HMS Richmond goes back to sea

[Anth]

Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Richmond is back at sea after an 18-month, multi-million pound refit which has transformed her into one of the Navy’s most capable warships.

HMS Richmond goes back to sea after an 18-month refit.
[Picture: Royal Navy]

The Type 23 vessel has returned to sea on schedule following the upgrade carried out at Portsmouth Naval Base by Fleet Support Ltd (FSL). A team of inspecting officers declared the ship ready to begin sea trials aimed at proving all the machinery and weapons systems.

The refit has included a series of complex structural alterations and system fits, including a new 4.5in Mod 1 gun and the latest towed array sonar which will maintain her technological edge in submarine hunting. An upgrade of her aviation capability will allow her to operate the highly-capable Merlin helicopter.

The ship’s propulsion and mechanical systems have received a major overhaul, and there has been a thorough make-over of all accommodation on board, including conversion of the ship to accept female personnel for the first time.

The frigate’s Commanding Officer, Commander Piers Hurrell, said:

"This is a key milestone for HMS Richmond, and significant effort has been expended by both FSL and the ship’s staff against a very tight timeline. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to put the ship through her paces over the next few weeks, and thrilled that she is now back at sea where she belongs."

Following three months of trials, HMS Richmond will return to active service in the autumn as one of the best equipped frigates in the Fleet. She will then be available for deployment to ensure maritime security world-wide.
HMS Richmond is one of 13 Type 23 frigates in service with the Royal Navy, six being based in Portsmouth. She has a length of 133 metres and displaces more than 4,000 tonnes. Her armament includes a vertical-launch Sea Wolf surface-to-air missile system, anti-submarine torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. She was commissioned in 1995 and has a ship’s company of 183.

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