Sailors have returned to the HMS Lancaster following extensive ship upgrades over the last two years.
The HMS Lancaster has spent two years in Devonport for state-of-the-art ship upgrades including improved navigational systems. Sailors have returned to the ship and will prepare for its Ready For Sea Date (RFSD) in Portsmouth.
The Type-23 frigate ship has been fitted with an Artisan 3D Radar, improved navigational radar, and an updated missile system. The ship, known as the ‘Red Rose’, is sponsored by HM The Queen in her role as Duke of Lancaster.
Senior Naval Officer and Weapons Engineering Officer Lt Cdr Mike Bray, 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.”
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.
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