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HMS St Albans (F83)
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

HMS St Albans (F83)

Fast, adaptable, and exceptionally well-equipped, HMS St Albans is a versatile Type 23 Frigate – and the most recent addition to our frigate fleet.

HMS St Albans

Role

HMS St Albans is a versatile Type 23 frigate – and the most recent addition to the Royal Navy‘s frigate fleet.

With five Radar systems, six Sonar systems and eight Weapon systems, HMS St Albans is one of the most versatile warships in the world.

Capability

HMS St Albans is a fast, adaptable, versatile frigate. Her specialisms include:

  • Aviation technology – she has a Merlin Mk2 helicopter
  • Fleet Ready Escort tasking
  • Anti-submarine operations
Duke Class

Crew

HMS St Albans is sailed by a crew of 185, but with accommodation for up to 205.

The UK has a long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean and Operation Kipion is the Royal Navy‘s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as ensuring the safe flow of oil and trade.

HMS St Albans has sailed more than 38,000 miles on Operation Kipion working with carrier task groups.

Unit history

1687

The first HMS St Albans

A 50-gun fourth rate which served under William of Orange, saw battle in Barfleur, but storms wrecked her off Kinsale in 1693.
1706

The second HMS St Albans

Also a fourth rate 50-gunner, she fell victim to a hurricane in Jamaica in 1744.
1747

A brief but glorious career

The third St Albans was a 60 gun fourth rate. She saw action off Africa against the French in a brief but glorious career that ended in 1764.
1764

The fourth HMS St Albans

This ship was heavily engaged in the American Wars of Independence, taking part in the British victories off St Kitts and The Saints (1782).
1918

A US incomer

The fifth bearer of the name began life under the Stars and Stripes in 1918 as the destroyer USS Thomas.
1940

Joining the Royal Navy

She joined us under the Lend-Lease Agreement in 1940 when Britain acquired numerous US warships for the lease of her bases around the world.
1941

Battle honours

Atlantic 1941-43.
1942

Battle honours

English Channel 1942 Arctic 1942.
1943

Battle honours

North Sea 1943.
1949

To Russia with Love

When Britain decided that the fifth HMS St Albans was no longer needed she was loaned to the USSR, and renamed Dostoinyi (Worthy).
2001

The sweet sixteen Frigate

The current St Albans was constructed by BAE Systems at Scotstoun, and delivered to the Royal Navy in November 2001. She is the sixteenth in her class.
2014

Extensive refit

HMS St Albans emerged from an extensive £25m refit late in 2014.
2015

Middle East

HMS St Albans set sail for a nine-month deployment, focusing on maritime security operations, in the Middle East.
2016

Return home

She returned to her home port of Portsmouth in August 2016 and is currently the Fleet Ready Escort ship.

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