HMS
Liverpool has escorted the Al Hani - flagship of the Free Libya Forces
- into Tripoli harbour now the capital is no longer in the hands of
Gaddafi's former regime.
Flying the flags of 'Free Libya' and with the upper deck packed with
soldiers ready to support comrades already on the ground in Tripoli,
the Al Hani was escorted by NATO warships from Benghazi, across the
Gulf of Sirte, first to Misurata, then 120 miles (193km) further west
to the capital.
It fell to HMS Liverpool to shepherd the ship on the
final leg of the historic journey, with the Libyan sailors and soldiers
on board enthusiastically waving and shouting thanks from the frigate's
upper deck.
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Liverpool's Commanding Officer,
Commander Colin Williams, said:
"As the Al Hani became
visible on the horizon, Free Libya flags flying, it was clear that not
only her ship's company were on board - the upper deck was crowded.
"This is a significant
milestone in the rebel campaign - to take a former Gaddafi warship into
the capital, until very recently held by Gaddafi, shows the extent of
the achievement by the Libyan people.
"This is one of the
first steps to the establishment of a stable and secure country, free
from the Gaddafi regime." |
