HMS Kent stops off at
Dover

The Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent has spent four days berthed
at Dover, renewing its links with the county and the various groups
that it is affiliated with.

The ship is the 12th to bear the county’s name and is visiting
Dover prior to a deployment to Gibraltar followed by a re-fit.
Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the type 23 frigate
has evolved into a multi-purpose ship capable of operating anywhere
in the world.

As well as being affiliated to Kent, the ship is also
affiliated to the Cinque Ports, and Commander Nick Cooke-Priest
(pictured above) said such visits were important.

"Most of the time we are operating 'over the horizon' out of
view of people, and probably out of mind," he said. "This gives us
a chance to show people what we do, and to thank everyone for their
support."

The ship has more than 170 crew who are being kept busy during
their stay showing people around, including a number of Sea Cadet
and Cadet Force groups as well as pupils from Ripple Vale School
and the Duke of York's Royal Military School.