HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Pembroke, to honour iconic vessel, HMS Pembroke, as she returned the Freedom of the town of Pembroke in a moving display of maritime history. With the 26-year-old Sandown Class mine hunter now approaching her decommissioning, the poignant ceremony marked the return of the cherished freedom bestowed upon her namesake town since 2006.

As the majestic warship sailed gracefully into Pembroke Dock, onlookers watched in awe as she berthed with a sense of dignity that only comes from decades of devoted service. The crew of HMS Pembroke, accompanied by sea cadets from Tenby, Milford Haven, and Fishguard, whose units share a profound affiliation with the warship, paraded through the town’s historic streets, led by the rhythmic beats of marching drums.

Enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd of locals and visitors alike, who had gathered to witness this unique spectacle. The sense of pride was palpable as the crew of HMS Pembroke, comprising around 40 highly skilled men and women, including mine warfare specialists, mine clearance divers, engineers, officers, and chefs, marched with unwavering unity.

The culmination of the parade took place at the historic Pembroke Castle, where the Freedom of the Town of Pembroke was tenderly returned, and a poignant decommissioning service was held. Emotions ran high as the crew and their cherished vessel embraced the town’s recognition and bid farewell to a chapter that will forever remain etched in the hearts of the community.

With the Freedom of the Town ceremony completed, the crew of HMS Pembroke took the time to connect with locals, dignitaries, and the aspiring young sea cadets, forging lasting memories and bonds in the spirit of unity that defines the Royal Navy.

HMS Pembroke, a 52.5 metre mine counter-measures vessel (MCMV), stationed at HMNB Clyde, has been a stalwart guardian of the global sea lines of communication, ensuring smooth trade operations for over two and a half decades. With a weight of 485 tonnes, this gallant warship has traversed more than 2,500 nautical miles since her maiden launch in 1997.

Not only has HMS Pembroke carried out vital mine clearance missions, but she has also been an embodiment of cultural diversity aboard her decks. Within her tight-knit crew, languages such as English, German, French, Welsh, and Spanish intermingle, fostering a truly international environment.

The warship’s illustrious history has been punctuated by remarkable achievements, including a memorable mission off the coast of Lithuania. During this operation, HMS Pembroke utilized a remote underwater vehicle to positively identify a historic Russian mine from the First World War. With precision and expertise, Royal Navy mine clearance divers then safely disposed of the 100-year-old ordnance, underscoring the vessel’s unwavering commitment to global maritime safety.

Steeped in history, the name “HMS Pembroke” holds a legacy that spans centuries. The original vessel, launched in 1665, faced a series of fates, including a collision leading to its loss just 12 years later. Subsequent iterations met various destinies, from capture by the French in 1709 to shipwreck off the West Indies in 1749 and eventual sale in 1905.

As the sun sets on the current HMS Pembroke’s illustrious journey, the Royal Navy prepares to bid adieu to the venerable Sandown Class mine hunters.

All mine countermeasures vessels in the fleet are set to retire during this decade, making way for automated systems.

The Sandown Class ships, including the beloved HMS Pembroke, will be replaced with state-of-the-art autonomous minehunting systems, with specialized “motherships” deployed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).