The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Edinburgh (D97) arrived at Naval Station Mayport, March 6 for a scheduled port visit.
Edinburgh is currently taking on a range of tasks across the Atlantic Ocean, supporting counter-narcotic efforts and providing reassurance to U.K. territories and dependencies across the globe, according to the Royal Navy’s official website.
“The British are great allies as well as our long time friends,” said Chief of Staff, Commander 4th Fleet, Capt. Chuck Nygaard. “It’s great to welcome Edinburgh to Mayport.”
Edinburgh is known as the “Fortress of the Sea”, and is the last Type 42 destroyer on active service in the British navy, Edinburgh will spend the next few days moored at Mayport as its Sailors explore sights and attractions around northern and central Florida.
“We’ve heard a lot of good things about this area and we received a nice warm reception,” said Mike Watson, marine engineer in the Royal Navy. “So we’re going to go out and see the sites, see everything. My dad actually lives here, so it’s a good chance for me to go and see him. I’m pretty excited about it.”
Destroyers are part of the backbone of the Royal Navy, who are committed to hunting pirates, drug runners and submarines around the world. Destroyers defend the fleet from air attacks and provide humanitarian aid after natural disasters.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 8, 2013; Image: US Navy