For the first time in 30 years, Essex has a Royal Navy warship linked to the county.
According to Essex County Council:
“Essex County Council has agreed to the county’s affiliation with HMS Venturer, a Type 31 frigate currently under construction in Scotland. The 115-person ship will represent more than 1.8 million residents living across Essex, from Chigwell to Colchester and Braintree to Basildon. HMS Venturer is the first Royal Navy ship to be associated with Essex in 30 years.
The frigate HMS Ashanti was affiliated with Southend until she ended active duties in the 1980s. The minesweeper HMS Orwell also enjoyed ties with Harwich, which served as a key naval base through both world wars. The new HMS Venturer is named after a World War II submarine, which made history as the first sub to sink another while both were submerged. Her modern-day successor will perform duties around the globe for at least a quarter of a century when she enters service later this decade.”
The Royal Navy says that the link with Essex was born from initial inquiries from community leaders in Southend-on-Sea – a link that has been expanded to the wider county.
“It is wonderful that HMS Venturer is affiliated with the County of Essex,” said Commander Chris Cozens, the frigate’s Senior Naval Officer.
“The rich naval and maritime history combined with its modern outlook is a fitting choice for a ‘Next Generation Frigate’. We both share a focus on community outreach, linking the sea to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and industry to benefit our national prosperity.”
All warships enjoy affiliations with towns, cities or boroughs. Occasionally, that extends to entire counties such as current frigates HMS Kent and Sutherland, each linked with the county of the same name.
HMS The Only Way Is Essex😂
I would actually like to see a HMS Preston 😉
HMS George Formby?
A brilliant idea😁
“He he he Turned Out Nice Again”
The last HMS Preston was launched in 1757 a 4th rate ship of the line?
Sounds appropriate.
There was a HMS Preston North End in WW2 I think as well
Bet it was crap at scoring hits as well…
As 60 years Essex myself, have to say I’d be very proud of the association. Can’t wait to see her off the pier on an open day.
Oh well at least the Yanks respect the County name even if the RN can’t find room for one.
Yes, had a whole class and the lead ship named after Essex in WW2. I think they still have an amphibious assault ship carrying the name.
Now, if only we could have a frigate for each County…
If only we could have a fleet review, maybe they could scrape together a couple of ships and just put some signs up in the empty spaces noted as “Coming Soon’
I think that a splendid idea. Does not need to be named after that county, but affiliated. Counties rather than Towns/Cities.
Yes Daniele, 40+ frigates would be a fantastic, if somewhat small, increase…
😉