Hartlepool welcomes link with new Royal Navy frigate  

Published Friday, 18th October 2024

Hartlepool’s proud links with the Armed Forces have been further strengthened with the affiliation of a new Royal Navy frigate with the town.

HMS Venturer is one of five Type 31 frigates currently being built at Rosyth. Expected to come into service before the end of the decade, she will play an important role in maritime security around the world, protecting the United Kingdom’s interests.

The affiliation was marked by the formal presentation to the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Carole Thompson, of a plaque bearing HMS Venturer’s crest by Commander Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer and Lieutenant Neil ‘Fluff’ Freeman, Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, both of HMS Venturer.

Commander Chris Cozens of HMS Venturer (centre) presents the HMS Venturer crest to Councillor Carole Thompson.

Commander Chris Cozens of HMS Venturer (centre) presents the HMS Venturer crest to Councillor Carole Thompson

Councillor Thompson said: “We are delighted to once again have a Royal Navy ship affiliated to Hartlepool and we look forward to what I’m sure will be a very exciting partnership.

“Generations of Hartlepool people have served in the Royal Navy and no town could be prouder of its commitment to our Armed Forces. HMS Venturer and her crew will always be guaranteed the warmest of welcomes here.”

Councillor Chris Wallace, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “We are very proud to welcome HMS Venturer to our Hartlepool ‘family’ – it’s a very proud moment for the town and for the Council, which sets such great store by its Armed Forces Community Covenant.

“We look forward to HMS Venturer visiting the town, with all the opportunities it will bring and we look forward to following the progress of the ship and her crew, wherever they find themselves in the world.”

Commander Cozens said: “We have received a very warm Hartlepool welcome and it gives us great pleasure to initiate this relationship which will continue for the life of the ship.

“This new affiliation with a Royal Navy ship is one which is long overdue and we are looking forward very much to exploring how we can help support the local community in areas such as outreach work and visits to schools.”

HMS Venturer welcomes new followers on Twitter at @HMSVenturerRN.