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Scotland Reservists’ ‘glimpse of tomorrow’ with visit to Type 31 frigates
19 August 2024
Royal Naval Reservists were given the chance for an up-close look at the UK’s Type 31 frigates during a visit to Scotland.
The men and women from HMS Scotia were invited to make the short trip to Babcock’s Rosyth facility to see the Inspiration-class ships in build – getting a good look at first-in-class HMS Venturer.
Personnel were able to see how the frigates are being built, starting from sheet steel along the panel line through to the build hall where HMS Venturer and HMS Active are currently being assembled side-by-side.
Scotians learnt about block assembly, which allows workers to build the ships protected from bad weather, compared to traditional shipbuilding with ships built on a slipway or in a dock.
In the Venturer building, where its namesake is currently under build, they watched blocks being brought together to form the finished ship.
The Inspiration Class will, in time, be joined by variants being built by the UK’s allies, the Fregat Merah Putih (Red and White Frigate) class in Indonesia, and the Miecznik (Swordfish) class in Poland.
Sub-Lieutenant Callum Girdwood led the tour, explaining both the UK project and Polish counterpart, on which he works as a Project Manager.
Our jobs in the Royal Naval Reserve often take us onboard operational warships so it is fascinating to see a ship in build, literally from the steel plate upwards.
He said: “I’ve worked for Babcock since graduating as an engineer, and have worked across submarines and ships.
“The transformation and excitement that the Type 31 project has brought to the facility is incredible, and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to share this with my RNR colleagues.
“Having joined the RNR four years ago, Babcock have supported me through my training at every phase, giving me the chance to develop leadership jobs which I have been able to bring back to my day job.”
Fellow Scotian Petty Officer Andrew Fulton has served on a variety of vessels through his career, but the chance to see a warship so early in its life was a first.
He said: “Our jobs in the Royal Naval Reserve often take us onboard operational warships so it is fascinating to see a ship in build, literally from the steel plate upwards.
“The raw materials, processes, skills and innovation were all on show during our visit, transforming these huge sheds full of 'bits and pieces' into Type 31 frigates for the RN – a great insight from a welcoming neighbour.”
All members of the HMS Scotia Ships Company left enthused by the rare opportunity to see a warship during its construction on which they may one day serve, and were grateful to the Babcock staff who’d supported the visit.