Royal Navy minehunter HMS Penzance strengthened the service’s links with the Isle of Man during a weekend stopover January 27th.
The visit was the first port visit by MCM1 Crew 8 – and enabled junior crew members to experience their first run ashore.
Several high-profile visitors were welcomed aboard the Sandown-class, including His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer, the Mayor of Douglas Janet Thommeny and her consort.
Visitors also included the Deputy President of the Tynwald, the oldest continuous parliament in the world, and the Isle of Man Government’s Armed Forces Champion.
During tours of the ship personnel explained the world of mine hunting and what Crew 8 has been up to over the past couple of years in the Gulf.
Other visitors during the weekend included the Douglas Lifeboat Crew, TT marshals and students from King William College Combined Cadet Force.
Members of the ship’s company got the chance to visit the Manx Museum, Port Erin beach, explore part of the famous TT track and climbed the island’s highest peak, Snaefell Mountain.
Penzance’s Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Rob Couzens said: “Crew 8 has been well looked after and I would highly recommend a visit to the Isle of Man.”