HMS Stirling Castle.
It is not every day that one gets invited aboard a Royal Navy ship to be given a guided tour and be offered a first-hand insight into her role and capabilities, as well as the work undertaken by the sailors who serve in her.
However, on 28th July, I felt hugely privileged to be invited to join the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux CVO and a number of civic, military and community representatives from throughout Surrey on board HMS Stirling Castle.
The visit marked the entering into of an historic Affiliation Agreement between HMS Stirling Castle and the County of Surrey. The affiliation will strengthen civic and military links, foster greater understanding of the Royal Navy’s role, and create opportunities for engagement between the ship’s company and communities across Surrey. Through future visits, community engagement activities, ceremonial events and educational initiatives, HMS Stirling Castle and Surrey will work together to develop a partnership founded on shared values, mutual respect and service.
HMS Stirling Castle is at the forefront of the Royal Navy’s transformation of mine hunting and maritime autonomy. By embracing innovative technologies and autonomous systems, HMS Stirling Castle is helping to ensure the Royal Navy remains ready to meet evolving threats in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Commanding Officer of the Ship, Commander Philip Harper RN, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey during a ceremony on board the ship. Michael More-Molyneux, the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, said:
“This is a momentous day for the County of Surrey and its relationship with the Royal Navy and HMS Stirling Castle. Surrey has a proud history of supporting our Armed Forces. Our affiliation with HMS Stirling Castle marks a new chapter in this ongoing relationship and the Surrey Lieutenancy looks forward to supporting the Ship, her Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company in future”.
It was a highly informative day, and I hope that the affiliation will benefit both the ship’s company and the communities of Surrey for many years to come.
