Royal Navy Warships to Visit London, UK

Until last year’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee events and the Olympics, it was uncommon for more than one Royal Navy warship to venture up the River Thames to central London at the same time.

In May this year, Londoners rejoiced at the sight of Her Majesty’s Ships Illustrious, Edinburgh and Blyth berthing in the capital in support of the Battle of Atlantic 70th anniversary events.

Now, yet another trio of naval vessels will sail through the Thames Barrier starting this weekend, in support of a triumvirate of major international maritime events taking place in London between September 9 and 13.

The ship visits are being co-ordinated by the naval regional commander for Eastern England, Commodore Martin Atherton and his staff, who are based at the London naval reservist headquarters, HMS President, at St Katherine’s Dock.

The first to arrive is Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland, early on Friday morning (Sep 6). She will be based at the Royal Docks, near the ExCel Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Her sister frigate, HMS Northhumberland – which is also base-ported at Devonport in Plymouth – will go alongside at West India Dock at around 5pm on Saturday, September 7, before the Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Tyne arrives at 11pm on Sunday night (Sep 8), also at the Royal Docks.

The ship visits coincide with the Royal United Services Institute’s (RUSI) Future Maritime Operations conference which takes place at the ExCeL, held in association with the Royal Navy.

The date and venue was chosen to coincide with the Defence Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, London International Shipping Week and the 150th anniversary of training on the River Dart (BRNC 150).

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas and other senior Royal Navy officers will all play an active part in many of the forums and events being held over the course of the week.

Please see the event organisers’ websites (please use the links above) for more details.

Due to the nature of the ship’s visit programmes, they are unfortunately unable to open to the general public on this occasion. However, Commander A Wilson, the commanding officer of HMS Sutherland, said:

“I know from speaking to my colleagues on board HMS Northumberland and HMS Tyne that all of the ship’s companies are very much looking forward to visiting London and playing our part in what are important and influential discussions on defence and the maritime community.

“I hope it isn’t too long until we can return to the capital and have the opportunity to showcase the tremendous capability that the Royal Navy possesses, both in terms of its assets and people.”

In addition to the Royal Navy ships, there will a variety of other craft and vessels from the navies of Germany, Holland, Sweden and Korea in London during next week.

HMS Monmouth leaves London on Sept 12, Tyne on the 14th and Sutherland on the 15th.

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Press Release, September 06, 2013; Image: Royal Navy