HMS Portland

Having departed Lima, Peru HMS Portland then headed north for some counter narcotics tasking on her journey home; and the quickest way back from the Pacific is through the Panama Canal.

HMS Portland arrived in Callao, the port of Lima in Peru, on 25 September 2010 for a 5 day visit that featured a number of diplomatic, social and military engagements; further raising the Royal Navy’s profile and helping re-establish Britain’s comittment in South America.

A set of three church bells, that almost 150 years ago, were taken across the Atlantic to Wales from Chile are finally about to make the final leg of the voyage home thanks to HMS Portland.  Once back in Chile the bells will play an important role in the country’s bicentennial celebrations.

On leaving the Falkland Islands HMS Portland spent a few testing days Navigating through the Magellan Straits and then the Patagonian Canals.

Number One Gun Fire!  The sound of Portland’s Ceremonial saluting guns echoed around East Cove as Portland left the Falklands in style.

Having finished her patrol duties in the South Atlantic, HMS Portland has played a starring role in an historic celebration in Chile.