Exeter called in at Monaco following a brief stop in the sheltered bay at Villefranche-Sur-Mer, an idyllic French town a few miles west of the principality, from where the ship's Commanding Officer Commander Paul Brown was able to carry out some of his official engagements including visiting the Royal Palace and signing the Prince's visitors' book.
The short passage from Villefranche-Sur-Mer to Monaco then provided a rare opportunity to embark prominent members of the local community and demonstrate HMS Exeter's capability, also giving an insight into life on board a Royal Navy destroyer.
Immediately after arrival, the ship prepared to entertain over 120 guests at the official reception, with the backdrop providing a glamorous setting for the occasion. Cdr Brown, who first visited the principality as a young midshipman serving on board the frigate HMS Minerva in 1990, explained:
"It is a real privilege to return to Monte Carlo and I'm particularly proud to do so in HMS Exeter."
The ship's company received an overwhelming welcome from local people. Thirty of HMS Exeter's sailors, dressed in their Number One uniforms, toured the Formula One circuit in Porsches, a Jaguar XKR and a Bentley. Whilst no track records were set, the sailors enjoyed the experience as they took in some of Monaco's famous landmarks including the Casino Royale and the famous F1 tunnel.
Others took the opportunity to have a look at the 'megayacht' Rio Rita, as well as enjoying an invitation by the City Mayor to visit the Flower Festival Carnival in Nice. The ship has now sailed from Monaco to resume participation in the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean.
HMS Exeter is a Type 42 Destroyer launched in 1978 and commissioned in 1980. Her weapons system includes the Sea Dart Medium Range Anti Aircraft Missile, Stingray torpedoes, Sea Skua missiles, a 4.5-inch gun, 20 mm cannon and Miniguns as well as a Lynx Mk8 helicopter. Her main propulsion comes from four Rolls Royce Gas turbine engines, two Tynes for cruising and two Olympus for fast sprint. This gives the ship a maximum speed of approximately 28 knots. The ship displaces 4,500 tons and is 133 metres in length. She has a complement of 26 officers and 214 sailors.