A specialist mine-hunting vessel has formally become a Royal Navy warship as it prepares for front-line operations aimed at protecting UK waters from underwater threats.
Acquired in 2023 for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and since carrying the moniker RFA Stirling Castle, the vessel was redesignated as a fully commissioned warship of the Royal Navy fleet – therefore becoming HMS Stirling Castle.
As disclosed, the ship will now take its place on front-line duties, carrying high-tech equipment, including autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, for specialist mine hunting operations, primarily in UK waters. Reportedly, it is expected to act as a “mother ship” for an array of remotely-operated and autonomous systems set to scour home waters looking for mines.
Commanding Officer, Commander Phil Harper, said: “This is the first time in living memory that Royal Navy personnel have taken over a ship from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. I want to recognise the amazing work that the RFA have done in bringing this ship into service and preparing her for handover, and to thank them for the great head start we have been given in delivering Stirling Castle into service as a warship.”
“We will soon be launching and recovering autonomous mine-hunting vehicles from this ship, keeping the seas safe for UK and allied warships and merchant sailors alike in an increasingly dangerous world.”
To note, the HMS Stirling Castle, which began life as the offshore support vessel MV Island Crown, underwent conversion at HM Naval Base Devonport to transform it into a vessel dedicated to support mine hunting and spent the last 18 months in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s care.
It is understood that it will continue to work with the Royal Navy’s mine hunting warships, but primarily the Mine & Threat Exploitation Group – the Navy’s unit operating autonomous technology and assessing and eliminating threats beneath the waves.