The struggle to get HMS Somerset back to sea
In this article, we provide an inside view on the saga that has delayed Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset rejoining the fleet following her life extension refit.
Devonport
Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll – first to have post-LIFEX upkeep period
Babcock International has started the first upkeep period of a Type 23 frigate that has already undergone a major life-extension (LIFEX) refit.More
Project to dismantle ex-Royal Navy nuclear submarines inches forward
There are currently 21 former Royal Navy nuclear submarines awaiting disposal, 7 in Rosyth and 14 in Devonport. Here we look at the process and the modest progress in efforts to dismantle them.
Duty done – farewell HMS Trenchant
HMS Trenchant returned to Devonport for the final time on 25 March. She will be formally decommissioned before joining the long list of submarines awaiting disposal. Here we take a brief look at her career and the current status of the Royal Navy’s SSN fleet.
In focus: HMS Sutherland – a workhorse of the Royal Navy fleet
On 23rd October, HMS Sutherland returned to Devonport for the last time before entering major refit. Although just one of 13 similar vessels in service with the RN, the activities of this ship in the last three years provides an informative snapshot of the hard-run Type 23 frigates at work.
Progress report – extending the life of Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates
The programme of LIFEX refits to upgrade and repair the ageing Type 23 frigates fit for service beyond their 30th birthdays continues. While delivering an important capability boost, the work has mostly taken longer than expected and here we look at progress to date.
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Can Plymouth give its Royal Navy heritage the place it deserves?
An ambitious plan has been launched to create a new Cold War and Maritime Heritage Museum in Plymouth featuring the retired nuclear submarine, HMS Courageous, as its centrepiece. Here we look at the hurdles that must be overcome to make this exceptional concept a reality
Upgrading the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine support facilities
Plans to convert another dry dock in Devonport to refit the Dreadnought class submarines were recently revealed in an outline planning application. Here we examine the context and reasons for the upgrade.
Maintenance problems for the Royal Navy mount up
The delivery of the RN’s second aircraft carrier has deservedly been celebrated as a great success for British industry but behind the scenes, in the naval bases and shipyards, all is not well. 2019 has seen a number of important maintenance projects stalled or delayed. Here we summarise the situation.More