WATCH: HMS Ocean arrives in Sunderland

HMS Ocean has arrived in Sunderland with the sound of gunfire, for a final farewell before it is decommissioned after 20 years of service.

The aircraft carrier, which has been affiliated with the city since 1997, is set to be replaced by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth by spring next year.

The Royal Navy's Fleet Flagship is docked at the Port of Sunderland ahead of a weekend of events, including an evening reception and an open day.

More than 240 officers and ratings from the Ship's Company will exercise HMS Ocean's Freedom of the City, by marching through the streets, accompanied by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

Commanding Officer, Captain Robert Pedre, said: "It is a great honour..."

Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Doris MacKnight said he's "delighted" to be welcoming HMS Ocean and her crew back to the city for a final time:

The City of Sunderland’s affiliation with HMS Ocean is the latest manifestation of a long association between the City and the Royal Navy.

Ships were built on the Wear as early as 1366 and by the height of the Empire, one in every 10 ships bore the imprint ‘made in Sunderland’.

The City’s links with the Royal Navy date back many years; the last ship to be affiliated with the City of Sunderland, HMS Arrow, decommissioned in 1993 – HMS Ocean was affiliated with the City in 1997.

Councillor Gowan Scott, the then Mayor of Sunderland, was present at the naming ceremony for the Ship at Barrow in Furness in 1997, a visit that was reciprocated by the Ship’s Company to join the City in their celebrations for the inauguration of the then new Sunderland Minster.

Councillor Wally Scott, the then Mayor of Sunderland, was present at the commissioning ceremony for the Ship when it was brought ‘onto the books’ and could finally fly the White Ensign of the Royal Navy; also in 1997.

A Commissioning Book was designed and published by Year 2 NVQ Advanced Art and Design Students studying at the City of Sunderland College.

HMS Ocean’s last visit to Sunderland was conducted in May 2015 and hosted by the then Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Stuart Porthouse. The Ship’s Company used this visit as an opportunity to exercise their freedom of the city and march thought the streets.

In 2016, HMS Ocean's Field Gun Team visited the city and ‘ran out’ the gun demonstrating this long held naval tradition that dates back to the Boer War. The visit was made during the football season and thus included interaction with SAFC; the Field Gun run was witnessed by HRH the Princess Royal. The visit was hosted by the then Mayor, Councillor Barry Curran.