The latest stage of the frigate HMS Montrose’s six-month South Atlantic deployment has taken it to the edge of the ice fields at the foot of the earth.
Slipping past icebergs 8,000 miles from home, the Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate begins 2012 hard at work.
The Type 23 frigate encounters penguins-clad glaciers and rocky outcrops as she operates in cold waters.
Her crew, led by Commander Jonathan Lett, has been in the South Atlantic since before Christmas.
The warship has the responsibility of visiting British territories such as Saint Helena and the South Sandwich islands.
Cdr Lett said: “Working in this part of the world involves long distances but spectacular scenery. We often experience sub-zero temperatures because of where we are, and landscapes that are nothing like Britain. It’s a deployment that many of my ship’s company enjoy, because it is so unique. We have worked hard as a ship, which is very encouraging.”
The ship has been away since well before Christmas, though, and can encounter severe seas.