HMS Monmouth in Charleston for Veterans’ Day

The historic colonial city of Charleston welcomed HMS Monmouth as the frigate broke away from HMS Queen Elizabeth for November ceremonies.

The Plymouth-based warship, which has spent most of the autumn as escort to the new aircraft carrier, has a busy schedule of events lined up in the South Carolina port, culminating in attending a Veterans’ Day service at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. 

As the name suggests, Veterans’ Day celebrates all those who served in the US Armed Forces – the living and the dead and is marked each November 11. (Memorial Day in May is more akin to Remembrance Day in the UK, when Americans honour their fallen.)

The last act with Queen Elizabeth’s task group was to fill up her fuel tanks, taking on board diesel from newly-arrived tanker RFA Tidespring – which can deliver the amber gold at a rate of 800 cubic metres per hour (over 800,000 litres… or enough fuel to fill the tanks of more than 14,500 family cars).

Commander Will King said: “Over the past few months my sailors have been supporting HMS Queen Elizabeth as she conducted her iconic first-of-class F-35 trials, and we are now excited to have the opportunity to show off the Black Duke to the people of South Carolina,” said Commander Will King, Monmouth’s Commanding Officer.

“We are delighted to be in Charleston for what will be a poignant weekend, remembering and reflecting on the sacrifice of all those who have served in the Armed Forces.”

Following formal ceremonies on Sunday, the mood will turn more combative as the Black Duke’s rugby union team take on Charleston Outlaws at the The Citadel’s Summerall Field ground, kick-off at mid-day… if you happen to be in the area.