave, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices that our families are also making and I am grateful for their support as we embark on this period away from home.”

DONOVAN TORRES HMS Sutherland will join HMS Argyll in the Asia-Pacific region

PA Gavin Williamson has said he is proud the UK is sending ships to the volatile region