HMS Montrose’s commanding officer yesterday said bringing the warship “home” was one of the proudest moments of his naval career.
Commander James Parkin said taking the ship back to Montrose for the first time in six years was an ambition since taking up his post in July 2012.
He said: “My predecessor Jonathan Lett said his greatest regret was not taking the ship into Montrose because the programme just didn’t allow it.
“Bringing HMS Montrose home was an ambition of mine right from the very beginning and this is one of the proudest moments of my naval career.”
The Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate sailed into the harbour at around 5am for a six-day visit at North Quay.
Photo Gallery: HMS Montrose comes ‘home’ to Angus
Commander Parkin said: “This is the fourth time the ship has come to Montrose in 20 years and I’m delighted to be in command for this return visit.
“Whenever we do something no matter where we are in the world we always make sure the local Press are informed of our activities, so people back home realise that although we can’t be physically here, they are in our hearts and we think about them a lot.
“I consider myself an honorary Gable Ender.”
It is the public’s turn to get up close when HMS Montrose opens her gangway to visitors from 10am to 5pm on Thursday.
Leading Seaman Graeme Riddell from Stirling said everyone on board was aware of the close association between the ship’s company and the people of Angus.
He said: “It’s nice to come home and we’re all looking forward to maintaining our strong links with Montrose while we are here.”
Navigator Ben Dorrington, from London, said bringing the ship into Montrose was challenging, with just under 10 yards of safe water either side.
He added: “It’s quite tricky but it’s nice to know that not many people have done it before.”
The ship’s company will exercise its right to march through the streets of Montrose tonight with a parade starting at the former swimming pool at 6pm, when the ship’s company, led by the band of HM Royal Marines, will march the full length of Montrose High Street.
The parade will finish on George Street at around 7pm. Traffic management measures and parking restrictions will be applied in the area between 4pm and 7.30pm.