HMS St Albans for independence celebrations

HMS St Albans will call at Malta on Monday to coincide with independence celebrations, which will include a visit by Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal will attend several events and receptions throughout her stay and her itinerary will include an opportunity to meet with members of the ship's company.

The ship had paid a visit to Malta on return passage from a deployment earlier this year. It was part of the UK-led task force 150, joining French, Spanish, German, Italian and US naval forces to contribute to Operation Enduring Freedom in the Gulf areas and Horn of Africa. One of its key responsibilities was to check or board ships transiting though its assigned areas.

The visit to Malta last April was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all onboard, the Royal Navy said yesterday. It said many sailors had commented on the warmth and friendship of the Maltese people.

Since returning to Portsmouth in May, the ship has undergone an extensive period of maintenance and upper deck preservation, with many systems being overhauled after almost seven months away.

Commanding Officer Mark Knibbs RN said: "This visit to Malta promises to be just as successful and as enjoyable as our last stopover earlier this year. We are honoured to be able to be part of the celebrations and for our ship to be so prominent in the Grand Harbour at such an auspicious time."

HMS St Albans is the 16th and last of the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates and was launched on May 6, 2000. Its company comprises between 17 and 22 officers, 57 senior ratings and 111 junior ratings.

The ship's offensive weapons include the main 4.5" gun and smaller calibre guns, the Harpoon anti-ship missile system and anti-submarine torpedoes. The main gun is primarily used for support of the army in land operations, bombarding positions ashore as required. The ship also carries a helicopter, a potent weapons platform in itself.

The ship's primary weapon is the vertical launch Sea Wolf missile system, which can engage aircraft and missile targets. Other self-defence systems include a number of decoys and close range guns.

Four generators supply electrical power for the entire ship and this is enough to power a small town - something the ship is able to do if engaged in disaster relief operations. All fresh water is derived from sea water through reverse osmosis.

The ship will be berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.