The UK Royal Navy’s Type 42 destroyer HMS Gloucester has sailed the South Atlantic Islands to help scientists assess environmental changes and locate unexploded ordnance left over from the Falklands War.

A navy spokeswoman said the ship provided a military presence and reassurance to people who live and work on the British Forces South Atlantic Islands.

“The Portsmouth-based Type 42 destroyer will help the scientists evaluate glacial retreat and environmental changes as well as provide expertise in locating improvised explosive devices left over from the Falklands War and planned military exercises,” she said.

“The primary focus of HMS Gloucester’s visit to the islands is to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force anywhere within the British territory.”