HMS Lancaster retiring: Built for 18 years of service – but went on to do 34

HMS Lancaster is being retired after almost 35 years of service – nearly double her expected lifespan.

The Type 23 frigate will not be coming to the UK one final time, as the decision has been made to dispose of her in Bahrain.

However, Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, a former commanding officer of HMS Lancaster, said efforts would be made to return as many of the ship's company as possible home in time for Christmas.

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A celebration of success

The Royal Navy posted a video message from VAdm Moorhouse on X, in which he said: "As she approaches retirement, I would encourage you all to celebrate everything that she's delivered on operations across the globe.

"As our longest-serving Type 23 frigate, Lancaster has exceeded the 18 years lifespan she was originally built for, with almost 35 years of outstanding service.

"Most recently, this has seen her forward-deployed in the Middle East, where her operational output has been simply exceptional.

"Just over three years in the region, supporting allies and partners, she was the first ship on task in the Red Sea during the heightened threat activity in December 2023.

"And she seized over £150 million of narcotics, the latest of which was only a few weeks ago."

A versatile drug-buster

HMS Lancaster was built on the Clyde as the fourth of the Type 23 frigates, joining the fleet in 1992. 

She proved to be a versatile multi-role vessel, and was typically deployed on drug-busting operations in the Caribbean or East of Suez on maritime security patrols.

All the ships in the Type 23 class were named after Dukes; in this case, the Duke of Lancaster who, at the time, was Queen Elizabeth II, although the title now belongs to King Charles.

Fond memories

 VAdm Moorhouse explained: "As a previous commanding officer of Lancaster, she represents many fond memories for me, and I know this will be true for all who have served on her.

"But it will be particularly poignant for the current ship's company, who will shortly bring her alongside in Bahrain for the final time.

"Rather than seek to extend the certification, we will now commence preparations for final disposal from there and not sail her back to the UK.

"Whilst I realise this will be disappointing to those who wish to bid her a final farewell, this reflects the extraordinary service she has delivered and the pride we take in having maximised every ounce of operational capability."

Thanks to crew – and their families

VAdm Moorhouse added: " I wish to pay particular tribute to the ship's company for their professionalism, and their families and loved ones for that unwavering support as we prepare the ship for disposal and look to return as many personnel as possible to the UK for Christmas.

"The UK maintains a long-standing maritime presence in the Arabian Gulf, and the UK Maritime Component Command in Bahrain continues to be central to the UK military operations across the Middle East region, working with our allies and partners."