HMS Kent welcomes new Commanding Officer

Commander Andy Brown MBE, originally from Cheshire and who lives in Portsmouth took Command of the Portsmouth based Type 23 Duke Class Frigate HMS Kent.

Commander Brown said “It is a huge honour and a privilege to assume Command of HMS Kent and I look forward to returning her to the Fleet where she will be at the heart of our nation’s defence.”

Having read Applied Geology at the University of Birmingham Commander Brown joined the Royal Navy in 1999 following a short period working in industry.

His previous appointments have included Command of the Patrol Ship HMS Explorer, the Mine Countermeasure Vessels HMS Middleton for her regeneration from upkeep and HMS Chiddingfold deployed to the Gulf protecting British interests in the region.

HMS Kent is in the latter stages of a significant Maintenance Period at HM Naval Base Devonport which has seen a significant increase in the ship’s fighting capability including fitting the new Sea Ceptor Missile System.

The ship is programmed to return to the Fleet later this year.

Cdr Brown will now visit organisations and places affiliated to the ship in London and Kent.

He will then oversee the transition of the ship from shore to sea as HMS Kent’s ship’s company moves on board and prepares for Sea Trials.