HMS Sutherland ties up next to HMS Belfast in London
Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland enjoyed a five-day visit to the UK capital – just days after taking part in an international naval exercise off the coast of Sutherland.
Known as the "Fighting Clan" due to her affiliation to her namesake county, HMS Sutherland returned to home shores after serving on the frontline in Libya alongside coalition forces.
While in the Mediterranean, she conducted boarding operations and provided naval gunfire in support of activity ashore plus maritime security patrols.
The ship was deployed at short notice in April to take up her role within the Response Force Task Group (RFTG), some elements of which still remain off the Libyan coast.
Since her return, the ship played a lead role in Exercise Joint Warrior, a bi-annual international naval warfare exercise in the north-west.
The Type 23 frigate tied up alongside First World War battle cruiser HMS Belfast – a popular tourist venue in the centre of London – having sailed up the Thames and under Tower Bridge, a striking sight for the public.
The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Roger Readwin, said: "It was an honour to be alongside HMS Belfast 40 years after she was opened to the public and during the annual naval Battle of Trafalgar celebrations"
