Royal Navy’s HMS Monmouth returned to operational service after refits and upgrades on October 29.
The upgrade in Plymouth, performed by Babcock Marine, has included 17 tonnes of steel covering 220 square metres of steel and over 1km of welding.
Also, 29 different equipment updates were conducted including the new 3-D air surveillance radar, the Sea Wolf defence missile system and a new command and control combat system (the brains of the ship).
The ship is now fit to take on what ever operational tasking is required in any part of the world, whether war-fighting or humanitarian – potentially for 20 more years.
A rededication service was held at HM Naval Base, Devonport, with a Royal Marines Band, VIPs from the ship’s affiliate area of Monmouth in South Wales and a formal parade.
The ship is now ready to operate in UK and European waters under the full command of the Fleet Commander, conducting maritime security operations as well as continuing to train collectively ahead of a future overseas deployment.
HMS Monmouth served for seven months in the Gulf deterring piracy and other illegal activities at sea before her refit ended this summer and has been intensively training at sea ever since.
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Image: Royal Navy