It was formed in February 2003 in support ofOperation Telic, the British invasion ofIraq, and disbanded in April 2010. The squadron comprised twoP2000-class patrol ships,HMS Pursuer andDasher; these ships were reassigned to the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane in 2010.
The ships were based at Akrotiri Mole nearRAF Akrotiri and were employed in the protection of visiting ships and otherBritish Forces Cyprus equipment designated as high value. The Squadron was also employed in Internal Security patrols of theSovereign Base Areas (SBA), and training for visitingRoyal Navy ships. They had a secondary role supporting the police and customs and excise of the Sovereign Base Area.[1]
The two ships of the squadron—Dasher andPursuer—were fitted withKevlar armour and the armament consisted of threeFN MAG General Purpose Machine Guns, the ships' crews had one extra member (compared to the P2000s assigned to URNU duties) employed as a Gunners Yeoman, because of the weapons fitted.[3][4]
United Kingdom
Royal Navy