Two RFA ships set to support Israel alongside in Gibraltar

Two Royal Navy vessels, set to be deployed to support Israel, are alongside in Gibraltar ahead of setting sail to the eastern Mediterranean.

The Prime Minister directed RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay to the region, with both vessels originally set to be deployed to Oman for the UK Commando Forces' inaugural Littoral Response Group South deployment.  

Instead, the ships have been redirected and are now in Gibraltar, with the naval base regularly welcoming ships transiting through the region.

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This will allow the crew to take shore leave as well as stock up on supplies before reaching the eastern Mediterranean.

The ships are heading to the region to help support humanitarian efforts and reinforce stability.

RFA Argus' role is as a Primary Casualty receiving ship and, with a 100-bed medical complex on board, it means she acts as a floating medical facility.

RFA Lyme Bay, on the other hand, is a landing ship dock, capable of delivering a fighting force anywhere in the world.