After its recent deployment to Libya, HMS Bangor is returning to The Eisenhower Pier on Thursday April 5th for the start of a five day visit.
The weekend’s main events will see HMS Bangor throw down her gangway to welcome the general public from 12 Noon – 5pm on Sunday 8th April and Easter Monday 9th April. Admission to the ship will be free so come along with family and friends to marvel at this wonderful vessel and see close-up, what life is really like onboard. The public will get the chance to see some of the ship’s sophisticated equipment and chat with the crew about their experiences onboard the ship – you might even get to sit in The Captain’s chair!
HMS Bangor is a 600 tonne Sandown Class Minehunter , commissioned by the Royal Navy and launched by Lady Lisa Spencer in 1999 at Southhampton Docks. She is named after our very own Bangor and is the second Royal Navy vessel to bear the name. She is 52.5m in length and has a max speed of 13 knots.
HMS Bangor is the first navy ship in over 15 years to be closely affiliated to Northern Ireland and has other official affiliations with the town of Bangor, Bangor Combined Cadet Force and Bangor Grammar School. Named after our very own Bangor, she is also closely affiliated with Clifton Special School, the ship’s adopted charity.
During the second half of 2011 HMS Bangor was deployed as part of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, operating in the Mediterranean with the NATO task group formed to protect civilians during the civil war in Libya. During this period HMS Bangor located and Countermined 1 ground mine and 1 torpedo, both found on the seabed, left over from previous conflicts in the approaches to one of the civilian ports.
“We are all very pleased to be returning to Bangor following our live Operations off the coast of Libya. After operating as part of the NATO taskforce charged with protecting civilians we feel privileged to be invited back to Bangor where we are always made very welcome” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Moore.
Speaking about HMS Bangor’s return to our shores, the Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow said: “We are always delighted to welcome HMS Bangor back to North Down waters. The ship has recently been deployed to Libya and we are particularly proud of all the brave men and women who served on that campaign. Our connection with HMS Bangor means a lot to local people and I know many will come along and visit the ship on its open days.”
For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com