Eastbourne renews 'historic' Royal Navy link with HMS Puncher at ceremony
Eastbourne Borough Council renewed its ‘historic affiliation’ with HMS Puncher - an Archer-class patrol vessel - during a re-signing ceremony at the Town Hall.
The event saw the Mayor of Eastbourne sign a Memorandum of Understanding alongside representatives from the Royal Navy.
Eastbourne Borough Council said the ceremony reaffirmed ties that have existed since 1999 and ‘symbolises ongoing mutual support between the town and the Royal Navy’.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Civic List and representatives from local seafaring organisations that also share links with HMS Puncher, including the RNLI, the Royal Naval Association, and Eastbourne Sea Cadets.
Councillor Margaret Bannister, the Mayor of Eastbourne, said: "It was a great honour to officially re-pledge Eastbourne's support for the brave men and women serving aboard HMS Puncher.
"This affiliation is a cherished part of our town's maritime heritage, a tradition that offers the ship's company a vital connection back to the land and demonstrates our appreciation for the important role of the Royal Navy."
HMS Puncher is part of the Coastal Forces Squadron (South), based in Portsmouth. The patrol vessel is operated by a small, dedicated team of five sailors and regularly supports maritime security operations, experimental trials, and exercises with NATO (North Atlantic treaty Organisation) allies within Europe’s coastal waters.
The Mayor added: "We are dedicated to strengthening this bond, building on the work we do through our Armed Forces Covenant, which we updated last year. We look forward to facilitating future opportunities for the ship's company to engage with and inspire our local community."