HMS Middleton has made the first visit by Royal Navy warship to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, for nearly a decade.
The visit helped to promote the relationship between the Royal Navy and the Islands, and to help the local population to gain a greater understanding of the role of the UK’s Mine Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs).
The ship entered the UK’s northern most port in typical local conditions but received significant interest from the local community from the start.
A number of intervals and organisations, including cadets, army reserves and schools had tours of the ship; in total nearly 500 visitors saw at first hand the capabilities of the ship.
HMS Middleton is a Hunt class Mine Counter Measure Vessel. It is equipped with modern sonar to locate naval mines and the Seafox mine disposal system, a remotely-operated underwater vehicle that can safely dispose of any underwater ordnance.
The ship has recently completed a major refit, including the replacement of her engines, which will extend her life well into the next decade and beyond. She will deploy to the Gulf later this year for three years to help provide security at sea.
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Image: Royal Navy