'The Iron Age resumes': HMS Iron Duke returns to sea for first time since 2019
The Royal Navy's HMS Iron Duke has returned to sea for the first time since a major refit that began in 2019.
The Type 23 frigate is one of the Navy's most versatile warships and has been undergoing life extension work at Devonport naval base.
HMS Iron Duke's official Twitter account shared a video of the ship leaving port with the caption: "The Iron Age resumes..."
Despite concerns HMS Iron Duke would be retired, the decision was taken in 2019 to restore her, to ensure there were escorts for the Royal Navy fleet.
The work is part of a programme to add an extra decade of life to the Navy’s 'workhorses', to allow them to serve until their successor Type 26 and Type 31 frigates enter service.
She has had new steel fitted, more than in any previous Type 23 refit, according to the Royal Navy.
Other improvements include having work performed on her engineering systems, and the upgrade of living space for crew.
HMS Iron Duke was put back on the water in April 2022, two and a half years after work began, but now she has left the dock for the first time since 2019.
Due to her age, and delays caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns, the ship has had to wait until this year before she was able to sail again.
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