Essex has a close relationship with the Royal Navy thanks to our rich maritime history.
It's more important than ever that we show our support for its brave service men and women around the world. That's why residents now have a Royal Navy ship they can call their own.
We have agreed to affiliate the county of Essex with HMS Venturer - a Type 31 frigate being built in Scotland.
The next generation ship will represent the more than 1.8 million residents living in Essex. From Chigwell to Colchester and Braintree to Basildon.
It is the first Royal Navy ship to be associated with our county in 30 years.
HMS Ashanti was affiliated with Southend until she ended active duties in the 1980s.
The minesweeper HMS Orwell also enjoyed ties with Harwich - a key naval base through both world wars.
HMS Venturer is named after a World War II submarine. This made history as the first sub to sink another while both were submerged.
Her modern-day successor will perform duties around the globe for at least a quarter of a century.
She will be crewed by 115 sailors, with capacity for another 70, when she enters service later this decade.
Along with four other frigates, HMS Venturer is designed for wide-ranging operations. This includes escorting aircraft carrier strike groups and operating independently on security patrols.
HMS Venturer establishes deep ties with our county. Its name represents technology and innovation, inspired by the feats of its predecessor and the county of Essex.
We are proud to be affiliated with HMS Venturer and look forward to its maiden voyage.
Keep up to date with the latest news from HMS Venturer.