, HMS Richmond has returned to service after an upgrade has made her one of the most modern and best equipped ships in the fleet.
The ship, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was formally accepted back into the fleet at a ceremony on 13 October 2006. She spent 18 months out of action during a refit in Portsmouth carried out by Fleet Support Limited.
Families and friends of the 185 strong ship's company joined special guests at the rededication ceremony in Portsmouth Naval Base.
The ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Piers Hurrell, said:
“The rededication of a warship as it rejoins the fleet is an important and emotional event making a major milestone in the ship's life.
“The gathering of HMS Richmond's ship's company, along with our families and friends, marks this new start and is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the ship and her company and to look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. The presence of so many of our affiliates, with who we enjoy very special relationships, adds greatly to that celebration.”
The service was conducted by The Venerable John Green, Chaplain of the Fleet, and guests included the ship's sponsor, Lady Jenny Hill-Norton, who launched the ship on the Tyne in 1993.
Mayor of Richmond in North Yorkshire, Councillor Linda Curran, and Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor William Treble, were also in attendance and music was provided by the Portsmouth-based Band of HM Royal Marines School of Music.
Maintaining the tradition of such ceremonies, a rededication cake was cut by the ship's sponsor and the youngest junior rate, 17 year-old Able Seaman Jade Hindmarch.
The new-look Richmond has been fitted with the new 2087 sonar system and a sub-surface torpedo defence system. She also has enhanced aviation facilities to accommodate the Merlin helicopter and a new 4.5 inch Mark 8 MOD 1 Kryten gun. Her crew are also benefiting from improvements to the accommodation and galley.
Commander Hurrell added:
“We are now at the cutting edge of technology and ready to face the uncertain challenges ahead with a range of impressive new capabilities and a ship's company ready, willing and able to do their duty.”
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