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As a Type 23 Duke-class frigate, HMS Iron Duke is one of the Royal Navy’s most versatile warships. She plays a key role in protecting our nation’s interests, from policing vital trade routes to supporting humanitarian aid missions.
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As a Type 23 frigate, HMS Iron Duke was originally designed to hunt Soviet submarines. Since the end of the Cold War, the role of the Royal Navy’s frigates has evolved and they are now seen as the core of our frontline fleet. As well as taking part in Royal Navy warfighting exercises and working alongside fellow NATO nations, HMS Iron Duke is also involved in regular patrols across Northern Europe and the Baltic, where her crew engages with regional forces and provides security at sea.
The Audacious-class battleship was officially known as Duke but during her construction at Pembroke shipyard, she acquired the nickname Iron Duke – and the name stuck.
HMS Iron Duke became the first battleship to pass through the new Suez Canal on her way to take up her role as the flagship of the China Fleet, where she spent much of her active career.
The second and most famous Iron Duke was the legendary World War I battleship which served as the flagship of the Grand Fleet – the largest and most powerful Naval force of the day.
Admiral Jellicoe directed the Battle of Jutland from the bridge of HMS Iron Duke on 31 May 1916. The ship suffered no damage but inflicted heavy punishment on the German battleship, König.
Iron Duke remained on active service through the 1920s until she became a training vessel in the 1930s. She spent World War 2 in Scapa Flow as a base/port defence ship before being scrapped.
The third and latest HMS Iron Duke was launched on 2 March 1991 as the fifth Type 23 Frigate. She was commissioned to the fleet in May 1993.
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Mine hunter ships, frigates, destroyers and assault ships, among others, form the backbone of our naval prowess.
A vital element of the Royal Navy's role is keeping the peace, preventing conflict and containing situations before they develop.
The UK has a responsibility to its citizens and its allies to endeavour to safeguard the high seas. This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.
