Staff from Highland RFCA were lucky enough to be invited aboard HMS Diamond when she visited her twin city of Aberdeen.
The impressive Type 45 Destroyer – one of the Royal Navy’s newest ships – hosted 200 dignitaries on Friday November 6 and was then opened to the public on Saturday, before carrying out Remembrance Sunday duties during the four-day visit.
The Clyde-built warship arrived in its affiliated port on Friday – after an absence of nearly four years – to engage with the community and mark Remembrance Sunday.
The Portsmouth-based vessel, which has undergone extensive maintenance and improvements since it returned from operations last July, was built on the Clyde and launched in 2007.
Visitors were taken in groups to tour one of the most advanced warships in the world with HMS Diamond’s crew members on hand to discuss the ship’s role at the heart of the Royal Navy, as well as their own experiences in the Senior Service protecting our nation’s interests – at home and further afield.
HRFCA hosted employers from north-east businesses, including senior managers from the Wood and Score Groups. The tour included a reception in the helicopter hangar, a visit to the operations room and a close look at the ship’s offensive and defensive weaponry. The evening was rounded off with a sunset ceremony featuring the impressive and beat perfect drumming of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland.
On Remembrance Sunday members of the Ship’s Company, together with the band of the Royal Marines, led Aberdeen’s parade through the streets of the Granite City.
The parade started at Marischal College, marching from Broad Street to the Schoolhill war memorial for a service of Remembrance.
Diamond’s captain, Commander Marcus Hember said: “I was delighted to bring HMS Diamond back to Aberdeen for her first port visit since her major capability upgrade. Our visit not only reaffirmed our special relationship with the city, but was especially important during this month of remembrance for those who have defended the freedom of Britain and the Commonwealth.”
