Sailor on board for Navy destroyer’s last journey (From Swindon Advertiser)

Sailor on board for Navy destroyer’s last journey

12:40pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News

SWINDON sailor Chris Hill was part of an historic journey when the last of the Royal Navy’s Type 42 destroyers sailed on her final international journey before being decommissioned from the service.

HMS Edinburgh sailed into New York, with the company lining the decks as she manoeuvred through New York harbour to her temporary home at Brooklyn Pier 7 for the next few days.

On board was Able Seaman 21-year-old Chris Hill, who works as a weapons engineer. He said: “Arriving in New York, and being one stop from Portsmouth, just highlights the fact that we really are reaching the end of the Type 42 story. But I know we will all keep working right to the end.

“Edinburgh is only my second ship and she has been a lot of fun. I have met loads of people on board that I will remain friends with when she is decommissioned and when we all go on to new ships.”

Since departing the UK last September HMS Edinburgh has undertaken a range of tasks across the length of the Atlantic in support of British interests worldwide.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Borbone, said: “HMS Edinburgh is the last in class and has consistently remained a capable ship with a highly trained and motivated company and I am extremely proud to have served in her.”