The youngest of the original batch of Royal Navy’s River class offshore patrol vessels, HMS Mersey, has made her first port of call on her first deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean.
HMS Mersey left her home base of Portsmouth, UK at the beginning of the month to start her long transit to the Caribbean where she will be employed in safeguarding UK interests and counter-narcotics operations.
Accompanied by The Premier of the island Michael Dunkley and Acting Governor Ginny Freson, HMS Mersey later hosted a reception and capability display for a number of local charities and organisations who have contributed to supporting the Young people of the island.
The whole ship’s company were involved in welcoming the reception guests, giving them an insight in to life on board and Mersey’s capabilities.
The four day stop also saw HMS Mersey open to members of the public.
Nearly 500 visitors walked through Mersey’s decks, as members of the ship’s company were more than happy to show off their home and their day to day activities.
Particular highlights for the public included being shown how to fire a 20mm canon, as well as being able to sit in the Captain’s chair.
Mersey has now departed Bermuda and sails towards the mainland United States to embark a US Coast Guard LEDET team and conduct Counter-Narcotic operations in the APT(N) Theatre.
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