The US Coast Guard training vessel Eagle is set to return to the island next week with a new cadre of cadets.

The 295ft sailing vessel, originally built for the German navy but claimed by the United States as a war reparation after the Second World War, is set to arrive on Front Street on Wednesday next week.

A spokeswoman for the US Consulate said: “The Eagle crew last visited Hamilton in 2015. After departing Bermuda, Eagle crew will set a course for Norfolk, Virginia, following the same route charted by Eagle crew members when first the Barque came to the United States 70 years ago.

“While in port, cadets from the Eagle will engage in several community projects with Habitat for Humanity Bermuda and Keep Bermuda Beautiful.”

The Eagle has served as a classroom at sea to future Coast Guard officers since 1946, offering an at-sea leadership and professional development experience. A permanent crew of six officers and 55 enlisted personnel maintain the ship and train up to 150 cadets at a time in the skills of navigation, damage control, watch-standing, engineering and deck seamanship.

The Summer 2016 deployment is scheduled to last five months and include visits to 11 ports, including Bermuda and three European ports.

The vessel will also be open for tours while moored along Front Street. Tours will begin on Wednesday, running between 1pm and 4pm, and continue on Thursday and Friday between 10am and 7pm.