SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
As part of this weekend’s Sunderland International Airshow, Fleet Amphibious Flagship HMS Bulwark will be making her imposing presence felt in a spectacular amphibious demonstration on Seaburn Beach.
The Devonport-based amphibious assault ship is due to arrive in Sunderland this afternoon from around 3.30pm.
Once clear of the port’s inner breakwater, HMS Bulwark will be turned and reversed into dock at Corporation Quay by three tugs and a pilot.
HMS Blyth will come in behind her and berth off her bow. The whole docking process is expected to take about an hour and a half.
Neither ship is open to the general public, but HMS Bulwark will be accommodating programmed visits by schools, youth groups and special interest groups.
Best viewing point will be Riverside outside National Glass Centre. Rain is forecast at HMS Bulwark’s arrival time.
On Friday, the Ship’s Company will exercise the Freedom of the City of Durham, with some 300 sailors and marines proudly marching through the city centre led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.
Early on Saturday morning, HMS Bulwark will leave Sunderland and take station a mile off Seaburn Beach.
Thousands of spectators will then enjoy a display of the ship’s amphibious capabilities at 1pm on Saturday 23 July as landing craft deliver Royal Marines and Viking tracked vehicles against an ‘enemy’ held artillery position.
The position will be defended by members of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and The Queen’s Own Yeomanry. The mine-countermeasures vessel HMS Blyth will simulate mine clearance activities off the beach including an ‘underwater explosion’ simulating a sea-mine detonation.
The 30-minute demonstration is designed to showcase a wide range of UK amphibious capabilities and will provide noise, colour and movement all components for an exciting spectacle. The demonstration will be repeated at 2pm on Sunday 24 July.
Captain James Parkin, Captain of HMS Bulwark said: “Visiting the North East is always a delight and taking part in the Sunderland International Airshow, having just exercised the Freedom of Durham, promises to be a very exciting and special week for everyone in HMS Bulwark.”