HMS Stirling Castle first ever Royal Navy ship affiliated to the Rock

The Royal Navy’s mine-hunting mother ship, HMS Stirling Castle, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gibraltar, establishing the first-ever affiliation between a Royal Navy ship and the Rock.

The ceremony, in front of invited guests including the Governor and Chief Minister, took place on the bridge, with Mayor Nicholas Guerrero co-signing the Memorandum.

HMS Stirling Castle is in Gibraltar after delivering essential equipment to RFA Lyme Bay, which has now departed for the Middle East for potential mine clearance operations. 

Commanding Officer Phil Harper said he was extremely pleased with the bond of friendship, having grown to love Gibraltar over many years.