As the sun sets on five days of commemorative celebrations in Baltimore, HMS Argyll’s sailors look back on the key role they played in the biggest party in town, in honour of the 200th birthday of the US National Anthem.
The ship and her sailors have not failed to delight the crowds of people that have flocked to visit the Plymouth-based frigate berthed in their city.
HMS Argyll’s guard has represented the Royal UK Navy at various ceremonies across the city, in front of thousands of onlookers.
The ship has welcomed members of the public on board, allowing the ship’s crew to show off their ship and demonstrate the capabilities of a globally deployed frigate.
In their down time the crew has been able to socialise with other sailors from the host nation plus its many friends and allies around the world who are all gathered in the port city for the event. The crew have also enjoyed many of the Star Spangled Spectacular events including; firework displays, concerts, air shows, tall ships and sporting events.
The Spectacular is one of a series of events held in the USA to mark the bicentenary of the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States, with the Royal Navy providing representation at many of the anniversary events strengthening mutual partnership.
In the case of celebrations in Baltimore, they honour the work of Francis Scott Key who witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the Royal Navy in the Chesapeake Bay and turned his impressions into a poem – The Defence of Fort McHenry.
The ship will remain in the Caribbean until December 2014, resuming her counter-narcotic operations as well as responding to calls for assistance in the wake of any natural disasters as the hurricane season is now upon the region.