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Royal Navy patrol ship turns attentions to Caribbean ops after taking centre stage in New Orleans
10 June 2026
A Royal Navy patrol ship is turning her attentions to Caribbean operations after being a top attraction in New Orleans for 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.
Portsmouth-based HMS Trent welcomed 2,000 members of the public and hosted officials and engagement events in The Big Easy as part of an international flotilla taking part in Sail250 events on the famous Mississippi waterfront.
Interested local television crews came aboard to film on Trent, while sailors had the opportunity to explore cultural areas in the city, sample the Louisiana cuisine and climb the rigging of the tall ships gathered for the occasion.
Part of the USA’s 250th birthday events, Sail250 celebrated maritime heritage, international friendships and the spirit of service that unites sailors across generations and borders.
HMS Trent’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Stevenson, said: “It has been an honour to represent the Royal Navy at such a prestigious event marking America’s semi-quincentennial anniversary.
“Two hundred and fifty years on from being much less welcome on American soil, it is a pleasure to be here as part of the celebrations and now as one of America’s closest military partners and staunchest allies.”
Trent’s ship’s company had the opportunity to explore the culture of New Orleans and engage with other sailors who were taking part in the event, including from the US Coast Guard and the US, Colombian, Royal Netherlands, Chilean and Peruvian Navies.
Leading Hand Angulo-Mendoza said: “The culture of New Orleans was interesting to see, and it was good to see how appreciative people were of us being in the military. I enjoyed being out in rig and people being so nice. It was interesting to get to know people from other services and trade patches with them.”
During the visit, new legislature was announced on Trent by UK Consul-General to the Southern States, Richard Shackleton and Michael Bayham, State Representative of Louisiana, which will support free trade between the UK and the state.
The patrol ship then provided the backdrop the opening ceremony of Sail250, before Trent was opened to visitors for tours, to meet sailors and learn about the role of the Royal Navy.
This included a visit from the New Orleans Pussyfooters marching troupe, parading their trademark pink plumage and corsets.
Trent linked up with the US Coast Guard, with USCGC Mohawk moored outboard, providing an excellent opportunity for bonding and building trust.
Added to that, members of the ship’s company got the opportunity to climb the rigging of USCGC Eagle, a stunning 90m sailing barque used as a training ship.
Weapon Engineering Officer Lieutenant Harry Jukes said: “Having the opportunity to climb Eagle’s rigging allowed me to be connected with our sea-going forebears, and to get a small taste of how it must have felt manning the rigging in a rough sea state and potentially at war. Even with modern safety equipment providing peace of mind, it’s still a long way down if you fall.”
Other ships visited included the Chilean CNS Esmeralda, a 371-foot four masted barquentine training ship; Peruvian BAP Union, a four masted barque training ship; Colombian ARC Gloria, a three masted barque training ship; USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship; USS Farragut, a guided missile destroyer.
Meanwhile, some British sailors went on a ‘Rig Run’ – going into the city in their uniform alongside US Coast Guard and Navy colleagues.
Taking in Bourbon Street, a historic strip in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter lined with jazz bars and a lively atmosphere. Many of those who took part felt like minor celebrities with people throwing beads to them from the balconies.
AB (Sea) Cummings said: “My highlight of the visit was engaging with our allies in true naval traditions such as coin and patch exchanging and celebrating our historic partnership, whilst enjoying the beautiful local culture of New Orleans.”
LET Loum added: “I took part in the Rig Run, and it was my very first one. It was an incredible experience, and I have never felt so proud to be in uniform.
“The respect we received from everyone along the route was overwhelming, and the amount of support and generosity shown to us was unreal. This rig run has to be one of the highlights of my career so far. From start to finish, I loved every minute of it and feel privileged. It was an experience I will never forget.”