The Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship visited Egypt as part of a busy autumn deployment in the Mediterranean.
HMS Albion, leading the UK’s Littoral Response Group (North), spent time in Alexandria before working alongside the Egyptian Navy.
The stop also saw Albion host a series of delegates while the ship’s company got to see some of the country’s famous landmarks.
On a visit to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, sailors visited the El Alamein War Cemetery for a service to remember all those who lost their lives in the Second Battle of El Alamein 80 years ago. Commemorations also took place at the German War Cemetery in El Alamein.
Attending the events alongside His Majesty’s Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley were Albion’s crew and her commanding officer Captain Simon Kelly. He said: “Remembering those who have laid down their lives to ensure we all enjoy the freedoms we have today is both an honour and a privilege.
“It is right that, alongside our Commonwealth and international allies and partners, we pay tribute to the thousands of service personnel who sadly did not return home from El Alamein 80 years ago.”
While in Egypt, the Devonport-based ship’s sailors were able to experience ancient sites such as the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
On behalf of the British Embassy in Cairo, HMS Albion also hosted senior diplomatic and military personnel from Egypt and other partner nations during a reception and capability demonstration.
Guests were shown around a Wildcat Maritime Attack helicopter, saw a Puma remotely-piloted air system and were given a demonstration of a ‘Dragon Runner’ bomb disposal robot.
Shortly after leaving Alexandria Naval Base, HMS Albion worked alongside Egyptian frigate ENS Taba, strengthening the knowledge of those on both ships.
The two warships carried out a series of manoeuvres, including a passing exercise, practising how two navies are able to safely communicate and cooperate when operating in close proximity to one another.
Able Seaman Kallum Connell said: “As a Seaman Specialist, bridge watch-keeping is one of my main duties and a part of the job I really enjoy.
“Working with other navies is always exciting, particularly ones I’ve not worked with or even seen before. Sailing alongside the Egyptian frigate was a really good way to round off the visit to Alexandria.”
