Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster’s career as a Royal Navy warship has come to an end after more than a third of a century of active service.
As per a Royal Navy press statement, when the frigate sailed into Bahrain on Friday she was greeted by a 34-gun salute — one for each of the 34 years she has served since her 1992 commissioning.
In that time the 4,500-tonne warship has sailed about 816,000 nautical miles: a distance equivalent to more than 37 times around the globe, or almost two return trips to the Moon!
The RN’s fourth Type 23 frigate has spent the final three years of her Royal Navy service operating out of the U.K. Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, conducting anti-smuggling and piracy missions in the Red Sea.
But she’s not only seen warm-weather duties; she’s also been on deployment in the South Atlantic, the Arctic, and the Baltic.
Commander Sam Stephens commented: “This final period at sea has proved the ship continues to perform at the same exceptional standard as when she first commissioned, which stands as a testament, not only to this crew, but to every crew who have served in her over the past 34 years of distinguished service.”
And the Royal Navy’s senior officer in the Middle East, U.K. Maritime Component Commander Commodore Ben Aldous added: “Having had the privilege of commanding Lancaster myself, it is deeply poignant to be onboard for her final port entry after 34 years of outstanding service – almost double her original 18-year lifespan.
“Her operational output has been exceptional, particularly during her final three years in the Middle East supporting allies and partners.”
HMS Lancaster was designed both for general escort and humanitarian duties around the globe, and to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. The bulk of the ship’s active career has been spent either in the Caribbean or Middle East.
The ship’s immediate future is yet to be revealed but the RN has said the bulk of her crew can return home in time for the Christmas break.
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website