A Royal Navy diver from Stanbury has helped carry out a critical operation to locate and dispose of mines in the waters off Iraq and Kuwait.
Nick Gwatkin worked the Mine Danger Areas, improving safety for sailors and opening up routes to bring trade into the region.
Lieutenant Gwatkin was the officer in charge of the Fleet Diving Squadron, part of a multi-national team led by the Royal Navy.
Working with US, Kuwait and Iraqi navies, the British have spent the past five weeks searching the Northern Arabian Gulf for weaponry left after the two Gulf wars. By offering an increased level of confidence to mariners, it is hoped trade will increase to ports in Iraq and Kuwait.
A considerable mine clearance effort had already been undertaken with 1,300 mines destroyed, however there were very shallow areas which remained inaccessible. The navy operation required more than 200 dives and over 100 remotely operated submersible vehicle runs.
Task group commander, Cdr David Hunkin, said: "When the Mine Danger Areas are re-designated, every sailor on this mission can be proud that they have made an enduring and positive contribution to the peaceful future of the Middle East."
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