One million hours later, HMS Somerset returns to sea

HMS Somerset has returned to sea for the first time in four years, following a significant refit.

The Type 23 Frigate has undergone a ship-wide overhaul, including upgrades to her structure, weapon systems, electronics and propulsion system. 

The Navy said the revamp, part of a large life extension programme across the frigate fleet, will allow these workhorses to remain the 'vanguard of naval warfare' until the Type 26 and 31 frigates succeed them later this decade and into the mid-2030s.

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Designed in the 1980s, Type 23s like HMS Somerset were originally intended to serve for no more than 18 years.

The overhaul involved more than a million hours of work by engineers, technicians and shipwrights at the frigate complex in Devonport. 

The ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Dave Mason, said HMS Somerset's deployment marked the first occasion she has sailed "under her own power" since Spring 2018.

"Everyone is looking forward to putting the ship through her paces," he added.

The frigate left Plymouth of Friday with a full complement of 176 sailors, many sailing for the first time in their careers. 

Gary Simpson, managing director of Babcock's Marine Support Business, said he was proud of the teams who had completed the overhaul of the ship.

He added: "Our support to the Type 23 class draws on our experience and unique engineering expertise to update and upgrade these frigates and deliver them back to the Royal Navy with the capability they need to successfully operate beyond their original design life."

The Royal Navy said HMS Somerset will conduct sea trials off the south coast of England before returning to the fleet, ready for further training and operational undertakings.