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HMS Liverpool to make her final visit to Merseyside between February 29 and March 5

A ROYAL Navy warship named in honour of the city is due to make one final visit up the Mersey before she is taken out of service.

HMS Liverpool will be decommissioned in March but the captain and crew of the Type-42 Destroyer, who last year were on the frontline against Libyan tyrant Colonel Gadaffi’s forces, were keen to come alongside the Pier Head one last time.

She will be berthed within sight of the Three Graces from February 29 to March 5 and the company will take part in a full programme of events to celebrate the ships links with the city, forged when she was laid down at Birkenhead’s Cammell Laird in 1978.

Since she was commissioned into service in 1982, just weeks after the end of the Falkland’s conflict, she has been around the world promoting and protecting British interests.

Last spring the ship, nicknamed the Crazy Red Chick, was honoured with the Freedom of the City during a ceremonial visit to Merseyside.

The crew will exercise their right as freemen to march through Liverpool’s streets for the last time on March 2.

More than 20 local groups will be hosted on board ship during the visit and the weekend of March 3 and 4 will see the gangway thrown open to the public who will have their last chance to see the vessel as a working warship.

Commanding Officer of HMS Liverpool, Commander Colin Williams, said: “This visit is one of celebration and appreciation of the sterling service which this exceptional ship has offered her country during her three decades at sea.

“To be bringing her back home to Liverpool is, without question, not only the absolute pinnacle of this celebration but also a very poignant and dignified moment in her long and illustrious life.

“The departure of the ship will be an equally crowd-pleasing spectacle, with gun salutes being granted to Cammell Laird and during a sail past the city’s waterfront.”

Can't wait to see the old girl one last time. If anyone is on face book who are ex crew from any of the 42's, there is a type 42 association which is growing fast. Just type it in on the search box. Best ships in the fleet.

If her last visit is anything to go by, I'm going to have a whale of a time!! Sad that she's being decomm'd but so happy that she is coming back one last time, especially as Cdr Williams said she would not be back.

It was an honour to go to the ceremony last time but this one will be the most emotional I think.

Target!

Itinerary for HMS Liverpool's final visit.

I can't wait

She arrives in the next hour, due in 09.30 at the latest

my mate served on the liverpool for a good few years in the early 90s.
we're going into cammell lairds on monday for the salute.

Served on her and Southampton. Best ships in the fleet. Will be getting loads of shots on Monday as booked the day off work. Will be sad to see her finally go. The photo's on the type42 association web site of her sister ships being chopped up on a Turkish beach are horrible. Sad end for such a wonderful ship after giving years of loyal service. Pity she couldn't be sold on like many other's in the past

There are flags in the windows around New Brighton - a fine sight.

when were you on it mate?
my mate was an MEM on there - ian proctor.

Away at a Submariners run this weekend but will be back to say cheerio on Monday. Look forward to seeing one of the new ones visiting some time, they look awesome,as indeed the Liverpool did when it was launched. Always sad to see the old girls go.

Was a jack dusty on Southampton 2000 Falklands, South America, West Africa and Liverpool in 94 Med, europe. Don't know an Ian but I know a Frank Proctor from Wallasey RNA. Just looked on the Type 42 Assoc on Facebook and we haven't got an Ian Proctor as a member. Tell him to add himself if he's on Facebook. Over 2000 members

I was at the Farewell Service today at Liverpool Parish Church and the March, so will post some photos later.