The Royal Navy withdrew its forces from the Persian Gulf in 1971 (the former Flag Officer, Middle East, and Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf) in line with the United Kingdom's general retreat from "East of Suez". However, tensions in the area remained high and Royal Navy ships were still a frequent sight in the area. In 1980, tensions in the Middle East led to the outbreak of war between Iraq and Iran. In response to the increased danger to British shipping and other British interests, in the Persian Gulf, Armilla Patrol was set up. HMS Coventry (D118) and HMS Naiad (F39); and later HMS Alacrity (F174), were the first ships to patrol the Gulf of Oman and the Straits of Hormuz. There has been at least one Royal Navy ship on patrol in the area ever since. In addition to the surface combatant, the Royal Navy has also maintained an auxiliary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) in the Persian Gulf.