Last Sunday morning, a party from Pembroke Town Council accepted an invitation to visit HMS Hurworth whilst she was anchored off Milford Haven.
Launched in 1984, HMS Hurworth is a Mine Counter Measures Vessel (MCMV) designed for the location of and destruction of naval mines. The ship carries a crew of 45, including six mine clearance divers, whose job it is to swim to mines in order to place explosives
During the three-hour visit, the party enjoyed a cruise in glorious sunshine along the Milford Haven Waterway.
During a guided tour of the vessel, they were shown a variety of high-tech equipment, including the Sea Fox Mine Disposal System. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the Royal Navy remains a world leader in mine countermeasures, helping to safeguard the maritime trade routes which carry 95 per cent of our imports and exports.
Nine-year-old Chris and seven-year-old Rhys, sons of Mrs. Suzie Thomas (financial officer), described the morning as 'brilliant' and Chris was so impressed that he is already thinking of a naval career!
Many thanks to Lt. Commander Richard Goldstone (captain) and the ship's company for making the visit so interesting and to Lt. Commander Tony Mason (naval liaison officer), of Pembroke Dock, for taking care of the arrangements.