The Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke, is scheduled to arrive in Haiti on November 23 for his trip back to Portsmouth, its port of origin, after a 6 month deployment in the South Atlantic.

The type 23 frigate, will dock at the port of Cap-Haitien and will stop for 2 days. It will receive on board local dignitaries at a reception and will demonstrate its capabilities of warship. His sailors will take part in local projects in order to provide assistance to the Haitian community and will challenge a team in a football match.

"It's been a long time since a warship of the Royal Navy visited Haiti and we will draw a 21 guns salute when we will reach to celebrate this occasion," declared Commander HMS Iron Duke, Tom Treday.

The visit is part of regional commitments with the Partners UK nations in Africa and the Caribbean, in order to maintain the presence of the Royal Navy in this region. HMS Iron Duke is provided particularly with a new 3D radar (RT997) and a missile system of high technology. It also features a helicopter Lyns Mark 8 very versatile, which can support a fighting force, provide an assistance during an emergency evacuation, identify pirates and illegal fishing and facilitate routine work such as the transfer of goods.

Did you know ?

The current Iron Duke, launched in 1991, is the third ship to bear the name. The first was built in 1870 and was one of the first ships covered with iron, hence its name. The second HMS Iron Duke was the flagship of the Royal Navy and May 31, 1916, Admiral Jellicoe led from its bridge the Battle of Jutland, the largest clash of battleships that Europe has ever seen on the water.

HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre