HMS Lancaster sailors back on board

One hundred and twenty-nine crew of the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster have moved back on board the ship, breathing new life into the 4,500-ton warship following a two year overhaul in Devonport.

Known as the ‘Red Rose’, HMS Lancaster – whose sponsor is Her Majesty The Queen in her role as Duke of Lancaster – has undergone extensive upgrades mirroring the major changes across the frigate flotilla, such as the new Artisan 3D radar, improved navigational radar and new-generation Sea Ceptor missile system as the ship’s shield against air attack.

The Ship is now moving onto the next major milestone of her Ready For Sea Date (RFSD) which will see the ship sail back into her home Port of Portsmouth during December.

After RFSD Lancaster will then enter the trials phase where all of the systems onboard are tested to ensure they operate and function correctly in order to provide the Commanding Officer maximum Operational Capability.

At today’s ceremony held alongside in Devonport Lt Cdr Mike Bray, who is the Senior Naval Officer and Weapons Engineering Officer said:

"I would like to personally thank all of HMS Lancaster Ship’s Company who have worked tirelessly to achieve the move on board today. Everyone standing here has made this achievable and without all the hard work and effort we would not be moving onboard which is a major achievement and the effort required to make this happen should not be underestimated.

"We now look to the future and RFSD in December, this again will throw up challenges as we recommission equipment that has been dormant for three to four years. But with the continued drive I know HMS Lancaster Ships Company will make this happen and we will sail back into our home port of Portsmouth, under our own power, for the first time in nearly four years in time for a well-deserved Christmas Leave.”