New Irish patrol vessel George Bernard Shaw is in Liverpool this weekend for a three-day break from patrols.
Sailors from HMS Eaglet, home to the Royal Navy in north-west England, welcomed LE (Long Éireannach) George Bernard Shaw to the city earlier today.
The P60 Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessel is berthed at Huskisson Dock in Bootle to give her 44 crew a few days ashore.
The ship’s commanding officer Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Phillip Dicker said: “Members of the ship’s company are very much looking forward to their visit to Liverpool.
“They will be visiting Goodison Park to watch Everton Football Club play Watford tomorrow and they hope to be able to catch the all-Ireland Hurling Championship Final between Kilkenny and Tipperary on television on Sunday in Liverpool.”
Since her entry into service in April this year, the 2,226-tonne ship has been carrying out operations in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone – including fishery protection patrols and search and rescue duties.
Lieutenant Brian Smith, LÉ George Bernard Shaw’s executive officer and second-in-command, said: “This routine visit to Liverpool is an opportune time for the crew to get some well-earned rest, as well as explore the historic and cultural sights of Liverpool.
“The crew have been very much looking forward to the visit.”
Measuring 90m in length, the Bernard Shaw is the fourth ship in her class, built at the Appledore Shipyard in North Devon and commissioned in Waterford.
Lt Cdr Dicker welcomed Warrant Officer 1 Rob Lockyer, engagement team leader for Naval Regional Command Northern England based at Eaglet, on board.
He was given a tour of the ship – and, as a former chief stoker, was impressed with the engine room and machinery.
"Things have clearly moved on a great deal in the world of marine engineering since my day. The standard of living really is something else on this ship," WO1 Lockyer added.
