HMS Richmond will be sailing into London on Wednesday at the start of a five-day visit to the capital.

HMS Richmond, a Type 23 Frigate, will sail up the River Thames to West India Dock. Although she will be in London to cement ties with her namesake borough, the highlight of her trip will be on Saturday, Armed Forces Day when she will be open to the public.

The ship will be open from 1pm until 3pm only and access will be via Thames Quay at West India Dock. It won’t be suitable for people with limited mobility as ship tours may require the use of gangways and ladders.

HMS Richmond is affiliated to Richmond-upon-Thames – and also to Richmond in North Yorkshire – and the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Robert Pedre, will be hosting leading dignitaries from both areas on the journey from Portsmouth.

Civic affiliations are an important part of the Royal Navy’s commitment to raising the awareness of the variety of roles, equipment and people who make up the Navy.

By interacting with the local community – both in terms of allowing crew members to repay the affection shown to them, and as a recruitment function – a ship’s company can forge a lasting relationship.

HMS Richmond is one of 13 Type 23 Duke Class frigates which are the mainstay of the modern surface fleet. Powerful and versatile with the capability to operate anywhere in the world, they form 50 per cent of the total frigate/destroyer force in the Royal Navy.

Originally designed for the principal task of anti-submarine warfare, they have evolved into powerful and versatile multi purpose ships with the capability to operate anywhere in the world. The effectiveness of these ships is enhanced by their stealth design, which reduces their radar signature significantly.