HMS Shoreham arrives in port

HMS Shoreham arrived in in its namesake harbour yesterday (5th July 2017) for a busy four-day visit with its captain pledging to “strengthen close bonds”between ship and town.

The Royal Navy minehunter moored at Power Station Wharf and the commanding officer and ship's company were soon meeting the local community.

One of the first ports of call on dry land was a reception hosted by Adur District Council Vice-Chairman Joss Loader at the Shoreham Centre.

Other events on the schedule include conducting pre-arranged tours of the ship, hosting an on-board lunch and evening reception for local guests and attending an evening organised by the Shoreham Royal British Legion.

Lieutenant Commander Ben Evans, who took command of the ship in March, said:

“HMS Shoreham is very much looking forward to strengthening the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect which exist between the district and the ship.

“The town has a long history as a seafaring port and a long history with the Royal Navy.”

Adur District Council awarded the ship the Freedom of Shoreham in 2011 after an association going back centuries. The original HMS Shoreham was built in the town and launched in 1694.

The current 600 tonne ship, the fifth to bear the HMS Shoreham name, was launched in 2001 and has a crew of 34. She will leave port on Sunday 9th July.

Photos: HMS Shoreham arrives in the town

Photo: Commanding Officer Ben Evans

Photo (left to right): 
- Paul Brewer, Adur & Worthing Councils' Director of Digital and Resources 
- Ben Evans, HMS Shoreham Commanding Officer 
- Joss Loader, Adur District Council Vice-Chairman, and 
- Commander Nicholas Chatwin, Naval Liaison Officer