HMS Chatham in Nigeria for Fleet Review

[Anth]

HMS Chatham has been visiting Nigeria as part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Nigerian Navy.

The crew of HMS Chatham wave farewell as she leaves HMNB Devonport at the start of her deployment in May 2006.
[Picture: Royal Navy]

Chatham, a Type 22 Batch 3 Frigate, arrived in the Nigerian capital Lagos on 1 June 2006. She then took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations, including a Fleet Review by President Obassanjo.

The Fleet Review was also attended by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary GOLD ROVER, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the two countries and their Navies.

The three-day visit allowed some of the ship’s crew to get ashore and sample life in the Nigerian capital and also to meet their counterparts in the Nigerian Navy, and those of Brazil, South Africa and the United States, who also supported the Review by sending ships.

HMS Chatham's Commanding Officer, Captain James Morse, said:

"It is a great honour to be representing the Royal Navy on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Navy, and the presence in Lagos of two Royal Naval ships is an indication of the warmth of the relationship between our two Navies.

"As HMS CHATHAM was Her Majesty’s Royal escort at our International Fleet Review last year, which was also attended by the Nigerian Flagship, NNS ARADU, it is especially pleasing to be able to be here. I would like to congratulate the Nigerian Navy on reaching this important milestone."

HMS Chatham sailed from her homebase of Devonport on 15 May 2006 at the start of a six month deployment as the Atlantic Patrol Ship (South), protecting British interests in the Atlantic region, including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

The ship visited Freetown in Sierra Leone and is due to visit Tema in Ghana before turning south towards the Falklands.

MoD News Link