Take a look around HMS Northumberland as warship gets set to welcome visitors as part of visit to River Tyne

Warship HMS Northumberland has sailed into the River Tyne and this weekend visitors will get the rare opportunity to take a look around the impressive vessel.
HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.
HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.

HMS Northumberland is currently docked at the Port of Tyne International Ferry Terminal in North Shields for a routine port visit to the North East with the aim of strengthening its ties with its affiliated county.

Named after the Duke of Northumberland, the Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate specialises in anti-submarine warfare.

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It currently holds an operational duty which includes the possibility of being tasked at short notice to respond to unexpected global events, whilst preparing for operational sea training before assuming a period of national and contingent tasking.

The Captain of HMS Northumberland, Commander Thom Hobbs.The Captain of HMS Northumberland, Commander Thom Hobbs.
The Captain of HMS Northumberland, Commander Thom Hobbs.

It is one of four Type 23 Frigates built by Swan Hunter on the Tyne at Wallsend and is based in Devonport, Plymouth and is part of the Devonport Flotilla.

As part of its special visit to the region the ship sailed into the River Tyne on Thursday, February 6, and will remain stationed there through to Sunday, February 9.

And on Saturday, February 8, from 11am to 3pm, members of the public will be given the chance to take a look around the incredible vessel.

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Visitors will be able to talk with sailors about their lives on board and share some of their nautical experiences.

HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.
HMS Northumberland arrives on the River Tyne.

The Captain of HMS Northumberland, Commander Thom Hobbs, said: “It is a real privilege and pleasure to be back alongside our home country of Northumberland and alongside North Shields in particular.

“We try to bring our ships back to where they are affiliated to as much as possible.

“This evening (Thursday) we are holding a civic reception for local dignitaries and local community so they can come on board and the big piece will be on Saturday when the ship will be open to visitors and members of the public to come down to North Shields and come and look around their ship and see what we do.

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“We are Northumberland's Frigate and we want the people of Northumberland to come here and see what we do and to really understand what the Royal Navy does around the world.”

Onboard HMS Northumberland.Onboard HMS Northumberland.
Onboard HMS Northumberland.

He continued: “We are an anti-submarine frigate and we are designed to work in the North Atlantic in particular but we can go worldwide.

“I have got about 200 people on board and we are fully trained to do whatever the Government wants us to do.”

Members of the public are welcome to come along to see HMS Northumberland on Saturday, February 8, from 11am to 3pm, where they will be given a tour around the top deck and speak to sailors on board.

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During the tour visitors can expect to see the likes of the area where the anti-ship missile system is stored, the sea sceptre capability – an air defence missile system – and the flight deck.

Entry is free and members of the public will be directed to go to the marina in North Shields, near to where the ship is alongside the River Tyne.

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