HMS Montrose sails again

HMS Montrose has returned to the sea since beginning her refit in 2014 in Devonport.

The opportunity was seized to fit the frigate with the newly developed Sea Ceptor missile system whilst she completed a refit to keep her at the cutting edge of technology. Other work carried out included stripping the ship back to bare metal and inserting over 1000 patches of new steel to replace worn out areas after 25 years of service.

According to the Royal Navy this, and other upgrades, will allow her to operate in any of the world’s hot spots well into the future. The new technology provides the capability to protect Montrose and other units surrounding her from a number of threats.

When she sailed, it was the first time at sea for a number of young sailors onboard.

The ship leaves Plymouth to commence a period of trials and training in which the ship’s equipment and personnel will be tested, proving all the work carried out during the refit. It will be followed by a period of Operational Sea Training, which will ensure that the ship and people are fully trained.

Overall, £36 million has been invested in maintaining the Montrose, keeping her up to date until she is replaced by the Type 26 frigates.

Leigh Black, an engineering technician, said: “After starting training in January 2016 at HMS Raleigh and then receiving Marine Engineer training at HMS Sultan for 8 months, I joined Montrose in January this year.

"Going to sea for the first time is exciting and I’m not totally sure what to expect, but I’m ready and looking forward to it. I’ve come a long way from Hadston in Northumberland, and I joined the Navy for the adventure and to work in a field with genuine career prospects and this is all part of that.”

Conor O’Neill, the commanding officer of the ship, said: “Sailing today is the culmination of years of hard work by all the partners in this project, both Naval and Industrial, and is the start of our journey back to the operational fleet. Everyone onboard has been looking forward to this moment, and it is a proud day for all of us.”