Navy

HMS Sutherland Sails After Major Upgrade

Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland has sailed for the first time after a major 13-month refit which makes her the most advanced warship in the fleet.

Having been fitted with the latest equipment and radars she sailed from HM Naval Base, Devonport, on sea trials.

Commander Stephen Anderson, the ship’s captain, said: “This occasion is the most significant step yet towards HMS Sutherland’s return to the fleet after a 14-month absence, for a maintenance package that will extend our in-service life considerably.

“This is the culmination of a successful partnership between military and industry stakeholders, who along with my ship’s company have consistently demonstrated professionalism, drive, enthusiasm and the initiative necessary to complete the large number of commissioning and acceptance trials to allow us to safely return to sea.

“We are all now very much looking forward to the next challenge that will result in us completing sea acceptance trials ahead of operational sea training.’’

The majority of the crew are fresh from training and so will be serving on their first ship and sailing on their first operational patrol.