HMS Northumberland sailed up the River Tyne for a port visit to Newcastle, in order to strengthen her ties between the ship and its affiliated county.
The Type 23 frigate, that specialises in anti-submarine warfare, berthed at Northumbrian Quay on the River Tyne - a stone's throw away from the bright lights of Newcastle.
During her stop-over, the ship will take the opportunity to visit the city and enjoy some of the warm hospitality and friendship the region is renowned for.
She will also host several visits from local Sea Cadet units and the RNLI from Tynemouth, who escorted Northumberland into the Tyne.
The general public will also get a unique opportunity to tour the ship and talk with the sailors about their lives on board and share some of their experiences.
Commander Thom Hobbs, HMS Northumberland's captain, said his ship’s company were looking forward to being well received in the city, and getting the chance to show off the ship to the public.
“Having recently assumed command of HMS Northumberland it is an honour to bring her and her ship’s company to the north east, where she was built," he said.
"While a Plymouth-based warship, many of my sailors come from or in fact live in the north east, which makes this visit even more special.
“As the ship looks forward to a demanding year, we are very excited to visit Newcastle and strengthen our connections with the area.
“I will especially be looking forward to meeting with our associates and affiliates who offer continued and incredible support to the ship during intensive national tasking and the deployment last year.
“We will be hosting as many of them on board as possible as well as opening the ship up to visitors, so they are able to see what an impressive warship HMS Northumberland is.
“All of this is especially important as we look to 2020 where we remain ready to react to world events, by first undertaking a period of operational sea training.”
HMS Northumberland will next be heading back to her base port of Devonport after further training before starting a work-up with Flag Officer Sea Training in the south west of the country.
