Richard MaddenEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Dale Baxter/BBCA sailor has told how his career has gone full circle after visiting the warship he now serves on as a child.
Jack Burrow, from Keyingham, East Yorkshire, joined the Royal Navy in 2019 and serves as the gun controller on HMS Iron Duke.
The Type 23 frigate has arrived in Hull, which it is affiliated with, to welcome visitors this weekend.
Leading seaman Burrow said: “I remember visiting when I was about four years old. The only thing I remember is going in the gun, and 20 years later I’m now in charge of them.”
He added: “Back then, I came onboard with my mum. Both my parents are really proud of me, I can’t wait for them to come and visit so I can show them around.”
Dale Baxter/BBCHMS Iron Duke is docked at the King George Dock, off Hedon Road, before it returns to regular patrols and exercises across northern Europe and the Baltic.
Tickets for a public open day on Sunday sold out with 3,000 people expected to visit.
HMS Iron Duke last visited Hull in 2017. It was granted Freedom of the City in 2011.
Cdr David Armstrong, the ship’s captain, said the return to the city marked an “operation pause” and 48 hours earlier his crew had escorted a Russian frigate out of UK waters.
The navy is preparing to replace HMS Iron Duke .
Cdr Armstrong said: “She’s reaching the twilight of her service and has been active for 33 years. We know she’ll be replaced by the Inspiration class frigates which are being built.
“We’ll be sad to see Iron Duke go because you do become attached to these ships. That said, this won’t be the last time she comes to Hull and I’m sure we’ll be back as soon as possible.”
