A Portsmouth-based minehunter has just completed a starring role at a popular west-country regatta.
HMS Chiddingfold had only a few days to prepare for her role as guardship at Dartmouth Royal Regatta, replacing fellow minehunter HMS Blyth who was re-tasked at short notice.
Chiddingfold was training off Scotland when she got the call to divert to Dartmouth – the home of Britannia Royal Naval College where Royal Navy officers undertake basic training.
Midshipman Sam Cresdee, 20, one of the ship’s 45 crew, said:
”Having only completed my training at Dartmouth nine months ago the opportunity to come back on an operational warship was fantastic, and the way the ship re-tasked so quickly was a testament to the hard work of the ship’s company.”
As one of the centrepieces for the three-day regatta the ship’s role included hosting an evening reception for local dignitaries and members of the local community while the Red Arrows and Blades aerial display teams performed overhead.
During two days open to the public, 700 visitors saw demonstrations of the ship’s firefighting equipment and her diving, minehunting and weapons systems. Tours were also given to cadet groups and members of HMS Vivid – the Plymouth-based Royal Naval Reserve unit.
The ship’s navigating officer, Lieutenant Mike Rydiard said,
“It was a welcome break after an intensive period of training, and was the first visit to a non-naval port by Chiddingfold since coming out of a major refit earlier this year.
“The crew had prime seats for the spectacular fireworks display that officially ended the regatta with the ship providing the backdrop for the fireworks barge anchored nearby.”
[mappress] Press Release, September 11, 2013; Image: Royal Navy