HMS St Albans rededicated to the Royal Navy’s fleet after major five-year revamp

HMS St Albans has been formally rededicated after spending five years away from operations.

The Type 23 Duke-class frigate began an intense refit in 2019 following 20 years of continual service across the globe.

But she has now made her return to the fleet, with a ceremony and celebration taking place in Portsmouth.

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Several weapons and sensors have been upgraded and all four diesel engines have been replaced, as well as approximately 350 more structural enhancements to strengthen the frigate.

“This renovation will carry HMS St Albans into the middle of the next decade, making her more efficient, reliable and able to meet the needs of sailors in the 2030s,” said the Royal Navy.

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

A rededication ceremony took place in HMNB Portsmouth for HMS St Albans (Picture: Royal Navy)

HMS St Albans’ Commanding Officer, Commander Helen Coxon, said: “Rededicating HMS St Albans is a significant milestone in our regeneration journey, as we transition from engineering project to warship.

“Regenerating a frigate is a challenging time, with complex trials on cutting-edge equipment.

“But it is the people and the support from their loved ones that is central to our success.

“It was fantastic that affiliates, friends and families of our ship’s company have been able to join the celebrations.”

Watch: In March, there was excitement for HMS St Albans’ crew as frigate returned to sea following four-year refit

The rededication ceremony saw friends and family of the ship’s company in attendance, alongside the ship’s sponsor, Lady Essenhigh, and other VIPs and dignitaries.

All guests were invited to watch the ceremony and were also invited on board for a tour of HMS St Albans.

HMS St Albans will now continue sea trials, before beginning Operational Sea Training off the coast of Plymouth later this year.

21st May 2024 at 9:00am
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