Kitts and Nevis this weekend.

The ships' visit coincide with celebrations to mark the Federation's 23rd Anniversary of Independence.

HMS Iron Duke will dock at Port Zante, while the Wave Ruler will anchor off Charlestown, Nevis. The ships arrive Sunday and depart on Tuesday.

Iron Duke is under the command of Andy Jordan and has a compliment of 20 officers, 40 Senior Ratings, 110 Junior Ratings and 3 civilians.

Wave Ruler is under the command of Bill Tait and has a compliment of 23 officers, 12 Senior Ratings, 42 Junior Ratings, 12 Royal Naval officers for the helicopter on board and 8 civilians.

A platoon of 24 officers from the Iron Duke will participate in the military parade at Warner Park to mark the 23rd Anniversary of Independence on Tuesday 19th September.

The ships are on its six-month tour of the Caribbean. When in this region, the ships carry out a number of diplomatic and military tasks, including visits to United Kingdom overseas territories and other nations and counter-drug operations.

The Type 23 frigate was deployed June 19 from Portsmouth, England, under the leadership of Cmdr. Andy Jordan.

Commissioned in 1993, HMS Iron Duke is powered by two Spey gas turbine engines and four diesel generators with a maximum speed of 28 knots.

The present HMS Iron Duke is the third Royal Navy ship to bear the name. The ship, which cost $265 million to build, displaces 4,000 tons and is 432 feet long.