Royal Navy frigate gears for return to fleet after two-year overhaul

Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster is preparing to welcome crew back on board, two years after starting her overhaul in 2017.

Upgrades to the ship included the installation of the new Artisan 3D radar, improved navigational radar and the new-generation Sea Ceptor missile system which replaces the now-retired Seawolf as the ship’s shield against air attack.

Having floated up in February, she was removed from the refit sheds out into the basin where work has been ongoing to ensure the ship’s company meets the move on board date.

Crew are set to embark the ship next month before taking her to the Portsmouth homeport before the end of the year.

The newly-installed kit will be commissioned in the autumn ahead of planned initial sea trials early in 2020.

In addition to system upgrades, the ship has been strengthened with 200 new steel inserts fitted to reinforce Lancaster in heavy seas.

“The ship’s company are all currently being trained to take care and protection of HMS Lancaster back from Babcock in August,” said Weapon Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mike Bray.

“They are also making sure that she is safe in all respects for the crew to move on-board, this involves all aspects of duty watch training including firefighting, damage control, casualty response and so on.”