Sandown-Class mine hunter, HMS Bangor, sailed into Glasgow today (Friday July 18) for the start of a visit of almost three-weeks.
The 52.7-metre ship, which usually makes her home at Faslane, took the short journey up the Clyde and to go alongside at Plantation Quay, next to the Glasgow Science Centre, where she will remain until Monday August 4.
The ship will open to visitors every day from July 19 to August 3 – usually from 10am-5pm.
Forming a backdrop to the BBC at The Quay festival village, as well as playing a starring role in the art spectacular Sound to Sea, the 450-tonne ship is alongside in a public engagement role and relishing the prospect.
“We’ll be alongside at Glasgow Science Centre for 18 days and are particularly looking forward to welcoming the public on board,” said Lieutenant Commander Mike Carter Quinn, HMS Bangor’s commanding officer. “Although we are not part of the games at all, we know that there will be many visitors in Glasgow and are thoroughly looking forward to them stepping aboard our ship.
On July 28, HMS Bangor will be joined by the Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Royal Navy Unit patrol vessel HMS Pursuer, followed shortly afterwards on July 30 by Type 45 HMS Duncan. Royal Marines from 43 Commando will also be present with RIBs. Both Pursuer and the marines will also join HMS Bangor as part of Sound to Sea and visitors may see them practising on the river for their roles in the cultural extravaganza.
After entering the ship lift refit building in Rosyth Dockyard in November 2013, HMS Bangor spent five months hoisted on chocks having a complete overhaul of her systems and hull. This has included a brand new paint job, first-of-class diesel generators and a new galley.
Bangor emerged from the giant Rosyth shed and re-entered the water in April. After an intensive period of safety and material inspections the ship’s company moved back onboard in May. Although dwarfed by HMS Queen Elizabeth in the dock a few yards away, she now flies the White Ensign again and returned to her home on the Clyde at the beginning of July.
Minehunter HMS Bangor is one of seven Sandown-class mine hunters based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh. The hull and large amounts of the superstructure are built from glass reinforced plastic (GRP), ensuring a strong non-magnetic ship, fit to survive the shocks associated with minehunting activities.
[mappress]