ROYAL Navy warship HMS Portland has left British shores on a nine-month voyage that will take the Dorset vessel halfway around the world.

The frigate, which set sail from Plymouth on Monday, will undertake a variety of maritime security operations.

A week before the ship set sail, the crew took their families out for a day at sea in order to give them an insight into what life is like on a naval voyage.

Family members were able to experience demonstrations of the ship’s small-calibre weapons and water-jet propelled rigid inflatable boats.

Lesley White, wife of Chief Petty Officer Tony White, said: “It is really exciting to enjoy a day at sea and to understand a little bit of what our families’ experience.  We are going to miss them terribly over the next nine months, but it helps knowing that what they are doing is really important. I am really proud of Tony and the entire ship’s company.”

The vessel has undergone a series of major engineering upgrades in preparation for this journey and is also set to take part in multinational operations to strengthen the UK’s defence ties with other countries.

One of HMS Portland’s main goals will be to deter and minimise illegitimate use of the seas in the Middle East and Atlantic Ocean.

Crew members have honed their abilities as combat fighters with intensive and extensive training sessions over the last six months.

They were also trained for various non-combat scenarios, such as the need to provide humanitarian aid in a disaster situation or evacuate British citizens from a trouble spot.

Commanding officer Captain Paul Stroude said: “I am immensely proud to be leading my ship’s company on this important deployment.  We have all worked hard to get to this point and although we will miss our families hugely, we are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“The UK in entirely dependent upon uninterrupted international seaborne trade, both for our prosperity and to provide the essentials of everyday life.  My team and I will do our utmost to protect our nation’s interests and secure the safe passage of this trade.’’

Last month, the ship’s company exercised their freedom of the borough of Weymouth and Portland and took part in a march along the Esplanade as a farewell prior to their voyage.