HMS Kent returns to sea after year-long refit

Having entered dry dock in November 2010, Kent – which is affiliated to her namesake county and the Cinque Ports – left the dockyard fresh from a comprehensive upgrade to her systems and equipment, and sailed under the famous Forth Bridges today to begin her sea trials.

HMS Kent has benefitted from a £24m overhaul of all her hull, upper deck and her complex weapons systems.

Key upgrades include a new 4.5 inch medium range gun, plus new 30mm close range guns on the port and starboard sides.

She has also had a new command system, target control radars and new active towed array sonar fitted.

This final piece of equipment gives the Type 23 frigate phenomenal capability and gives here a world-leading anti-submarine warfare platform.

Since the ship’s company moved back onboard in September, they have been training hard and completing an extensive number of engineering, equipment and manpower tests and trials in preparation to return to sea after such a long period alongside.

Taking a highly complex warship of 182 people back to sea after such a long period of maintenance is no mean feat.

The next weeks at sea will see her conduct many inspections, exercises and trials off the east coast of Scotland to confirm that everything works as it should and that the ship’s company can respond to any emergency on her own.

If there is a fire out on the high seas, dialling 999 is not an option. The crew has to do everything themselves, all alongside a lot of running machinery, accommodation spaces, fuel and explosives.

Her commanding officer, Commander Ben Ripley, said:

“Taking the Ship to sea after such a long time in refit is the biggest milestone in my time in command so far.

"Whilst the ship’s recent focus has been on getting to the point where we can safely return to sea, the job of bringing equipment, manpower and training back up to the level required of a fighting warship is not to be underestimated and is what we do best.”

“To get to this point has required a strong partnership between my staff and the tremendous efforts of Babcock and the wider MOD and Royal Navy to deliver this refit programme so effectively – on time and under budget.

"HMS Kent will emerge as one of the most capable anti-submarine warfare Frigates in the world and today is our first step in realising this goal.”

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to spend time in Rosyth and experience the famous Fife hospitality. We depart with a degree of sadness but fond memories after our productive and enjoyable time in Scotland.”