HMS Liverpool Home For Last Time

HMS Liverpool has made its final return to base ahead of being retired after a 30-year career.

The Royal Navy destroyer sailed into Portsmouth Naval Base, having travelled more than 921,700 nautical miles during its service.

The Type 42 destroyer is being decommissioned to make way for the hi-tech replacement Type 45 destroyers.

A ceremony will be held on Friday to mark the warship's exit from the naval fleet.

Commanding officer Commander Colin Williams said: "In the 18 months since I assumed command, HMS Liverpool and her ship's company have achieved some of the highest accolades a Royal Navy warship could hope for.

"We have grown and faced challenges together, from operations off Libya to exercises in Norway, including sea training, high seas firings and escorting a Russian task group.

"Every ship has a life span, and it is with great pride that we make way for the new Type 45 destroyers, and the enhanced capability they bring to today's Royal Navy. HMS Liverpool has served her country and ship's companies well to the end, and all should be rightly proud to have served in her."

Built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead, HMS Liverpool was launched in 1980. After an accelerated trials period, the ship sailed for the South Atlantic in June 1982.

Liverpool was involved in a major operation last year when it carried out surveillance operations off Libya. The ship came under fire from a shore battery, making it the first Royal Navy warship to be deliberately targeted since the Falklands conflict.

Liverpool returned to Portsmouth having made a farewell visit to its namesake city and carried out cold weather exercises close to the Arctic Circle.