THE commander of HMS Monmouth was treated to a tour around town and a civic reception last Thursday 5th July and had the opportunity to visit the Nelson Garden and the old Monnow Bridge.

Commander William King of the Type 23 frigate, also known as the Black Duke, had the chance to meet representatives of Monmouth’s naval groups as well as the MP and AM for the county.

The next task for HMS Monmouth - the frigate with more battle honours than any other serving warship - is to escort the Queen Elizabeth, the new aircraft carrier and also the biggest ship the Royal Navy has ever built, over to the eastern seaboard of America. Commander King told the Beacon: “When we get over to America we will be joined by some American units, but the task group will consist of a Royal Fleet auxiliary oiler - a replenishment ship which has a large range of armaments, fuel and spares - the aircraft carrier and HMS Monmouth herself; a small but exclusive group.

“I have 191 sailors who are all desperately keen to get over to America and show them what we can do.

“On the way back we will be taking part in what is called ‘first of class flying trials’. This will be the first time a new jet, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II which is flown off the deck of the carrier will be tested and this trial will prove those test aircraft have the inter-operability between the aircraft carrier and the jet and HMS Monmouth will be overseeing the first landings and take-offs”.

Commander King stayed for some two hours chatting to everyone and enjoyed some refreshments and a specially made cake, provided by MJ’s before heading back to Plymouth.