Northumbria Unit members on HMS Archer

On Friday 30th January, MVS members in Newcastle were invited to join the crew of P2000-class patrol vessel HMS Archer as she escorted HMS Duncan into the Tyne. A particular highlight was having Commodore Thomas Knowles (Naval Regional Commander Northern England and the Isle of Man) on board for the occasion to take the ceremonial salute from HMS Duncan.

Regional Volunteer Officer Angela Carrington and Deputy Head of Northumbria Unit Barry Coffell attended on behalf of the MVS. There were high winds, large swells and driving rain; so much so that the pilot from Port of Tyne had to board HMS Duncan inside the safety of the piers.

Barry Coffell said: “I feel privileged to be on board and have this experience with the Royal Navy this morning.” RVO Carrington discussed the MVS with Cdre Knowles and they reflected on the history of the P2000s, some of which were originally being operated by the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS).

HMS Duncan is the sixth and last of the Type 45 or Daring-class air-defence destroyers built for the Royal Navy and launched in 2010.

Main photograph (L-R )shows Barry Coffell (Northumbria DHOU), Commodore Knowles and Angela Carrington (RVO).