HMS Atherstone and HMS Walney arrive in Malta today for a short visit until Saturday.

HMS Atherstone was launched on 1 March 1986 and is commanded by Lieutenant Commander G. Dale-Smith. A member of the Hunt class of Minesweeper, she is the largest warship to be constructed using glass reinforced plastic.

HMS Walney, under the Command of Lieutenant Commander Richard Lindsey, was launched on 25 November 1991 and commissioned into Naval service on 19 August 1992. The name “Walney” comes from the island off Barrow-in-Furness on the northwest coast of England.

Further information about HMS Atherstone and HMS Walney can be found at: www.royal-navy.mod.uk

The two ships will be berthed at Pinto Wharf 3. Due to the short period alongside, they will not be open to the public

during their stay.