RFA Mounts Bay left the Falmouth port and the dock of A&P, a British ship repair and conversion company, after 18 months of works.
Since January last year, RFA Mounts Bay has been alongside at the town’s Duchy Wharf, initially in extended readiness, then undergoing the most comprehensive overhaul in her ten-year career.
Shipwrights and engineers from the firm revamped Mounts Bay’s machinery, accommodation areas and her sick bay, before the 60-strong crew filed aboard the ship back in August to begin regenerating her ready for sea trials.
Sea trials are now under way off the South Coast. Still to come is Operational Sea Training, the rigorous assessment of the ship’s company and equipment to ensure they are ready for the demands of deployment, followed by sailing on front-line duties early next year.
The amphibious support ship has been affiliated with Falmouth since 2007 when her crew were granted the freedom of the town.
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Image: Royal Navy