Flagship Role

County Durham's adopted Royal Navy vessel, the 18,400 tonne amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark has become the County's official 'flagship'. When the then commanding officer Captain Clive Johnstone (pictured below, receiving the flag from then Durham County Council Chairman Ernie Foster) visited the County in December 2005 he was presented with a County Durham flag to fly from the ship whenever possible.

It is hoped County Durham's colours will be flown far and wide.

Councillor Ernie Foster said:

"The regulations about what flags can be flown and when on board a Royal Navy ship are very strict. But when a ship is refuelling and replenishing alongside a support ship at sea, it has the opportunity to fly an 'unofficial' flag so we hope they'll fly the flag for County Durham whenever possible."

However even when not flying the County flag the links forged between HMS Bulwark and the County will be on constant display through the innovative use of bus stop signs.

You can follow HMS Bulwark's progress through the Captain's Blog.

The ship's capabilities
History of the ship
The ship's affiliations