TYPE-23 frigate HMS ST ALBANS will arrive in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.
The Duke-class vessel will pass under Tower Bridge at 5pm and moor alongside HMS Belfast until next Tuesday.
There will be no public access to the ship during her stay in London but the ship's company has a busy week of events including two Centenary Apprenticeship National Events on board which celebrate 100 years of apprenticeships in the UK.
Tours of the ship have also been arranged for selected school children and sea cadets and some of the ship's company will be visiting St Albans during the visit to take part in community projects.
About twenty crew members and and players from St Albans Rugby Club are travelling to Twickenham on Saturday to parade on the pitch ahead of the England versus Australia game and one of the members of the Company, awarded the privilege by the Commanding Officer, will proudly carry the ball.
HMS St Albans Commanding Officer, Commander Catherine Jordan commented “It is truly an honour to sail down the Thames in HMS St Albans and every member of my Ship’s Company is looking forward to it. Not only is it one of the best cities in the world it is close to our affiliated city of St Albans.”
She continued: ”Berthing outboard of HMS Belfast and allowing our many guests and visitors to look at the modern Royal Navy and our heritage in such close proximity will accentuate the successes to be celebrated in the British Apprenticeship scheme, particularly in it’s centenary year. I am very much looking forward to showing off the high calibre men and women under my command to all who visit.”
Buy a copy of a photo from this post as a digital file or print
