MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Liverpool, veteran of the Falklands conflict to be decommissioned 2012

The Type 42 destroyer

HMS Liverpool set sail out of the Mersey city for the last time as her four-day ceremonial visit drew to a close. The Type 42 Destroyer, built by Cammell Laird, was heading north for operational sea training before going on an active deployment in the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf later in the year.

HMS Liverpool is due to be decommissioned next year. Since being launched in 1980, she has taken part in operations in the Falkland Islands, counter-drug smuggling measures in the Caribbean and was deployed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq

During their stay in Liverpool, the crew marched through the city as honored Freemen, bestowed upon them in 1983. It was the first time many of the sailors had taken part in a march.

Before the march the crew attended a service at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church, known as the “Sailor’s Church”, and were treated to a reception at the Town Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Hazel Williams.

Cllr Williams said she was delighted to host the occasion and took a look round the ship herself over the weekend.

“This visit was one of the highlights of my year as Lord Mayor. It really showed how great we are as a city. I am very proud the city of Liverpool and HMS Liverpool have such a close association, a bond which only strengthened on this visit.

“We were all very sad to see the ship and her crew leave.”

The captain of HMS Liverpool, Commander Colin Williams, said the ship’s company were “hugely grateful” for the welcome they received and said he hoped to return the ship to the city once more before she leaves the senior service.