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
Devonport
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.
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
Minister tells head of the Royal Navy to make increasing warship availability a priority
Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace made his first appearance before the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on Wednesday 23rd October. In a generally impressive and honest performance, he answered a wide range of questions, mainly about naval matters.
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Critical Royal Navy submarine refit running late
The oldest of the Royal Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, HMS Vanguard is currently in Devonport undergoing major refit and refuelling. There are strong indications the project is in trouble and she will be unable to return to service at the start of 2020 as originally scheduled, with knock-on effects for the 3 remaining boats that maintain the nuclear deterrent.