Lancaster Ship’s Company return ‘Home’

Since September 2010, care and custody of the Ship has rested with our refit partners, BAe Systems, while important upgrade work has taken place on the Ship’s hull, engines, weapon systems and workplace computer system.

The move on board of the Ship’s Company marks the handover of the security and safety of the Ship to the Senior Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander Charlie Guy, Royal Navy.

He said:

“I am delighted with the refit progress which has allowed us to meet this major milestone of moving back on board our warship today.

"An extraordinary amount of work from both BAE Systems and the Ship’s Company has gone into ensuring the ship is ready for today”.

Of particular importance to the success of today’s event was the refurbishment of the Ship’s accommodation, where new carpets, bulkheads, mess squares and many other alterations have significantly improved the quality of the mess decks.

Engineering Technician David Daish, 20, from Southampton, joining a Ship for the first time in his naval career, said:

“I am really impressed with the Messdeck that I will be calling home for the next couple of years.

"All the lads have pulled together to make it a great place to relax when not at work”.

Similarly, the Ship’s Galley and Dining Halls have also been the subject of a major refurbishment programme with new equipment, furniture and décor bringing the dining facilities to the highest standard.

HMS Lancaster, ‘The Queen’s Frigate’, is 21 years old and this is her fourth refit period in Dockyard hands.

She will emerge early next year to add to the 512,000 miles travelled in her service to date.